January 22, 2025 – Dr. Wantanee Wattana, Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced that Bangkok is fully prepared to provide legalized same-sex marriage registration services for the first time in Thai history. This is under the Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act (No. 24), B.E. 2567, commonly known as the Marriage Equality Act, which will come into effect on January 23, 2025.
All 50 district offices in Bangkok are ready to offer this historic service to the public. Many district offices have also prepared commemorative gifts to celebrate and honor this milestone of equality for all couples.
In addition to district office services, BMA has organized a special event for marriage equality registration at Siam Paragon. The service will be available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, led by Pathumwan District Office in collaboration with three to four other district offices. All necessary forms, equipment, and communication systems are in place. The event, titled “Marriage Equality – สมรสเท่าเทียม”, will take place at Paragon Hall, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon, Pathumwan District, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on January 23, 2025. Attendees can witness the first-ever same-sex marriage registrations, participate in discussions on building diverse families, view an exhibition on the journey to marriage equality, enjoy mini-concerts by renowned artists, and celebrate with a rainbow-colored Pride Carpet event. Participants are encouraged to express themselves through outfits that reflect freedom of thought and the spirit of love.
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Equality Registration
To register for marriage equality, couples must meet the following requirements:
• Both individuals must be at least 18 years old. Minors require parental or guardian consent. For those under 18, court approval is required.
• Neither individual may be declared legally incompetent or insane.
• The couple must not be siblings sharing the same parents or one parent.
• Neither party may already be married to another person.
• Adoptive parents cannot marry their adopted children.
• Women whose previous marriage has ended must wait at least 310 days before remarrying, except in cases of childbirth, court approval, a medical certificate proving non-pregnancy, or remarrying the same spouse.
Required Documents for Registration
For Thai citizens: A Thai national ID card or verification through the ThaiD application.
For Thai nationals marrying foreigners: A Thai national ID card or verification via the ThaiD app, the foreign partner’s passport, and a certificate of single status confirming no existing marriage.
For foreign nationals marrying each other: Passports and certificates of single status for both individuals.
In all cases, two witnesses who are of legal age are required for the marriage registration process.
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#BMA #MarriageEquality
