Bangkok celebrated Valentine’s Day by opening the “bridge of love” on Tuesday, as couples prepared to register their marriages at the new romantic landmark over Prem Prachakon Canal in Chatuchak.

The “Bridge of Love @Chatuchak” ceremony saw Bangkok permanent-secretary Khajit Chatchavanich cut the ribbon for the route behind Wat Samian Nari.

Constructed over the old bridge with wider traffic lanes and a strengthened structure, the bridge is expected to ease traffic and also become a new tourist attraction in Chatuchak.

The district invited couples to register their marriage on Valentine’s Day at the new bridge earlier this month. Twenty-eight couples showed up on Wednesday, two of whom were LGBTQ.

Khajit presented special prizes to lucky couples: Five golden marriage certificates for straight couples and two golden partnership certificates for LGBTQ couples, signed by Chatuchak’s district chief. Other participating couples also received souvenirs.

Eventgoers also enjoyed shopping for OTOP and handicraft products from booths set up by local vendors and the Chatuchak Vocational Training Centre, which publicised its training courses.

“The event aims to promote the family, a foundation of society, and raise public awareness of the importance of legally registering your marriage,” said Khajit.