On 23 january, Thailand did exactly what so many LGBTQI+ people had been eagerly waiting for: introduce its long-awaited equal marriage law. From that day on, gay couples can marry and enjoy rights similar to those of a heterosexual couple.

Among the very first to do so were Pisit "Kew" Sirihirunchai and his longtime partner, Chanatip "Jane" Sirihirunchai, whom became one of the six registered couples at one of Bangkok's biggest shopping malls. Their union was also made public as part of a municipal celebration by city officials in commemorating the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Hundreds of couples all over the country registered their marriages. Parties, photo booths, and prizes such as free air tickets awaited those who could register first lined the districts' celebrations. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, "The rainbow flag is flying high over Thailand," as she wrote on social media while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The new law is the long-awaited recognition of their relationship, which was unofficially acknowledged by listing them as brothers on official documents. Now, with their marriage certificate in hand, the couple can enjoy the legal rights granted to all married couples, including inheritance rights, adoption, and medical decision-making.

The law brings much hope to the future for many LGBTQ+ couples, enabling them to build families, start businesses, and live their lives protected by the law. As Pisit said, "We want to build our future together and take care of each other," echoing the deep hope many couples now hold in Thailand's new legal landscape.