Report Thai Monarchy Makes History with First Royally-Sponsored Same-Sex Wedding

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Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

In an unprecedented demonstration of royal support, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand have made history by blessing the country's first-ever royally-sponsored same-sex wedding. This landmark event took place on May 19 at Amphorn Sathan Throne Hall in Dusit Palace, marking a significant advancement for LGBTQIA+ rights in Thailand and the broader region.

 

The royal couple presided over the elegant ceremony honouring Kampol Wongnaree and Nutthabhum Taenseesang. Kampol, a royal household official in the Royal Guard Unit Headquarters, Unit 904, and Nutthabhum received not only symbolic blessings but also formal royal endorsement of their union, a first in Thai royal history.

 

Following the ceremony, Nutthabhum expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt message on Facebook, acknowledging the profound honour bestowed upon their family by Their Majesties. This gesture was not the first recognition the couple received from the royal family; earlier, on February 1, the King and Queen had presented them with a bouquet and gifts to celebrate their marriage registration, hinting at the extraordinary ceremony to come.

 

The tradition of royally-sponsored weddings has deep roots, beginning over a century ago during King Vajiravudh's reign, where royal blessings and endorsements were a hallmark of the monarchy's support for matrimonial unions. Historically, these ceremonies include a formal royal blessing, symbolic water-pouring, and a signature in the royal marriage register, all conducted under royal supervision and attended by senior royals and dignitaries.

 

What sets this ceremony apart is its alignment with evolving societal norms and legal frameworks. The royal endorsement of a same-sex couple signifies a monumental shift towards greater inclusivity within the monarchy. It aligns with updates to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, which incorporates the necessity of official marriage registration alongside royal blessings.

 

By extending royal recognition to a same-sex couple for the first time, the Thai monarchy has not only made history but also set a progressive precedent that reverberates beyond national borders. This historic step reflects a changing landscape for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the region, showcasing the monarchy’s role in fostering a more inclusive society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-29