The Department of Provincial Administration, in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team in Thailand, organized the “Flag of Love Across Thailand” event as part of a campaign to promote public services based on the principles of equality and fairness under the concept “Embracing Equality: Love Wins in 878 Districts.” This event took place on January 13, 2023, at the United Nations office.

The event was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, who symbolically launched the “Flag of Love Across Thailand.” Also present were Mrs. Theerathat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of the Interior, H.E. Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, ambassadors from various countries, Mr. Arsit Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs. Jinnarat Samphantharat, President of the Ministry of the Interior’s Housewives Association, and governors, district chiefs, human rights activists, civil society representatives, media, and network partners.

Mr. Patcharapatch Sri Thanayon, District Chief of Bang Lamung, stated, “I am honored that our district is one of the 24 selected districts across the country by the Department of Provincial Administration and the United Nations to participate in this activity. Pattaya, located in Bang Lamung District, has a diverse population, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. On January 15, the Bang Lamung District Facebook page will open for registration to book an appointment for couples who wish to register their marriage. The registration will take place on January 23, 2023, which marks the official opening of equal marriage registration.”

In addition, Bang Lamung District has received support from the SWING Foundation (Support Work in Group) to help decorate the venue, including the entrance and backdrop, to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all couples attending.

The requirements for registration are the same as those for heterosexual couples, and only Thai citizens will be eligible to register.

As the central registrar, the Department of Provincial Administration has prepared 878 district registry offices, 50 district registry offices in Bangkok, and 94 Thai embassies/consulates abroad to be in compliance with the amended Civil and Commercial Code (No. 24) B.E. 2567, or the Equal Marriage Law, which will take effect on January 23, 2023. This preparation includes four key areas:

1. Regulations: The Ministry of the Interior has drafted a regulation on family registration (No. 4) B.E. 2568 to accommodate diverse family structures, enabling same-sex couples to engage in marriage and recognize their rights, duties, and family status on an equal basis, thereby strengthening the family bond.
2. Systems: Updates to the marriage and divorce registration systems have been made and tested. The ministry has also prepared forms such as the Marriage Certificate (Kr. 3) and Divorce Certificate (Kr. 7) to accommodate the increased service demand.
3. Personnel: Training programs have been developed for registry staff, covering three main areas: legal knowledge, mindset shifts in public service, and delivering services that are universal and grounded in equality and human rights principles.
4. Activities: In addition to today’s Kick-Off event, other creative activities will take place nationwide on January 23, 2023, at all 878 district offices. This will coincide with the first day of the Equal Marriage Law’s enforcement, celebrating all forms of love under the theme “The Department of Provincial Administration is proud to be the registrar for every form of love.”