Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thiraphong Chuaychu announced the event at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Dec 19).
The event will mark the launch of a nationwide campaign called ‘Embracing Equality: Love Wins in 878 Districts’, with Kathu District in Phuket identified as a key area to launch the project, which aims to ensure equitable public services across all districts throughout the country.
The initiative aligns with the Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567, announced in the Government Gazette on Sept 24, 2024, and set to take effect on January 22, 2025, Mr Thiraphong explained.
“The legislation emphasises equality in civil services, and the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has designated Kathu District in Phuket as a pilot area to implement the project,” he said.
A highlight of the project is its celebratory event, scheduled for Jan 22 at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong. The event, titled ‘DOPA Day One: Equality Rings in 878 Districts,’ will feature a symbolic marriage registration ceremony.
A ‘Pre-Opening Ceremony’ will be held from 8am to 10am to welcome attendees.
The official ‘Opening Ceremony’ will be held from 10am-11am, featuring Ministry of Interior officials and same-sex couples registering their marriages on stage.
For the purposes of the event, the number of same-sex couples to register their marriage on stage will be limited to three to five couples, Mr Thiraphong said.
A media session featuring press conferences and interviews will be held from 11am to 11:30am.
To participate, interested couples can register from Jan 6–15, 2025.
Enquiries about the marriage registration process can be directed to the Phuket Provincial Registration Office or the Kathu District Office via their official Facebook pages. (Click links provided.)
“This initiative reflects Phuket’s commitment to fostering equality and inclusivity in public services while celebrating love and diversity across the nation,” Mr Thiraphong said.