Celebrating One Year of Marriage Equality in Thailand
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Article 1, United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
APCOM Foundation brought together around 100 guests from across diplomatic missions, government, business, international organizations, civil society, LGBTQI+ communities, and advocacy networks at the inaugural APCOM Thailand Equality Gala 2026 on Friday 25 September evening at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok.
The Gala is supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and is held to mark the first anniversary of Thailand’s marriage equality milestone, to celebrate the country’s progress while highlighting the importance of sustaining momentum for equality, health, human rights, and inclusion for all.
Thailand made history when its Marriage Equality Act came into effect on 23 January 2025, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality. More than 26,000 couples registered their marriages during the first year, marking a significant milestone not only for Thailand but for LGBTQI+ rights and equality across the region.
The Gala provided a moment to celebrate this achievement while recognizing that marriage equality is a milestone, not the destination.
“Marriage equality is an extraordinary achievement, but it is not the destination. It is a foundation for a more equal society,”
said Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Executive Director of APCOM Foundation.
“Tonight is about celebrating how far Thailand has come, but also asking what comes next. We need to strengthen the connections between communities, governments, businesses, international organizations, and allies to ensure that equality reaches every part of people’s lives, from health and human rights to workplaces, communities, and access to opportunity.”
The evening featured a Gala dinner, performance from Down Syndrome Hero Thailand and music band from Aryn and Dome Jang, The Voice Pride Thailand, celebrating LGBTQI+ creativity and diversity, a keynote address from Aiman Nawawi, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead from Unilever Thailand, and a fireside conversation from Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of the International Human Rights Division of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department from Ministry of Justice Thailand, Riddy Sonsomsuk, Chairman from Youth Lead Asia and the Pacific Network, Art Phanthumachinda, Insights and Analytics Manager Thailand and Vietnam, Reckitt, bringing together perspectives from the community, business, and development sectors, and a fundraising auction featuring artworks by three artists: Surachai Saengsuwa, Sophirat Muangkum, and George Kongmark.
Adding a special moment to the evening, “Music Man” by Romero Britto, a vibrant pop-art portrait of Elton John, was unveiled during the event. Personally signed by the artist and Elton John, the original artwork will be officially auctioned at the 10th HERO Awards 2026, with proceeds supporting APCOM’s work and the communities it serves.
APCOM and Elton John’s ongoing collaboration to strengthen the HIV responses in the region, the partnership supports community-led efforts to expand access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care and support. HIV remains a significant concern in Thailand, with the recent announcement from the Ministry of Public Health citing rising HIV infections particularly among the young people aged 15-24.
Funds raised through the Gala will support the #APCOMPassion Emergency Fund, APCOM’s emergency response mechanism supporting LGBTQI+ communities and community-led organizations across Asia and the Pacific. The Fund helps provide timely support to communities facing urgent challenges and enables them to continue delivering essential services, protection, and advocacy in times of crisis.
“Marriage equality is an important milestone, but true equality is built through everyday actions and the choices we make as businesses and employers. The private sector has a powerful role in creating inclusive workplaces, supporting diverse talent, and using our communication platforms to promote equality consistently throughout the year for positive social change. Partnerships between business, communities, government, and civil society are essential if we want to turn progress in law into meaningful change in people’s everyday lives.”
– Art Phanthumachinda, Insights and Analytics Manager Thailand & Vietnam, Reckitt Thailand
The Gala created a space for guests to connect across sectors and explore how partnerships can help sustain progress at a time when LGBTQI+ communities and community-led organizations across the region continue to face challenges including shrinking civic space, discrimination, political pressures, and declining resources.
“Thailand has shown what is possible when communities, civil society, government, businesses, and allies come together around a shared vision of equality. However, progress cannot be taken for granted. The work now is to strengthen the foundations we have built and make sure that no one is left behind.”
– Riddy Sornsomsuk, Chairman, Youth Lead Asia and the Pacific Network
The program also highlighted APCOM’s HERO Awards 2026 hosted by UNAIDS, its flagship regional platform recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to HIV, equality, and human rights across Asia and the Pacific. In 2026, APCOM proudly marks the 10th Anniversary of the HERO Awards, which will take place on 13 November 2026 at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
The Gala concluded with APCOM’s growing partnership with the Embassy of Mexico in Thailand. Eduardo Villa Molina, Head of Communications, Press and Administrative Affairs, Embassy of Mexico in Thailand, delivered the evening’s closing remarks, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to equality, human rights, and APCOM’s work on HIV across Asia and the Pacific.
“The Embassy of Mexico is honored to join APCOM in promoting equality and access to the fulfillment of Human Rights for all. Likewise, the Embassy considers it of utmost importance to highlight the work that APCOM carries out in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, a task we hope to contribute to through networking and institutional support.”
– Eduardo Villa Molina, Head of Communications, Press and Administrative Affairs, Embassy of Mexico in Thailand,
The Embassy is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with APCOM to strengthen future collaboration, marking an important step in building stronger partnerships for equality, health, and human rights.
The inaugural APCOM Thailand Equality Gala marks the beginning of a new platform to bring together people and organizations committed to equality and inclusion. It also sets the stage for an important milestone ahead: APCOM’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
Founded in 2007, APCOM has spent two decades working with communities and partners across Asia and the Pacific to advance health, rights, and well-being for people of diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).
As APCOM looks toward its 20th anniversary, the organization will continue to build on the progress achieved, strengthen partnerships, and support communities to ensure that equality translates into meaningful change in people’s everyday lives.
The celebration continues from Thailand’s marriage equality milestone, to APCOM’s 20 years of regional leadership in 2027, and toward the next chapter of equality for all.
For Event Photos – Click at the Banner Below.
