Watch: Couples say ‘I do’ as Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage

The BBC told LGBTQ couples in Thailand wed in a mass ceremony on the same day the country legalized same-sex marriage.

More than 100 couples got married at Siam Paragon, a luxury mall in central Bangkok on Thursday when the law took effect.

LGBTQ couples now have the same rights as other couples to manage assets, inherit, adopt and make decisions about their partner’s medical care.

Districts across Thailand are trying to outdo each other with parties and prizes like cupcakes, goodies and free plane tickets to celebrate the legal milestone.

Thailand has long been seen as a haven for LGBTQ people – still more unusual in Asia – but activists say they are fighting for more change because many laws are still not gender neutral.