Headline

Hundreds Wed As Thai Same-sex Marriage Law Comes Into Force

Published

12 months ago

January 23, 2025

Scores of same-sex and transgender couples married in Thailand on Thursday as the kingdom’s equal marriage law went into effect, with two high-profile gay actors among the first to do so.

In matching beige suits, Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree, 49 — who was in tears — and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool, 38, were handed their pink-bordered marriage certificates at a registry office in Bangkok.

“We fought for it for decades and today is a remarkable day that love is love,” said Army.

The milestone sees Thailand become by far the biggest nation in Asia to recognise equal marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.

“Today, the rainbow flag is proudly flying over Thailand,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X.

The new marriage law uses gender-neutral terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives”, also clearing the way for transgender people to wed, and grants adoption and inheritance rights to all married couples.

Lesbian couple Sumalee Sudsaynet, 64, and Thanaphon Chokhongsung, 59, were the first to wed at Bangrak district office, and the couple showed the media their engagement rings.

“We are so happy. We’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years,” said Thanaphon, wearing a white gown.

The couple met a decade ago through a mutual friend and bonded over their passion for Buddhism and merit-making.

“The legalisation of same-sex marriage uplifts our dignity,” Sumalee told AFP.

“It allows us to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. My emotions today are so overwhelming, I can’t even put them into words.”

Dozens of couples dressed in traditional and contemporary wedding outfits trickled into a large hall in a shopping centre for a mass LGBTQ wedding organised by campaign group Bangkok Pride with city authorities.

Officials helped the couples fill out marriage forms at rows of tables, an administrative step before they could collect their certificates, with hundreds expected to do so over the course of the day.

Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, a 31-year-old trans man, married his wife, Maple Nathnicha Klintgaworn, 39.

“So happy, like, oh my god… my heart is beating,” said Kevin.

His 65-year-old father Phornchai added: “I have always accepted (him). Whatsoever, it is OK with me.”

– Reputation for tolerance –

Thailand ranks highly on indexes of LGBTQ legal and living conditions, and Thursday’s milestone makes it the first country in Southeast Asia to allow equal marriage.

The kingdom’s same-sex marriage bill was passed in a historic parliamentary vote last June, the third place in Asia to do so, and the law came into effect 120 days after it was ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Thai activists have been pushing for same-sex marriage rights for more than a decade, with their advocacy stalled by political turbulence in a country regularly upended by coups and mass street protests.

Former Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who attended Wednesday’s mass wedding event, took an apparent swipe at newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump, who on Monday decreed there were only two genders.

“Recently a country’s leader said that there were only two genders, but I think we are more open-minded than that.”

More than 30 countries have legalised marriage for all since the Netherlands became the first to allow same-sex unions in 2001.

Thailand has long had an international reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community, and opinion polls reported in local media have shown overwhelming public support for equal marriage.

But much of the Buddhist-majority kingdom retains traditional and conservative values and LGBTQ people say they still face barriers and discrimination in everyday life.

“In the past, LGBTQ people were seen as monstrosities,” said Ploynaplus Chirasukon, who married her lesbian partner of 17 years, Kwanporn Kongpetch.

She supports the push for gender identity recognition, including the right to change forms of address.

“People who don’t identify with their biological sex are like homeless people,” she said.

“The ability to be able to change our titles would allow for true equality.”

AFP

Headline

UK Introduces Powers To Seize Phones, SIM Cards From Illegal Migrants

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

The United Kingdom has rolled out expanded enforcement powers allowing authorities to confiscate mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants who enter the country illegally.

The new measures, which do not require an arrest, came into force on Monday at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent and represent a significant tightening of border controls.

According to the Home Office, the powers are intended to support intelligence-gathering operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks that organise and profit from dangerous Channel crossings.

Officials at the centre are equipped with technology that enables them to extract and analyse data from seized devices, a move the government says will help track and dismantle smuggling rings.

Under the revised rules, migrants are permitted to be asked to remove outer garments if there is suspicion that phones are being concealed.

In certain circumstances, officers may also check mouths for hidden SIM cards or small electronic items.

The National Crime Agency said information recovered from devices could accelerate investigations and improve the effectiveness of action against organised crime groups.

Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the policy was necessary to regain control of the UK’s borders and confront human trafficking operations.

“We are committed to restoring order and tackling the people-smuggling gangs behind this lethal trade,” Norris said.

Headline

PROPHECY: Primate Ayodele Reveals Trump’s Plot Against Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

January 4, 2026

Editor

Primate Ayodele and Tinubu, Tinubu’s rice palliative, Primate Ayodele to Tinubu
Tinubu and Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that US President Donald Trump is after removing him from office.

This comes amid the removal of Vanezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by Donald Trump.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed Sunday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made it known that the US President has ‘caged’ Tinubu and his plan is to ultimately see that he is removed from office.

He stated that the support the US is giving Nigeria to fight insecurity isn’t for nothing other than ways to penetrate the government.

“Trump is adamant to remove President Tinubu. America will be part of those who will be against Tinubu. You may not see it as I am being shown, and that’s why I am saying Trump is after removing Tinubu, that’s it and nothing more.”

The cleric made it known that, despite US’ help, Nigeria will continue to fight insecurity, but the ulterior motive of the US President isn’t about ending insecurity in the country.

“Nigeria will still continue to fight insecurity, but either they fight it or not, Trump is focused on removing Tinubu from office, but he doesn’t know it yet. He isn’t after ending insecurity in the country, he knows what he wants and won’t stop at nothing towards achieving it.”

He urged the president to take a bold political step to overcome the plans of the US president; otherwise, he will end up succeeding with his plans.

“Tinubu must take a very bold step to overcome the plans of Trump, because he has caged him already. Tinubu must not relent his efforts and bring up strategies for him to succeed otherwise, he would be at the losing end while his defeat would be celebrated,” he added.

Headline

JAPA: Top Six Countries To Obtain Easiest Citizenship

Published

1 week ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

As a Nigerian considering relocation plans, interest in countries with clear and less complicated citizenship pathways is a smart way to not just guarantee greener pastures, but also provide you with the opportunity to feel more at home in a foreign land. While some of the programmes are ancestry-based, others allow Nigerians with such a link to try other means.

Contents
1. Dominica
2. Ireland
3. Turkey
4. Portugal
5. Vanuatu
6. Italy
Though rules vary widely across borders, some nations stand out for offering citizenship through investment or family ties with fewer hurdles and faster processing timelines.

Below are the top six countries with the easiest citizenship:

1. Dominica
Dominica operates a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows applicants to qualify through a contribution to the government’s Economic Diversification Fund or by investing in approved real estate. Processing typically takes a few months. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone. There is no residency requirement, and dual citizenship is permitted.

2. Ireland
Ireland provides a clear citizenship pathway for individuals with Irish ancestry. Those with an Irish-born parent qualify automatically, while people with an Irish-born grandparent can apply through the Foreign Births Register. An Irish passport grants full European Union rights, including freedom of movement across EU countries. Dual citizenship is allowed, and there is no language requirement for applicants applying by descent.

3. Turkey
Turkey offers a fast-track citizenship option through investment. Foreign nationals who purchase qualifying real estate valued at a minimum of $400,000 can obtain citizenship within a few months. The programme does not require residency or renunciation of an existing nationality. Turkish passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, with ongoing efforts to expand travel agreements.

4. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa programme provides a residency-to-citizenship route for foreign investors. After five years of legal residence and meeting programme conditions, applicants may apply for citizenship. Approved investment options include venture capital funds and other qualifying assets. Successful applicants gain an EU passport, access to the Schengen Area, and dual citizenship, subject to passing a basic Portuguese language test.

5. Vanuatu
Vanuatu runs one of the world’s fastest citizenship programmes. Through its Development Support Programme, eligible applicants can receive citizenship in as little as two months after making the required financial contribution. The country offers visa-free access to over 100 destinations and has no tax on global income or capital gains. Residency requirements are minimal.

6. Italy
Italy grants citizenship by descent to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, following a 2025 legal update that tightened eligibility rules. Applicants must provide official documents proving a direct family link to an Italian ancestor. Italian citizenship comes with full EU rights, wide visa-free travel, and the ability to pass citizenship to future generations. Dual nationality is allowed, and no language test is required for descent-based applications.
(Tribune)