The enchanting ambiance of Valentine’s Day brought a wave of love-struck couples to district offices across Thailand. In a heartwarming tradition, many pairs chose this day to officially tie the knot, with Phuket’s Muang district office bustling with romance and legal commitment.
As couples flocked to district offices nationwide, a noteworthy hotspot was the Bang Rak district office in Bangkok. Aptly named as the “village of love,” this venue saw over 800 couples making reservations ahead of the big day. Couples eagerly gathered, with one same-sex couple from Rayong province making a determined romantic gesture by being the first to arrive, bright and early at 4 AM. Their seven years of companionship found a unique timestamp as they prepared to exchange vows on this beloved day.
When the clock struck 8, the doors opened to a wave of excitement and anticipation. Authorities had meticulously prepared gold-embossed marriage certificates for 14 lucky couples, adding a golden touch to the joyous proceedings. The Bang Rak office expected to host an impressive crowd of 1,000 couples throughout the day, each couple partaking in the universally cherished promise of a happy ever after.
Phuket mirrored this festive spirit, with 109 couples, reflecting the spectrum of love, including LGBTQ+ pairs, marking this exceptional day with equal joy at the Muang district office. The celebrations took a traditional turn with a klong-yao procession, a centuries-old custom involving long Thai drums that filled the air with rhythmic beats, heralding the couples into a new chapter of life.
During an emotionally charged ceremony, the Muang district chief Pairoj Srilamun encapsulated the essence of the day with his heartfelt wishes, “I wish all couples here who are registering their marriages to love each other for a long time, and may your love be a strong foundation for building families together.” His words resonated deeply with each couple, a timeless blessing that underscored the day’s significance.
To commemorate this landmark moment, the district office presented sacred objects as souvenirs to all couples, symbolizing protection and blessings for their married journey. Adding a sprinkle of excitement and an element of surprise, a draw was orchestrated, offering luxury hotel rooms as honeymoon prizes for the fortunate winners—an indulgent beginning to married bliss.
The Valentine’s Day happenings didn’t stop at Muang; Thalang district office in Phuket also witnessed a delightful flurry of couples, both heterosexual and same-sex, embracing the societal harmony and diversity in love showcased throughout the district offices on this day of affection.
As swathes of couples traversed through these offices, their path was not just defined by legal bindings but enriched by the culture, blessings, and warm wishes that surrounded them. Valentine’s Day in Thailand indeed transformed into a beautiful celebration of love in its myriad forms—a day to remember for all who chose it as their moment to say “I do.”
I think it’s amazing that so many couples are choosing Valentine’s Day to get married. It makes the day even more special!
Totally, but I wonder if it takes away from the personal aspect—like everyone’s anniversary is the same day.
True, but there’s something magical about joining other couples in this celebration. Plus, anniversaries must be easy to remember!
But don’t you think it’s a bit cliché to get married on Valentine’s Day? It should be more personal than that.
800 couples in one office? That sounds like a madhouse. Great for tourism, though!
Yeah, but imagine the chaos. Bet the district officials were stressed!
I hear they thrive on it, though. It’s a joyful kind of chaos and means good business!
Happy to see they’re including LGBTQ+ couples in these celebrations. It’s about time everyone could celebrate love equally.
I agree wholeheartedly. Love is love!
I don’t get why same-sex couples are making such a big deal about this, though. Isn’t everyone on board with equality by now?
There are always places and people who still need convincing. Every step counts!
Are gold-embossed certificates really necessary? Seems a bit extravagant for a piece of paper that says you’re married.
It’s a nice gesture for something that’s meant to last a lifetime. Marriage is a milestone!
Anything to make the day more special is worth it. After all, it only happens once!
The inclusion of traditional Thai elements like the klong-yao procession adds such a rich cultural layer to the celebrations!
That’s what makes it unique! Tradition can be beautifully mixed with modern practices.
But aren’t those traditions sometimes outdated? Mixing too much old with new could dilute both.
These big wedding day events are overrated. Does anyone really think about what marriage entails?
Wow, Sally, bit cynical, aren’t we? Weddings are joyous expressions of love!
I think she has a point. People often don’t realize the challenges until much later.
The idea of starting off with a luxury honeymoon prize is pretty cool. What a way to start married life!
Absolutely! Every couple deserves a bit of luxury after the stress of wedding planning.
I just love how events like this show that love knows no boundaries, whether nationalities, orientations, or traditions.
It’s great to see inclusive events, but let’s be real—there’s still a long way to go for true equality.
Exactly, Jane! The events allow people to start seeing love in all its forms. Baby steps!
I wish we’d have more mass marriage events like this around the world. They’re just so heartwarming!
Mass weddings are just like mass-produced romance. Lacks the intimacy that makes marriage special.
I think these events are replacements for those who can’t afford extravagant weddings.
Good point. It’s a cost-effective way to celebrate love without having to break the bank!
It’s great to see same-sex couples participate openly in such public events without fear.