Thai city Pattaya is preparing to register same-sex marriages as the country's Marriage Equality Act is set to come into effect next week.

Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Srithanyanon said his office was ready to cater to LGBT couples who decide to register in the colourful tourist city.

He added that the Bang Lamung district was selected as one of 24 target areas by the Department of Provincial Administration for its large and diverse population, including a large LGBT population.

As the landmark equality bill becomes law on January 23, the district has made extensive preparations including publicizing information about marriage registration, explaining the legal benefits, and opening a pre-registration page to streamline the process.

Officials also underwent gender sensitivity training to better understand sexual diversity.

Bang Lamung District will participate in a United Nations-themed symbolising the 'borderless nature of equal marriages'.

Patcharaphat said: 'The registration requirements for LGBT registrants are the same as for heterosexual marriages. For Thai nationals, the only document needed is a national ID card.

'As for LGBT couples from foreign countries, they cannot register their marriage in Thailand. But in the case where one partner is Thai, they can register as usual, provided they are verified to be single. However, it might require more processing time.'

Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage after the Senate overwhelmingly approved a historic marriage equality bill in September 2024.

The bill has been endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and will take effect on January 23.