But in the 2019 election which returned Thailand to civilian rule, a new, youthful reformist party called Future Forward, which fully supported equal marriage, did unexpectedly well. They won the third-largest share of seats, revealing a growing hunger for change in Thailand.

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal on the first day a law takes effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples

Tommy Walker speaks to LGBT+ couples in Bangkok – many who have been together for decades – as the country’s historic marriage equality law comes into force