BANGKOK -- Thailand on Thursday began issuing marriage licenses to LGBTQ couples, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex unions after a nearly 20-year campaign by activists.
By the end of the day, 1,832 same-sex couples had married nationwide. Among the 654 registered in Bangkok, the capital, were Napat Songseesai and Phasin Thongnoppakun, nicknamed Rama and Jun.
