Thai actors Both Nuttapong and Newyear Kitiwhut have officially announced their engagement, coinciding with Thailand’s imminent legalization of same-sex marriage.
Engagement Announcement
The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram on Wednesday, June 26, documenting the surprise proposal. Both proposed to Newyear in a room adorned with bouquets of red roses. A video on TikTok shows Both on one knee, presenting the engagement ring, and Newyear joyfully accepting with a hug and kiss.
@newyear.kitiwhut
I said yes #สมรสเท่าเทียม ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – NEWYEAR
Relationship Background
Both and Newyear, who starred together in the 2021 Thai series “Top Secret Together,” have been in a relationship since 2012. Although they initially got engaged in September 2023, they decided to make it official now as their home country moves toward recognizing marriage equality.
Legal Milestone in Thailand
Thailand’s Senate approved the same-sex marriage bill on June 18, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize marriage equality. The bill awaits royal endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and will come into effect 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette.
The legislation updates marriage laws to use gender-neutral terms, extending the same rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance rights. This change places Thailand alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the only places in Asia where same-sex couples can legally marry.