Hundreds of LGBT couples in Thailand are expected to make their wedded status legal on Thursday, the first day a law took effect granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples.

The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

Marriage registration is customarily done at district offices, but on Thursday, around 300 couples were expected to complete the formalities at a day-long gala celebration in an exhibition hall at a shopping mall in central Bangkok.

Hundreds more are predicted to register in less fancy circumstances around the country.

The marriage equality bill, which sailed through both houses of parliament, amended the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” It is supposed to open up access to full legal, financial and medical rights for LGBT couples.

Partners will have equal rights and responsibilities in dealing with joint assets, tax obligations and deductions, inheritance rights and survivor benefits.

Bangkok’s city government has said that it organised workshops for staff of all its district offices who are in charge of handling marriage registration.

They included lectures raising awareness about gender diversity and guidance on how to properly communicate with those who come for the service. The Interior Ministry has offered similar guidance. (AP)