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Gays can now marry in Thailand: “So happy”

It is now legal for same-sex couples to marry in Thailand.

Hundreds of LGBTQI+ couples are expected to get married today when the law comes into effect. Around 300 couples are expected to be married during a celebration in central Bangkok and hundreds more are expected to say their vows in other parts of the country, reports the AP.

– We are so happy. We have been waiting for this day for 10 years, said Thanaphon Chokhongsung, who together with his partner Sumalee Sudsaynet were the first same-sex couple to marry in the Bangkok district, writes TT.

Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriage and the third country in all of Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal.

Two soldiers dead and several injured in the Philippines

Two soldiers have been killed and 12 have been injured in the Philippine town of Sumisip, reports the Washington Post.

The attack took place on Wednesday. The soldiers who were shot were on site to escort UN employees in the southern Philippines. Two perpetrators were shot dead, authorities say.

AFP reports that former Muslim rebels from the separatist movement MILF are behind the attack.

– Justice must be served for our fallen soldiers, says defense chief Roy Galido.

Arms raids across Ukraine: Trophy weapons seized

Ukrainian authorities have carried out around 1,000 raids against illegal arms trade across Ukraine, AFP reports.

Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country, the spread of weapons has led to concerns among authorities that smuggling has taken place.

“The goal is to shut down the sale and storage and also seize ‘trophy weapons’ taken from Russian soldiers,” Ukrainian police write in a post on social media.

The people in leading roles behind the arms smuggling can get up to seven years in prison.