Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
First same-sex couple celebrates legal marriage under new equality law
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
First same-sex couple celebrates legal marriage under new equality law
13 Sept 07:39Key points summarised by AI
Sumalee, 64, and Thanaporn, 59, became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in Thailand, registering their union at the Bang Rak district office the day after the new equality law took effect.
The couple expressed profound happiness and gratitude for finally achieving the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, fulfilling a long-held wish.
They specifically highlighted the importance of now having access to medical benefits previously exclusive to heterosexual spouses, which is crucial for their respective health conditions.
The event was celebrated by officials and advocates as a major milestone, signifying Thailand's growing acceptance of diversity and realizing a future where same-sex couples can form legal families.
Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok
Yesterday 15:13Key points summarised by AI
"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.