(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Newyear Kitiwhut’s Official Instagram Account)
In the midst of Thailand’s historic move to legalize same-sex marriage, beloved Thai actors Both Nuttapong and Newyear Kitiwhut have officially announced their engagement. Both proposed to Newyear in a surprise moment shared on their Instagram accounts on June 26.
“Newyear” Kitiwhut Sawutdimilin – 29 years old – is a versatile actor, emcee, and online influencer with a degree in performing arts from Srinakharinwirot University. He debuted in the Thai television soap opera titled Short Cut to Your Dream in 2012. Meanwhile, “Both” Nattapong Chinsoponsap – 36 years old – is a multifaceted actor, dentist, VJ, and model who studied dentistry at Chulalongkorn University.
The romantic proposal, also posted on TikTok, showed Both kneeling with a ring in a room filled with roses. Newyear joyfully accepted, and the couple is seen sharing a kiss. Both and Newyear, who starred in the 2021 series Top Secret Together, have been together since 2012. Although they got engaged in September 2023, they chose to make their engagement official in light of Thailand’s impending legalization of same-sex marriage.
Thailand has taken a historic step towards equality by passing a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage last June 18, 2024 – becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. The legislation was approved by the Senate with an overwhelming majority, signifying a significant shift in the region’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights. This new law will modernize Thailand’s existing marriage regulations by granting same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including those related to adoption and inheritance. The new legislation also replaces gender-specific terms in marriage laws with gender-neutral ones.
The bill’s passage marks a momentous occasion for Thailand, a country known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance and their love for BL dramas. This legislative victory is a testament to the relentless efforts of activists who have long fought against conservative attitudes and for the recognition of equal rights. The law – which is now only awaiting the royal endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn – will be enacted 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.
Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian territories where same-sex marriage is legal. This progressive move not only enhances the nation’s reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ individuals but also sets a powerful precedent for neighboring countries.
Congratulations, Both and Newyear!
Hopefully the divorce won’t be devastating for us
Maybe it’s fate that one is named “nuttapong” and the other “kitiwhut”
LOLOLOLOLOL……………
LOLLOLLOLLOL!!!
Yin & Yang?
Meanwhile, President Biden made huge and dignified news among America’s LGBTQ+ soldiers… https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/06/26/a-proclamation-on-granting-pardon-for-certain-violations-of-article-125-under-the-uniform-code-of-military-justice/
Am I the only one who was lost? I had to read that title three times and still was confused what it was trying to say. “Both”?! “Newyear”?! Ard we supposed to know who these guys are?
This is a big deal for those guys who need have a need for society to “look at me!!” and for those who are enamored with looking back.