TRANG: Eighteen couples will tie the knot beneath the surface of the sea this year - but one couple has a special reason to join the world-famous event.
The southern province will hold its Underwater Wedding Ceremony from Monday to Wednesday to coincide with Valentine's Day on Feb 14, and 18 couples are slated to take part.
While all the brides and grooms are looking forward to this unique way to take their wedding vows, Thanomsak and Phayom Nunum have a special reason.
The two moved in together in 1985, shared the same family name and had two sons. After eleven years under the same roof without a marriage certificate, the two parted ways - but still remained close friends.
Last year, Mr Thanomsak, 53, heard news that prompted him to change his mind about marriage after all these years: his former girlfriend has cancer.
"I wish for a quick recovery for her after we get married," he said.
Ms Phayom, 49, said she was glad that her partner had asked her to marry him - 33 years after they first lived together.
"I was touched when my partner proposed. I once told him that I would like to wear a wedding dress before I die," she said.
"I talked to my sons about this and they were okay with it," the bride added.
Ms Phayom, however, said she and her groom cannot go under the Andaman Sea for the wedding due to her illness, although they will join in all the other activities.
She said doctors had advised her to stay strong and keep her spirits up, as this would help her fight the illness.
