By Thailand’s parliament officially enshrined marriage equality into law on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia. The landmark bill, endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and published in the Royal Gazette, will allow same-sex couples to legally wed starting in January 2024.
Set to take effect in 120 days, the legislation makes Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage. The new law grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, and medical rights equivalent to those of heterosexual married couples.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the achievement on social media platform X, writing “Congratulations to everyone’s love” accompanied by the hashtag #LoveWins. The bill had previously sailed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate with strong support in April and June respectively.
The marriage equality law amends Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms like “men and women” with gender-neutral language such as “individual.” This change ensures that same-sex partnerships are recognized in all aspects of Thai law, including property ownership, inheritance, and medical decision-making.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon confirmed that city officials are prepared to register same-sex marriages as soon as the law takes effect. In a show of support, organizers of Bangkok Pride announced plans to host a wedding ceremony for couples wishing to register their marriages on the first day the law becomes effective.
While Thailand has long held a reputation for LGBTQ+ acceptance, the path to marriage equality has been challenging. Conservative values in Thai society and government have historically posed obstacles to LGBTQ+ rights, with advocates facing difficulty in pushing for legislative change.
The current government, led by the Pheu Thai party, has made marriage equality a priority. It prominently supported the annual Bangkok Pride parade in June, which saw thousands celebrate in one of the capital’s busiest commercial districts.
As Thailand joins a growing number of countries recognizing same-sex marriage, this legislation marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia and sets a precedent for other nations in the region. The law not only provides legal recognition for same-sex couples but also represents a broader shift towards inclusivity and equality in Thai society.
The implementation of this law in January 2024 will be closely watched both within Thailand and internationally, as it potentially paves the way for further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights across Asia.
