Thailand has made history by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex unions after its king signed the marriage equality bill into law. This milestone marks the culmination of years of tireless campaigning by LGBTQ+ activists. Effective January 22, 2025, gay couples in Thailand can register their unions, enjoying adoption and inheritance rights.
The journey to this victory began when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Cabinet approved the draft same-sex marriage law. The bill sailed through the House of Representatives with a 400-10 vote and later passed the Senate with a 130-4 vote. Royal endorsement was the final hurdle, which has now been cleared.
LGBTQ+ activists are ecstatic about this triumph. Ann Chumaporn, the co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement, described it as “a triumph of equality and human dignity”. She plans to organize a mass wedding for over 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples on January 22. Kwankaow Koosakulnirund, an advertising strategist, welcomed the legal recognition, saying it means living life without conditions or compromises.
Thailand’s progress is significant, especially in a region where LGBTQ+ rights are rare. The country has long been a haven for the community. The new law uses gender-neutral terms, replacing “husbands,” “wives,” “men,” and “women”.
This achievement puts Thailand alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian countries where same-sex couples can marry. Taiwan paved the way in 2019 to legalize same-sex marriage. Nepal recognized its first same-sex union last November.
Thailand’s Marriage Equality Milestone is a testament to the power of activism and dedication. With this law, Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community can look forward to a brighter future. Thailand’s Marriage Equality Milestone also highlights the country’s commitment to equality and human dignity. As Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted, “Congratulations on everyone’s love. #LoveWins”. Thailand’s Marriage Equality Milestone is indeed a victory worth celebrating.
