Thailand’s Senate passed a bill on June 18, 2024, that legalizes same-sex marriage, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to grant marriage equality to LGBTQ+ couples.
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The bill passed the final reading in the Thai Senate with a vote of 130 in favor, 4 against, and 18 abstentions.
The bill revises legal terminology to use gender-neutral terms such as “spouse” and “person” instead of “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives.”
Same-sex couples will have the same rights as heterosexual couples including in areas such as child adoption, healthcare consent and inheritance.
The legislation also extends these rights to transgender individuals, although they are still legally recognized according to their sex assigned at birth.
This makes Thailand the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2023.
The bill’s passage is seen as a shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in Thailand, often viewed as a progressive leader in the region.
The bill grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples including inheritance, adoption and healthcare decision-making.
It changes the legal language around marriage to be gender-neutral, removing references to “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives.”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, played a key role in pushing the bill through parliament.
The bill’s passage is expected to boost Thailand’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination, attracting more tourists and businesses.
Other countries in Southeast Asia, like Malaysia and Indonesia maintain strict laws against same-sex relationships.
Activists and supporters celebrated in the streets of Bangkok and in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing joy over the long-fought victory.
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The decision to legalize same-sex marriage marks first in a region where such legislation is rare and often contentious.
Prior to Thailand, only Taiwan and Nepal had legalized same-sex marriage in Asia. This move positions Thailand as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights within the region.
Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an 18-year-old activist expressed excitement, noting global support for Thailand’s decision.
Following the bill’s passage, crowds gathered at Government House in Bangkok, celebrating with rainbow flags and bouquets.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin participated in celebrations and despite a COVID-19 infection, he expressed support for the movement from his official residence.
Activists have been advocating for marriage equality for over 20 years and the bill’s passage marks a victory.
Thailand’s move is expected to influence neighboring countries and set a new standard for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia.
The region still faces hurdles with countries like Malaysia and Myanmar maintaining laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.
The Senate’s approval follows the House of Representatives’ endorsement in March 2024. The bill will now be sent to the palace for the king’s formal approval, which is anticipated to be a formality. Once endorsed, the law will come into effect 120 days after its publication in the royal gazette.
Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal in Asia as the few countries recognizing same-sex marriage. Many countries in the region including Indonesia and Brunei, maintain severe penalties for same-sex relationships.
A Pew Research Center survey indicated that 60% of Thai adults support the legalization of same-sex marriage.
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