Thailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same sex marriage
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage after King Maha Vajiralongkorn granted royal assent to the law on September 24.
Set to take effect in 120 days, the first marriage is expected to be recorded in January 2025.
The legislation allows for gender-neutral marriage terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” and includes adoption and inheritance rights for same-sex couples.
This approval follows more than a decade of advocacy from LGBTQ activists in a country known for its relative tolerance. Despite strong public support reflected in opinion polls, traditional values still create challenges for many LGBTQ individuals.
Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as one of only three places in Asia where same-sex couples can marry.
LGBTQ activists staged celebrations, including a recent drag show in Bangkok, in excitement.
“We’ve been waiting for a long time. As soon as it becomes law, we will go register our marriage,” 49-year-old Apiwat Apiwatsayree, a well-known figure in the LGBTQ community said on Friday, September 20 after 17 years with his partner.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pushed for this legislation, believing it would strengthen family structures. However, he was recently ousted from office, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra taking over as the new leader.
Thailand now joins over 30 countries worldwide that have recognized same-sex unions since the Netherlands first did in 2001.
