Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin previously pledged to the LGBTQ+ community to amend existing marriage laws, making Thailand a haven welcoming to all. The Thai Senate passed the "Marriage Equality Bill" on June 18, soon becoming the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.
The Thai Senate approved the "Marriage Equality Bill" on June 18, making Thailand the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal. (Photo: MotionElements Stock)
According to reports from Reuters and others, the Thai Senate conducted its final vote on the "Marriage Equality Bill," which received overwhelming support from almost all senators, passing with a vote of 130 to 4. The bill now awaits royal approval and will take effect 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights hailed this move as a "milestone progress," making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to implement marriage equality laws. Previously, Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, followed by Nepal in 2023, with Thailand becoming the third in Asia.
Reports indicate that Thailand has been renowned for its diverse LGBTQ+ culture and inclusivity, making it a popular tourist destination. Civil society committees for marriage equality, activists, and LGBTQI+ partners emphasized that this legislation highlights Thailand's leading position in promoting human rights and gender equality regionally.
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"Q" stands for Queer, representing the LGBTQ+ community, including homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. (Photo: pexels)
Thailand's same-sex marriage bill is the result of over a decade of efforts by activists and politicians. The initiative was first proposed by then-Interior Minister Purachai Piamsomboon in 2001, marking a lengthy and challenging journey. The House of Representatives passed the Civil Partnership Act and the Marriage Equality Act in 2022, intended for Senate deliberation, but the bills were shelved when the parliament dissolved on May 14, finally reaching the Senate for a vote this month.
In early June, thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters and advocates marched through the streets of Bangkok, joined by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wearing a rainbow shirt, celebrating Pride Month together.
