The Thai king has signed same-sex marriage into law, the official Royal Gazette said Tuesday, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise marriage equality.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially approved a new law allowing same-sex marriage in Thailand, which will take effect in 120 days. This means the first weddings are expected to occur in January.
Activists have hailed this as a “monumental step,” making Thailand only the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal. The new law employs gender-neutral language instead of terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives,” and it grants same-sex couples rights to adoption and inheritance.
The king’s approval marks the culmination of years of advocacy and previous failed attempts to pass equal marriage laws. Waaddao Chumaporn, an LGBTQ rights advocate, stated, “The law is a monumental step towards equal rights in Thailand.” She plans to organize a mass wedding for over a thousand LGBTQ couples in Bangkok on January 22, the law’s effective date.
Siritata Ninlapruek, another activist, expressed her excitement, saying, “We’ve been fighting for our rights for over 10 years, and now it’s finally happening.” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the development on social media, thanking all supporters for their contributions to the fight for equality.
Thailand is known for its relative tolerance toward the LGBTQ community, and public opinion polls show strong support for equal marriage rights. However, traditional values still prevail in many areas, leading to ongoing discrimination and barriers for LGBTQ individuals.
Over 30 countries have legalized same-sex marriage since the Netherlands first did so in 2001. In contrast, India’s highest court deferred a decision on marriage equality to parliament, and Hong Kong’s court fell short of granting full rights.
Thai activists have campaigned for same-sex marriage for more than a decade, facing challenges from the country’s political instability. To celebrate the law’s passage, LGBTQ activists held a drag show in Bangkok, expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming changes.
Apiwat Apiwatsayree and his partner Sappanyoo Panatkool, who have been together for 17 years, are among those eager to marry once the law is enacted. “We’ve been waiting for a long time,” Apiwat said, adding that they plan to register their marriage as soon as possible.
The legislation was championed by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who emphasized that marriage equality would strengthen family structures. He celebrated the passing of the law on social media, stating, “Another important step for Thailand. The same-sex marriage law passes. Equality is concrete here in Thailand.” Srettha was later removed from office by a court order in August and succeeded by Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
