Thailand has now become the first country in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriage, following in the footsteps of Taiwan and Nepal as the third country in Asia to do so. This significant step towards marriage equality in Thailand marks a historic moment for the country and the region as a whole. The new law ensures equal rights for same-sex couples, including in matters of adoption, inheritance, and medical care.
The bill was previously approved by the lower house of parliament in March and now has been overwhelmingly approved by Thailand’s upper house of parliament with 130 senators voting in support of it, while only four spoke out against it. This development comes after years of advocacy and lobbying by LGBTQ rights activists and supporters.
The next step is for the bill to be submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for signature and it will come into force 120 days after publication in the Official Royal Gazette. This move sets a positive example for other nations to follow and represents a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ rights and recognition. The passing of this law demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and nondiscrimination, further advancing progress towards equality and acceptance.
