Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage this week after receiving Royal Assent. The bill legalizing same-sex marriage was introduced and approved by Thailand’s lower house of Parliament in late March. During its final reading the bill was approved by 400 of 415 members of Thailand’s House of Representatives. After receiving approval, the bill was sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Following the Royal Assent, the bill is slated to take effect in 120 days, and the first same-sex weddings are anticipated for January, according to LGBTQ Nation.
Thailand is the third Asian nation to pass a marriage equality into law, following Taiwan and Nepal. Historically, Thailand is known to be very LGBTQ+ friendly, seeing up to 200,000 attendees at events like Bangkok Pride in 2024.
Former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a member of the Pheu Thai party promised during his campaign to push forward a marriage equality bill, and did successfully before he was removed from office in August of this year and replaced by current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Despite his removal, Srettha posted on X writing “Another important step for Thailand, The same-sex marriage law passes. Equality is concrete here in Thailand.”
LGBTQ+ organizations, families and community members around the world are celebrating this win. According to LGBTQ Nation, Amnesty International’s Thailand researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said “This landmark moment is a reward for the tireless work of activists, civil society organizations, and lawmakers who have fought for this victory.”
