Patipat Janthong, Reuters
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Joining Taiwan and Nepal in becoming only the third country in all of Asia to do so, the legislation is no less impressive from a country with widespread conservative ideals. Nonetheless, Thai LGBTQ+ individuals have often expressed their experiences with blatant discrimination despite Thailand’s long-standing reputation as a queer safe haven, especially in comparison to other states in the region. Representation at the federal level has also long been dominated by conservative politicians.
However, the legislation swept through both the House of Representatives and Senate last year with overwhelming support. Of the 415 members present at the voting ceremony in Thailand’s lower chamber, 400 voted for the measure; similarly, of the 152 members present to vote in the Senate, 130 approved. Furthermore, as a constitutional monarchy, the legislation was officially codified after King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s endorsement. Under the new law, same-sex couples receive all the same benefits of marriage that heterosexual couples do: full financial, medical, and legal rights and protections.
The Marriage Equality Act, as the legislation is known, amends Article 1448 of Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code by changing the qualifications for marriage from “man and woman” to “individuals.” The country’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai party, supported the legislation and celebrated its enactment in a video address to the country where she announced, “From now on, all love will be certified by law. All couples will live with honor and dignity in Thailand.”
According to the Department of Provincial Administration, at least 1,832 couples from across the country registered their marriages on Thursday. Though there is much work left to be done in Thailand regarding equal protection under the law, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals, Thursday nonetheless marks a significant milestone in a positive direction for the queer community in Southeast Asia.