Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage following a landmark vote in the Senate. It also becomes the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.
The marriage equality bill passed with overwhelming support, saw 130 votes in favor and only four against.
The bill grants same-sex couples the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples—including inheritance, adoption, and healthcare decision-making— and now awaits the ceremonial endorsement from the king. Once endorsed, the law will be published in the Royal Gazette and will come into effect 120 days later.
Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, founder of the Love Foundation, an NGO advocating for LGBTQ+ equality in Thailand, hailed the Senate’s decision as a “monumental step forward for LGBTQ+ rights.” He emphasized the potential impact of the bill on countless couples and the broader push for a more just and equitable society.
The passage of the bill follows years of stalled attempts to legalize same-sex marriage. Notably, in 2020, the Constitutional Court upheld the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. However, major political parties, including the progressive Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 election, campaigned vigorously for marriage equality.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party, who pledged to bring the marriage equality bill to parliament, celebrated the vote. He attended Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok earlier in June.
Neighboring countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, continue to criminalize same-sex relations.
