Thailand To Legalise Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming First In Southeast Asia

The bill now awaits endorsement from the King, a process considered a formality, before becoming law 120 days after publication in the royal gazette.

Thailand to legalise same-sex marriage (Representational Image)

Source : X/@PopBase

Thailand will become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage following the Senate's approval of a marriage equality bill on Tuesday. This major move for LGBTQ+ rights saw overwhelming support, with 130 senators voting in favour and only four opposing, CNN reported. 

The bill now awaits endorsement from the King, a process considered a formality, before becoming law 120 days after publication in the royal gazette. This legislation will make Thailand the third place in Asia to allow marriage equality, after Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. 

Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, founder of Love Foundation, an NGO campaigning for LGBTQ+ equality in Thailand, hailed the bill as "a monumental step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand," as reported by CNN. He noted that the bill's potential impact is immense, not only changing the lives of countless couples but also contributing to a more just and equitable society. 

The bill grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including inheritance, adoption, and healthcare decision-making rights, CNN reported. Panyaphon further said, "Beyond legal implications, the bill would send a powerful message of acceptance and inclusion, inspiring younger generations to love authentically and showcasing Thailand as a progressive and inclusive country". 

The marriage equality bill had support from all major parties, marking a significant step in solidifying Thailand's reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the region. Previous attempts to legalise marriage equality had stalled, but the current administration, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party, promised to bring the bill to parliament. 

Srettha, who attended Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok wearing a rainbow shirt, said on X, "We have come far in our journey towards social equality. I want to reaffirm my government’s commitment in pushing for the realization of the Equal Marriage Bill which today we can visibly see the light at the end of the tunnel".