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Thailand approves landmark same sex marriage equality law
The bill was passed by an overwhelming government majority, in what activists called a ‘triumph for justice and human rights’
Couples in Thailand are eagerly planning weddings for later this year after the Senate approved a landmark marriage equality law, paving the way for the country to become the first in southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage.
After years of campaigning the bill was passed by an overwhelming majority in the parliament’s upper house on Tuesday, in what activists called a “triumph for justice and human rights”.
“The journey to this point has been long and fraught with challenges, but today’s vote to ensure marriage equality marks a historic moment that deserves celebration,” said Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a human rights associate at Fortify Rights who advised parliament on the bill.
The legislation – approved by 130 members of the Senate, with four voting against and 18 abstaining – is expected to come into force before the end of the year. It now awaits pro-forma endorsement by the King, and will take effect 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette.
Matcha Phornin, an activist involved in drafting the bill, is among the couples planning to tie the knot as soon as possible.
“Definitely, we plan to get married in November,” she told the Telegraph on Tuesday, who watched the senate proceedings alongside her long-term partner and daughter at home in the northern city of Chiang Mai.
“This means so much, because we have the recognition of our rights and acceptance in our society. The law would never pass if society doesn’t accept us,” Ms Phornin said earlier this year, when the lower house passed the bill. Then, she was “crying in parliament” as the legislation crossed one of the final hurdles.
“[I hope this will] make a better life for the next generation,” she said. We are fighting to celebrate love – but this also has big impacts on every part of life.”
Tong Thanayut, 32, a popular Thai actor heavily involved in the campaign to legalise same-sex marriage, told the Telegraph the bill’s passage is critical because it means “future generations will grow up in a society that allows them to live freely with pride”.
“Of course, we are celebrating with the team and all the activists who have fought for more than 20 years. Many people are shedding tears of joy in relief.
“There’s still much work to be done, including advocating for sex workers’ rights and other issues, but now it is time to celebrate marriage equality together with everyone.
“It is a benefit for the entire nation and future generations. Using the marriage equality law for myself is something to be decided in the future, and it will be wonderful if that day comes. In truth, it is a basic right that every citizen deserves,” Tong added.
The legislation – which changes the definition of marriage from “a man and a woman” to “two individuals” – gives LGBTQ+ couples rights including the ability to sign medical consent forms should their partner be incapacitated, access marital tax savings, adopt children and inherit property.
It makes Thailand only the only the third country in Asia to recognise same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal, after recent pushes in places including Hong Kong and India stalled.
The bill also builds on existing anti-discrimination legislation to further cement Thailand’s reputation as a relative haven for the LBGTQ+ community in southeast Asia, where countries including Brunei and Malaysia still criminalise same-sex intimacy.
“I hope this will inspire other countries in the region to follow suit and make changes to laws, policies and practices regarding LGBTQ+ rights and protections,” Ms Yangyuenpradorn said.
On Tuesday, lawmakers and activists were waving rainbow flags as parts of celebrations outside parliament, while a rally featuring a drag show was later held to mark the moment in central Bangkok.
“Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Bill,” Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in a post on X. “We will continue our fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status.”
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