Thailand legalizes gay marriage, a first in Southeast Asia

After being approved by members of parliament last March, Thailand’s Senate has now given the green light to legalize same-sex marriage. Passed by a large majority, the bill must still be presented to the king before it becomes official. The first same-sex marriages could take place as early as this fall, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to legalize marriage equality.

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage

Following the initial approval by parliamentarians last March, Thailand’s Senate has now endorsed the legalization of same-sex marriage. On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Senate passed the bill with 130 votes out of 152. Only four senators voted against it, while 18 abstained.

This overwhelming majority represents a rare concession in a country divided by two main political factions: the conservative bloc and the progressive opposition.

First same-sex marriages possible this fall

The bill must now be presented to King Rama X (Maha Vajiralongkorn) for publication in the Royal Gazette, equivalent to the "Official Journal." Once published, the law will be in effect, allowing the first same-sex marriages in Thailand to be celebrated 120 days after promulgation, around fall 2024.

The first southeast asian country to legalize marriage equality

Thailand thus becomes the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage and the third country in Asia to legalize marriage equality after Taiwan (which approved it in 2019) and Nepal (which legalized it in 2023). Thailand now joins the 35 UN member countries (out of 193) that recognize gay marriage.

A law aimed at replacing gendered terms

Beyond marriage, the legislation also seeks to change references to "women" and "men" and "husbands and wives" with non-gendered terms such as "individuals" and "marriage partners." Additionally, the law grants same-sex couples the same rights in adoption and inheritance as those of heterosexual couples.

One caveat, according to activists, is the lack of recognition for transgender or non-binary individuals, who still cannot change their gender on identity documents. Nevertheless, Thailand remains a beacon of tolerance that attracts many LGBTQ+ travelers.

For further reading, discover the best and worst LGBTQ+ destinations.

Florine Dergelet