Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially signed a same-sex marriage bill into law, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriages. The new law, set to take effect on January 22, grants same-sex couples various rights, including those related to adoption and inheritance, and introduces gender-neutral language to replace traditional terms like “men,” “women,” “wives,” and “husbands.”
The Thai Senate approved the legalization of same-sex marriage in June with a significant majority of 130 votes to 4, paving the way for the king’s signature. Thailand will become the third Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in April, after a Supreme Court ruling mandated the registration of same-sex marriages.
Public support for the law has been overwhelming, with a 2023 government survey showing 96.6% approval. Advocates and leaders, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and LGBTQ activists, celebrate this milestone as a significant step toward equality and inclusivity, with plans for a mass wedding event for over 1,000 couples on the law’s effective date.
Peoplesmind