Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, law effective from 2025
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially signed a landmark marriage equality bill into law, granting same-sex couples the right to legally wed. The legislation was published in the Royal Gazette and will be effective in 120 days. This development positions Thailand as the third country in Asia—after Taiwan and Nepal—to legalize same-sex marriage, with registrations set to begin in January 2025.
New law grants full rights to same-sex couples
The newly enacted law provides same-sex couples with full legal, financial, and medical rights. It was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in April and June respectively. Celebrating this historic moment, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her joy on X (formerly Twitter), writing "Congratulations to everyone's love" and adding the hashtag #Love.
Legalization follows decades of struggle for equality
Despite its reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, Thailand has faced significant challenges in passing a marriage equality law. The country's society is largely conservative, with members of the LGBTQ+ community reporting discrimination in everyday life. Advocates for gender equality also encountered resistance from historically conservative government and state agencies, making this legal victory a significant milestone in their fight for equal rights.
