Thailand Officially Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, LGBTQ+ Couples Celebrate Historic Day
Bangkok Witnesses Hundreds of Wedding Registrations as Thailand Becomes First in South Asia to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Thailand has made history by officially recognizing same-sex marriage, granting LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual partners. The landmark law, which was passed in June 2024, came into effect on January 23, making Thailand the first country in South Asia and the third in Asia—after Taiwan and Nepal—to legalize same-sex unions.
On this momentous day, hundreds of same-sex couples lined up in Bangkok to register their marriages. According to a BBC report, approximately 311 couples were expected to complete their wedding registrations in the capital, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
The Marriage Equality Bill, which was passed by both houses of Thailand’s parliament, introduced amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms such as “men and women” and “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms like “individuals” and “marriage partners.”
This legislative change ensures that LGBTQ+ couples have full access to legal, financial, and medical rights, further solidifying their place in society with equal protections under the law.
LGBTQ+ rights activist Kullayahnut welcomed the historic development, stating, “This is a monumental step toward equality. It not only affirms our rights but also sets a precedent for other Asian nations to follow, emphasizing the universal importance of human dignity and inclusion.”
In preparation for the implementation of the law, Bangkok’s city government conducted training workshops for district office staff responsible for processing marriage registrations. These sessions, also supported by the country’s Interior Ministry, aimed to raise awareness about gender diversity and ensure respectful and inclusive communication with LGBTQ+ individuals seeking marriage registration services.
With Thailand now joining the growing list of nations that recognize same-sex marriage, advocates hope this move will inspire other countries in the region to follow suit, fostering greater acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.