Thailand officially legalised same-sex marriage on Tuesday with the publication of a landmark bill in the Royal Gazette, following the endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The law will take effect in 120 days, enabling LGBTQ+ couples to register their marriages starting in January 2025, making Thailand the third Asian country to embrace marriage equality after Taiwan and Nepal, Associated Press report.
The legislation grants full legal, financial, and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, having smoothly passed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this year.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed his support, stating, “Congratulations to everyone’s love,” alongside the hashtag #LoveWins.
Despite Thailand’s reputation for acceptance, it faced challenges for decades in enacting marriage equality, with conservative values prevalent in Thai society.
LGBTQ+ individuals often experience discrimination in their daily lives, and historical conservatism within government and state agencies hindered advocates’ efforts to enact change.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon announced last week that city officials will be prepared to register same-sex marriages immediately upon the law’s enactment. The legislation revised the Civil and Commercial Code to substitute gender-specific terms with gender-neutral alternatives.
The Pheu Thai party government prioritizes marriage equality as a key objective, highlighted by its participation in the Bangkok Pride parade in June, which attracted thousands in celebration.
In a show of support, Bangkok Pride organizers declared plans for a wedding event on the law’s first effective day for couples wishing to register their marriages.
