The Government is proceeding with its plan to move Thailand toward becoming a “Pride Friendly Destination,” after the Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favor of passing the Marriage Equality Bill, also referred to as the same-sex marriage law.
The next step is that the bill will be forwarded to the Cabinet, and then the Prime Minister will submit it to His Majesty the King for endorsement. The law will take effect within 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.
The Government on 18 June 2024 organized an event to celebrate the beginning of marriage equality in Thailand, after the final passage of the Marriage Equality Bill by the Senate on the same day. The event took place at Government House, with the participation of the “Pride Caravan,” which moved from Parliament to Government House.
The law defines marriage as a partnership between two people, rather than a woman and a man. It allows any two individuals who are 18 years old or older to register their marriage and receive the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples. LGBTQ+ persons from any country may also register their marriage in Thailand or register with their Thai spouses.
Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage and the third in Asia, following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2023.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin congratulated the beginning of marriage equality in Thailand, saying that the Government celebrated the successful passing of the marriage equality bill and the beginning of equal love. He stressed that “diversity” is not “difference,” and that the Thai government is committed to moving forward without leaving anyone or any group behind.
Thailand is also making efforts to bid for hosting World Pride in 2030. It aims to become a Pride Friendly Destination and is ready to support related activities.
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