Thailand made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn signing the landmark marriage equality bill into law. The legislation, set to take effect in January next year, grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to LGBTQ+ couples and uses gender-neutral terms. The move has been hailed as a “monumental step” by activists, with Thailand becoming only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples can legally wed, following Taiwan and Nepal.
Years of campaigning and thwarted attempts have finally culminated in the formal approval of the law, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ rights in the country. Plans are already underway for a mass wedding for over a thousand LGBTQ+ couples in Bangkok on the first day the law takes effect. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed congratulations and thanked all sectors for their support, emphasizing that it is a joint fight for everyone.
While Thailand has a reputation for tolerance towards the LGBTQ community, traditional and conservative values still prevail in much of the Buddhist-majority country, leading to ongoing barriers and discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals. Despite these challenges, the country’s move toward marriage equality reflects a global trend, with more than 30 countries legalizing same-sex marriage since 2001. Thai activists have been advocating for marriage rights for over a decade, facing political hurdles due to the country’s history of coups and protests. Overall, the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand signifies a significant step towards equal rights and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
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