Thailand will be the first nation in Southeast Asia to accept same-sex marriage

On Tuesday, the Thai Senate approved the final reading of a marriage equality bill, making Thailand the first nation in Southeast Asia to officially recognize same-sex unions.

The vast majority of members in the upper chamber backed the bill, which was the result of campaigners’ over two decades of work.

After the bill is published in the royal gazette and receives royal approval, it will take effect 120 days later. This means that the first same-sex weddings may occur later this year.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wrote on X, “Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Bill.”

“We will continue our fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status.”

Advocates for LGBT rights hailed the action as a “monumental step forward,” since Thailand would become the third country in Asia, following Nepal and Taiwan, to pass laws promoting marriage equality.

Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, stated, “We are very proud to make history.”

“Today love triumphed prejudice … after fighting for more than 20 years, today we can say that this country has marriage equality.”

In Thailand’s parliament, lawmakers and activists were spotted grinning and waving rainbow flags. Some even raised their fists in support of the LGBT community.

Human rights advocate Matcha Phornin, her spouse Veerawan Wanna, and their adopted daughter were engrossed in the senate sessions on television while they were in the northern region of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

“The lawmakers who enacted this legislation, the senators, back us. When the bill passed, they clapped and gave each other hugs. “That means we are protected by law,” Matcha remarked.

Matcha said, “And she will be legally adopted after this,” in reference to their daughter.

Thailand is already well-known for its thriving LGBT culture and tolerance, making it one of Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations.

Prime Minister Srettha joined thousands of celebrants and activists in a street procession through Bangkok at the beginning of June. Srettha was dressed in a rainbow shirt in honor of Pride Month.

“This would further highlight Thailand’s leadership in the region in advancing gender equality and human rights,” a statement from the Civil Society Commission of Marriage Equality, activists, and LGBTQI couples read.