The Thai Royal Gazette announced on Tuesday that Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill, recognizing same-sex marriage.
The bill revises several sections of the Civil and Commercial Code. Amendments to the law employ gender-neutral language and grant LGBTQ+ couples marriage, child adoption, inheritance and healthcare consent rights. The law will enter into force 120 days from the day of the royal assent’s publication, on January 22, 2025. The Senate of Thailand passed the marriage equality law in June, voting 130-4 in favor with 18 abstentions. The passing of the bill in June was the culmination of years of tireless efforts of activists.
The publication of the bill notes the Civil and Commercial Code is inconsistent with the current social conditions, affirming that “it is appropriate to amend certain provisions in the Civil and Commercial Code to support people of diverse genders to be engaged and married, which will give them equal rights, duties and family status as male and female spouses.”
Polls indicate that Thailand has overwhelming public support for marriage equality. Over 99 percent of participants in a poll conducted ahead of the bill’s passing in June supported the enactment of the law. Past studies and surveys have reported “persistent experiences of stigma and discrimination, violence and exclusion,” despite the support for inclusive policies and laws.
Amnesty International’s Thailand researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong stated, following the Senate’s decision in June, “While there is no doubt that the legalization of marriage for LGBTI couples is a key milestone for Thailand, much more must be done to guarantee full protection of LGBTI people in the country.” Citing the violence and discrimination LGBTI people in Thailand still experience, Tatiyakaroonwong asserted, “The authorities must build on the momentum and take further steps that protect the rights and ensure the participation of LGBTI people and organizations.”
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) celebrating the announcement, writing, “Thank you for the support from all sectors. This is a joint fight for everyone.” The former Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, also voiced his support, celebrating the enactment of the bill as “Another important step for Thai society,” noting, “Gender diversity will finally be fully accepted.”
The endorsement of the Marriage Equality Bill makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to implement marriage equality legislation and the third country in Asia, following Nepal and Taiwan, to recognize same-sex marriage.
