Thailand Makes History with Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
On Thursday, Thailand made a historic leap forward in LGBTQ+ rights as it became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality. In a remarkable celebration, over 200 same-sex couples tied the knot at the Siam Paragon shopping center in Bangkok, marking the official implementation of the law. This long-awaited victory is the result of more than a decade of tireless advocacy by the LGBTQ+ community.
The marriage equality law, approved by Thailand’s parliament and endorsed by the king in 2024, grants same-sex couples the ability to legally register their marriages. It provides full legal, financial, and medical rights, including adoption and inheritance rights.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hailed the law as a historic milestone for equality, stating that it marks the beginning of greater awareness of gender diversity in Thai society. She celebrated the LGBTQ+ community’s decades-long struggle for equal rights, calling the legalization of same-sex marriage a collective achievement.
In a heartfelt message, Shinawatra wrote, “This victory is a collective achievement from everyone’s efforts, especially the LGBTQIA+ community, who led the movement to bring marriage equality into effect.”
The law, which was officially passed and written into law on September 24, 2024, was published in the Royal Gazette and marks a significant moment for Thailand as the rainbow flag now flies proudly over the country.
The day also served as a poignant reminder of the progress made after two decades of fighting against societal prejudices and advocating for change. As the law now stands, Thailand is not only a beacon of equality in Southeast Asia but a symbol of the power of collective effort and love for all.
Read also: