Thailand’s king has officially signed a marriage equality bill into law, making the nation the first in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex unions.
The bill passed through the Senate in June 2024 but required the monarch’s approval to take effect. It was published in the Royal Gazette on September 24 and will become law on January 22 of next year.
Activists have hailed this development as historic, representing the culmination of years of advocacy for marriage equality. The new legislation employs gender-neutral language, replacing terms like “husbands,” “wives,” “men,” and “women.” It also grants same-sex couples rights to adopt children and inherit property.
“Today we’re not only able to sign our names on marriage certificates, but we are also creating a historical moment that shows love knows no boundaries,” said Ann Chumaporn, a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement, in an interview with the BBC. “This is a victory for equality and human dignity.”
Chumaporn plans to organize a mass wedding for over 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples on January 22.
“We are all thrilled and excited. We’ve been advocating for our rights for over a decade, and now it’s finally happening,” said fellow activist Siritata Ninlapruek in a statement to AFP.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also shared his congratulations on X, saying, “Congratulations on everyone’s love. #LoveWins.”
