Desk Report: Thailand has made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, as the king signed a marriage equality bill into law.
This landmark legislation, which cleared the Senate in June, will take effect on January 22 next year.
It introduces gender-neutral terms, allowing same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance.
LGBTQ+ activists celebrated the decision, viewing it as a culmination of years of advocacy.
Ann Chumaporn, a prominent activist, expressed that this moment not only legitimizes their relationships but also signifies a step toward broader societal acceptance.
A mass wedding for over 1,000 couples is planned for the law’s effective date.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former PM Srettha Thavisin praised the bill, emphasizing its significance for equity and human dignity in Thailand.
With this law, Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian nations to recognize same-sex marriage, highlighting a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights in the region amidst ongoing challenges.