Thailand to Become First Southeast Asian Nation to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

INTERNATIONAL NEWS : Thailand Becomes First Southeast Asian Nation to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand has officially become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s signing of a historic marriage equality bill into law. The bill, which passed the Senate in June, required royal endorsement to become law and will take effect on January 22 next year.

This landmark legislation has been celebrated by LGBTQ+ activists as a victory for equality after years of campaigning. Thailand has long been considered a more tolerant nation for LGBTQ+ individuals in a region where such acceptance is rare.

The new law replaces traditional gendered terms like “husbands” and “wives” with gender-neutral language, granting same-sex couples the same rights to marriage, adoption, and inheritance as heterosexual couples. Ann Chumaporn, a co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement and a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, expressed her joy, stating, “Today, we’re not just signing marriage certificates; we’re writing history… Love does not depend on who we were born to be.”

Chumaporn also revealed plans to organize a mass wedding for over 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples on January 22 to celebrate the law’s enactment. Many in the LGBTQ+ community view this as a significant step toward full acceptance and equality.

“Legal recognition means we can live our lives without compromise,” said advertising strategist Kwankaow Koosakulnirund. Another activist, Siritata Ninlapruek, expressed excitement over the achievement, saying, “We’ve fought for over a decade, and now it’s finally happening.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also congratulated the nation on the milestone, posting “#LoveWins” on social media.

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