Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, First in Southeast Asia with Hundreds of Couples Celebrating

Jan 22, 2025, 06:42 AM

Thailand is set to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, with the law taking effect on Thursday. Hundreds of same-sex couples are expected to register their marriages across the country, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community after more than a decade of advocacy for equal marriage rights. The legislation, which was passed by Thailand's parliament and endorsed by the king last year, grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, and medical rights, as well as rights to adoption and inheritance. Celebrations are planned nationwide, including a mass wedding at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok, where at least 200 couples have signed up to participate. The new law positions Thailand as the third place in Asia to recognize marriage equality, following Taiwan and Nepal.