Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage on January 23, 2025, Granting Full Rights and Becoming Third in Asia

Jan 22, 2025, 11:12 PM

Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, with the new law taking effect on January 23, 2025. This historic move grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to same-sex couples, aligning them with the rights of heterosexual couples. The law, which replaces gender-specific terms like 'men and women' and 'husband and wife' with 'individuals' and 'marriage partners' in the Civil and Commercial Code, was passed with overwhelming support in both houses of parliament and endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Celebrations are planned across the country, with around 300 couples expected to register their marriages at a gala event in a shopping mall in central Bangkok, while 1,448 couples are set to participate in a mass wedding organized by Bangkok Pride. The government, led by the Pheu Thai party, has been a strong advocate for this change. The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act marks Thailand as the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.