Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage on January 23, 2025, Third in Asia

Jan 22, 2025, 01:49 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 legislation allows same-sex couples to register their marriages, granting them the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples. The law follows Taiwan and Nepal as the third place in Asia to recognize marriage equality. Hundreds of LGBTQ couples are expected to marry on the first day of the law's implementation, with celebrations planned across the country, including a major event at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The marriage equality bill, which was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, amended the Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language, such as 'individuals' and 'marriage partners.' This change is expected to open up access to full legal rights for same-sex couples, including joint assets, tax obligations, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits.