In 120 days, queer couples in Thailand will be able to get married. The king has approved a law that many have been eagerly awaiting. Only a very few countries in Asia have taken this step so far.
From January, “marriage for all” will be permitted in Thailand: After King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved the groundbreaking law to legalize same-sex marriage, it has now been published in the official gazette. The lower house and the Senate approved the law months ago with an overwhelming majority. It is set to come into force in 120 days.
“Love wins,” wrote Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on X. “This was a joint fight by everyone.” Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia to enshrine same-sex marriage in law and only the third country in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal. It has been legal in Germany since 2017.
Popular destination for queer tourists
The new regulation stipulates that in the future the words “men” and “women” as well as “husband” and “wife” will be replaced by neutral words such as “persons” and “spouse”. Non-heterosexual couples will thus be granted the same rights as other married couples in financial, medical and other matters.
Until now, Thailand had a civil partnership law, but it did not include full legal marriage rights. Despite Thailand’s conservative values, the country is considered extremely liberal and open to transgender and homosexual people. It has long been one of the most popular travel destinations for queer tourists from all over the world.
Source: Stern
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