Thai Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Thailand is set to become the pioneering nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage following the Thai Senate’s approval of a marriage equality bill. Supporters hail this as a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights and a monumental step forward. The bill garnered overwhelming support in the Senate, with 130 senators voting in favor, only four members in opposition, and some abstentions.

The bill was approved by the House of Representatives in March, and it would become law after a royal assent from the king. The law will take effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, expected towards the year-end, symbolizing a New Year's gift to the people of Thailand. The bill is now slated to proceed to the Cabinet for final approval before being submitted to the palace for the royal endorsement.

The bill would give LGBTQ+ couples the same rights and recognition as heterosexual couples, including rights related to adoption, divorce, property management, health care decision-making, and inheritance. This bill would make Thailand the second country in Asia to recognize LGBTQ+ marriage after Nepal.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has promised to bring the marriage equality bill to parliament, and he has showcased Thailand as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ people, including voicing support for a bid to host World Pride in 2030 and attending Pride Month celebrations last month in a rainbow shirt.

The Government of Thailand also sees a potential economic growth benefit from the bill in terms of tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recognizes the spending power of LGBTQ+ tourists. According to LGBT Capital data, Thailand was the fourth highest revenue generator globally from the LGBTQ+ community in 2023. The TAT expects participation from over 860,000 individuals in diverse Pride Month events, projecting an economic impact of at least 4.5 billion baht.