Thailand is one step closer to being the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage following Cabinet approval of a bill on marriage equality. Set to be debated in parliament in December, the bill will change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners” so that same-sex couples can receive the same rights that heterosexual couples receive. This would allow same-sex couples to adopt children, jointly manage assets and liabilities, and inherit properties. If passed, the bill would formalize Thailand’s reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Asia and increase opportunities for LGBTQ+ tourism. Thailand is looking to host the WorldPride events in Bangkok in 2028, Srettha said.
A priority throughout Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s campaign, marriage equality is a rare social policy pursuit as the administration focuses on reviving the domestic economy and attracting foreign investment. Srettha’s government is also urgently working on potential bills to recognize gender identity and legalize prostitution, the premier said. The move sets a socially progressive tone for the new administration, especially as other Southeast Asian nations maintain controversial policies on LGBTQ rights. Still, the new Thai administration has not touched the controversial royal defamation law pushed by the popular Move Forward Party.
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