The Thai Parliament approved groundbreaking legislation on Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage, marking a historic step toward making Thailand the third Asian nation to recognize marriages between LGBTQ+ people.
The measure gained final approval in its third reading with 399 votes in favor, 10 against, and two abstentions in the lower house, a chamber dominated by the governing coalition led by the Pheu Thai party. Observers noted the broad support across factions and the sense that the reform reflected shifting attitudes in Thai society over time. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Several lawmakers who spoke during today’s session wore rainbow flags and accessories, celebrating the milestone with applause and shared embraces. The moment underscored a political climate that increasingly embraces LGBTQ+ rights, even as debates continue about the pace and scope of the change. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Among the key changes, the bill replaces the phrase marriage between a man and a woman with a definition of marriage as a union between two people. It also redefines the legal status of husband and wife as a married couple without gender specifications, ensuring that LGBTQ+ unions receive the same rights long enjoyed by heterosexual couples. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Following today’s approval, the legislation still faces a couple of formal steps before becoming law. It must receive final backing from the Senate and be published in the official state gazette after being signed by the king. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Once enacted, which is expected by the end of the year, Thailand would become the third Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal, and the first in Southeast Asia to do so. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Thailand has long hosted one of the largest and most visible LGBTQ+ communities in Asia, yet activists argue that conservative laws do not always reflect the evolving social attitudes that have emerged over recent decades. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)
Last year the lower house discussed several related proposals, but none passed before the legislature was dissolved ahead of elections in May. The reformist Move Forward party achieved a sweeping victory but did not secure enough support to form a government. (Source: Parliament of Thailand)