Thailand Becomes First Southeast Asian Country to Legalise Same-Sex Marriage

As all Malaysians know, our country criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women, and the gender expression of trans people is also criminalised. Even watches with LGBTQ+ symbols aren’t allowed to be sold, as seen in the government raid of Swatch stores last year. However, things are very different in our northern neighbouring country, which is known for generally viewed as a tourist haven for same-sex couples and even has drag queen reality TV shows. Now, in a historic parliamentary vote, Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

As reported by The Star, The upper house Senate gave final approval to changes to the marriage law to allow same-sex couples to get hitched by 130 votes to four, with 18 abstentions. The vote on 18 June is the culmination of years of campaigning and thwarted attempts to pass equal marriage laws. Although Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community, much of Buddhist-majority Thailand still retains traditional and conservative values.

The next step is for the new legislation to be sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent and come into force 120 days after publication in the official Royal Gazette. Activists hope the first weddings can be celebrated as early as October.

Image Credit: Bangkok Pride

The new legislation changes references to "men," "women," "husbands," and "wives" in marriage laws to gender-neutral terms. It also gives same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to adoption and inheritance. However, some activists have criticised the new laws for failing to recognise transgender and non-binary people, who will still not be allowed to change their gender on official identity documents. Although LGBTQ people in Thailand are highly visible, they say they still face barriers and discrimination in everyday life.

The Netherlands became the first country to celebrate same-sex unions in 2001, and since then, more than 30 countries around the world have followed suit. Thailand will be third in Asia, where same-sex marriages are allowed. India came close in October 2023, but the Supreme Court referred the decision back to parliament.

In central Bangkok, a crowd of activists celebrated the news by watching a drag show and decorating the grounds of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre with a giant rainbow flag.

@srettha_fans บรรยากาศฉลอง สมรสเท่าเทียม กลางทำเนียบ สำเร็จในรัฐบาลเศรษฐา #สมรสเท่าเทียม #เศรษฐาทวีสิน ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ - เศรษฐา ทวีสิน FC

Interestingly, Malay Mail previously reported that 300 Malaysians get married in southern Thailand monthly, six of which are polygamy cases. Do you think LGBTQ+ couples in Malaysia will secretly tie the knot there, too?

Featured Image Credit: x.com/Debora38254706, Jason Leung on Unsplash