Can Thailand lead Southeast Asia in LGBTQ+ rights?

With the legalisation of same-sex marriage, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to provide equal rights to LGBTQ+ couples and establish itself as a pioneer in the area of LGBTQ+ rights.

This historic ruling is an important step for equality and inclusivity because it not only gives LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, but it also establishes Thailand as a pioneer in the region for LGBTQ+ rights.

The arguments

Regional context

Thailand’s progress is in stark contrast to its regional rivals, where LGBTQ+ people experience significant prejudice. In Myanmar, Brunei, and Malaysia, same-sex relationships are illegal, and cultural conservatism makes life difficult for the LGBTQ+ community.

On the other hand, despite the fact that homosexual sex is not illegal throughout Indonesia, there is widespread discrimination and hatred. This difference positions Thailand as a regional outlier and a possible beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia.

Supporters of the bill, including Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon of the Love Foundation, have, however, applauded the move as an important turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. In an interview with CNN, they argued that the bill will give LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including inheritance, adoption, and healthcare decisions.

Other advocates stressed on the broader social benefit, claiming that it will encourage acceptance and motivate future generations to live truthfully. The measure is also viewed as a catalyst for promoting Thailand as a progressive and inclusive society, which might attract tourists and enterprises.

Personal stories and political dynamics

For individuals, the law constitutes a significant shift. Many stated that they intend to marry as soon as the law goes into effect, representing a tremendous shift from a time when they were unable to live openly.

The marriage equality law has received support from various political parties, demonstrating a commitment to LGBTQ+ rights despite previous failures, including as the 2020 Constitutional Court verdict that upheld the conventional definition of marriage.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been an outspoken supporter, attending Pride Month celebrations and promoting Thailand as a welcome destination for LGBTQ+ persons, including a bid to host World Pride in 2030.

The facts

Thailand is on the brink of making history by becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage. The Senate  passed a marriage equality bill with an overwhelming majority—130 in favour and only four opposed.

The king’s endorsement, which is considered a formality, is the final stage in making this bill into law. Once approved, the bill will take effect 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette. Thailand will become the third Asian country to recognise marriage equality, following Taiwan and Nepal.

The Senate’s decision was well received by the activists, who gathered on the streets to celebrate while flying the rainbow flag. Some partners used social media to upload images of themselves. The British High Commissioner in Thailand, Mark Gooding, also wrote a heartfelt greeting to the Thai government and the LGBTQ community.

“I would like to congratulate the Thai Parliament for passing the Egual Marriage Bill earlier today. Equal Marriage is an important step forward for human rights and equality that will provide many couples with legal recognition and protection of their relationships. I say this from personal experience as my husband and I converted our civil partnership to marriage soon after the UK introduced marriage equality 10 years ago,” Mark Gooding said on his X page.