Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand has officially legalized same-sex marriages, becoming the first nation in Southeast Asia to do so after King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill. The law, which allows same-sex couples to register their marriages starting January 22, 2025, was published in the Royal Gazette and will take effect in 120 days. This landmark legislation grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, and medical rights equivalent to heterosexual couples, addressing a long-standing demand from LGBTQ+ activists in Thailand. The approval follows years of advocacy, with the bill having passed through both the House of Representatives and Senate earlier this year. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the law's passage, emphasizing the importance of love and equality in Thai society. This historic move positions Thailand alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian countries to recognize same-sex marriage, setting a precedent in a region where LGBTQ+ rights have often faced significant resistance.