Thai activists prepare for country’s marriage equality law to take effect
Thailand’s marriage equality law is set to take effect on Jan. 22. The country will become the first one in Southeast Asia — and the third in the continent after Taiwan and Nepal — to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
Thai MPs passed the marriage equality bill on June 15, 2024, by a 210-180 vote margin. Four lawmakers abstained. A report that YouGov, a global public opinion and data analytics company, published last July 31 found 32 percent of respondents expressed happiness about the marriage equality law, while 18 percent felt proud and 14 percent were hopeful.
The report noted 74 percent of Gen Zers who responded expressed support for marriage equality, with greater support among women (81 percent) than men (67 percent).
After the law’s passage, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called it a “significant step” for Thailand. “Equality and equity have become concrete in Thai society,” he said, adding he was hopeful that gender diversity would be fully accepted.
