The Civil Partnership Bill avoids the term “marriage” but will allow same-sex couples the right to jointly own property, adopt children and pass on inheritances.
It would be a first in any Southeast Asian country if passed into law. Ratchada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson, said the bill is a “milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all genders” and “strengthens the families of people with sexual diversity”.
Under the bill, civil partners are defined as couples with the same sex. To register, they must be at least 17-years-old and one of them must be a Thai citizen – meaning foreign same-sex couples are exempt and won’t qualify.