Thailand edges closer to becoming Asia’s second country to legalize same-sex marriage

THAILAND: Thailand’s lawmakers passed four pieces of legislation on same-sex unions in first reading on Wednesday, June 15, putting the country one step closer to becoming Asia’s second country to legalize same-gender weddings.

However, campaigners claim that Thai laws and institutions have yet to reflect shifting social attitudes and that LGBT people and same-sex couples continue to face discrimination.

Each of the four drafts passed on Wednesday aims to give same-sex couples nearly equal legal rights to heterosexual couples.

Last Monday, the cabinet approved two bills that would establish a same-sex civil partnership statute. Another Democrat Party civil partnership bill was also approved.

Despite the government’s best efforts, a more liberal equal marriage measure from the opposition Move Forward party was also passed. This proposal aims to replace gendered words in existing legislation and make marriage universal.

In response to the legislation’s acceptance, Chumaporn “Waddao” Taengkliang of the Rainbow Coalition for Marriage Equality remarked that this is a really encouraging sign. He added that whether it’s a civil union or marriage, all genders should be held to the same standard.

Thailand’s present marriage statute, which exclusively recognizes heterosexual couples, was found lawful by the Constitutional Court last year, but the court urged the legislation to be amended to protect the rights of other genders.

The measures were passed after Thailand’s first official pride march, in which thousands of people waved rainbow flags and demanded liberal reforms.

Only Taiwan has legalized same-sex unions in Asia so far.

Rianne Motas

Rianne Motas is a Business Economics major from the University of Santo Tomas - Philippines.

Recent Posts

Coventry vs Southampton Lineups, Odds & Betting Tips: Championship Clash March 14, 2026

Coventry City hosted Southampton at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in an important Championship match.…

March 14, 2026

Disney Fireworks 2026: Magic Kingdom Showtime Changes Explained

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom fireworks are a nightly highlight. They attract crowds for the amazing Happily Ever After show.…

March 14, 2026

How Chen Lili Is Bringing Traditional Arts to the Spotlight in the 2026 Asian Film Awards

The Asian film awards has been one of the most coveted awards of Asian films that recognizes the artistry of…

March 14, 2026

The Rise of Antonelli: Is the 19-Year-Old Mercedes Driver the New Face of F1 2026?

In Formula One, a new star can be making its appearances. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is only 19 years old but…

March 14, 2026

The K-Drama Dream: Why Every Asian K-Drama Fan Is Watching Made in Korea on Netflix Today

In Asia, the term Made in Korea is the buzzword and it is streaming up the K-drama rankings. The new…

March 14, 2026

How to Book Celera Makati: Reservation Guide, Menu, Price & Review

Celera can be considered among the desired high-quality dining establishments in Makati in case you are going out to a…

March 14, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More