Same-sex couples in Thailand to tie the knot as marriage equality bill becomes law

Thailand's marriage equality bill was published in the Royal Gazette after endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and will come into effect in 120 days' time

Thailand has welcomed its marriage equality bill into the statute books, making it legal for same-sex couples to tie the knot.

The landmark law was made official when it appeared in the Royal Gazette following the Royal nod from King Maha Vajiralongkorn. It sets the stage for LGBTQ+ couples to start registering their partnerships come January next year, placing Thailand alongside Taiwan and Nepal as advocates of same-sex marriage rights in Asia.

April and June witnessed the bill's smooth sailing through Thailand's legislative chambers, gaining approval from both the House and Senate. The new legislation assures all marital rights, covering the legal, financial, and medical spheres for partners regardless of gender.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said: "Congratulations to everyone's love." Despite its welcoming facade and progressive reputation regarding inclusivity, Thailand has historically found marriage equality elusive, taking years to overcome conservative hurdles. The Thai LGBTQ+ community continues to battle through social biases and discrimination on a daily basis.

Compounded by the government and state institutions' inherent conservatism, gender equality campaigners have long faced an uphill struggle to shift the perspectives of policymakers and government officials towards embracing progress. However, with the legislation ready to launch, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon confirmed last week that the city's authorities will be well prepared to begin the registration of same-sex unions as soon as the law enters into force.

The country's Civil and Commercial Code has been updated to swap out gender-specific terms like "men and women" for more inclusive language such as "individual." The Pheu Thai party-led government has put marriage equality at the forefront of its agenda. It has closely aligned itself with the annual Bangkok Pride parade, a June event that saw thousands revel in one of the city's main commercial hubs.

Bangkok Pride's organisers took to Facebook to declare their plans to host a wedding bash for duos eager to tie the knot on the very day the new law kicks in.