Thailand Inches Closer To Recognise Same-Sex Marriage As Parliament Passes Historic Bill

The bill passed with a landslide majority as 399 legislators welcomed the move in comparison to 10 who voted against it. However, the bill still needs to get through the hurdles of senate and king approval before being a part of the lawbooks.

Thai LGBTQ activists hailed the bill terming it as 'longdue.' Despite Thailand's global reputation for being inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ community, activists have faced ongoing challenges in their efforts to combat entrenched conservative beliefs and norms.

"Thailand is finally accepted and recognised as truly 'paradise for LGBTQI'," Chanya Rattanathada an activist told AFP.

In the room, there was a quick round of cheers and applause as the final vote was taken, and one representative waved a rainbow flag.

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"Today, society has proved to us that they care about LGBT rights," said Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, which has long pushed for LGBTQ rights.

"Now we finally will have the same rights as others."

In a significant move, a proposal has been put forward to amend the country's marriage law, replacing gender-specific terms such as "men," "women," "husbands," and "wives" with gender-neutral alternatives.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I take pride in our progress," after the bill received approval.

"The passing (of this law) in the parliament today is a proud moment for Thai society who will walk together towards social equality and respect differences," he wrote on the social media website X.

Across Asia, only Nepal and Taiwan recognise same-sex marriage. Last year, India's highest court deferred the decision to parliament, and Hong Kong's top court stopped just short of granting full marriage rights.