A strong move towards equality happened recently when Same Sex Marriage was legalized in Thailand.
The Marriage Equality Bill was cleared in the senate in June 2024 and got the royal endorsement to become a law in September the same year. Last January 22, the Marriage Equality Act came into effect, making Thailand the third Asian country (following Taiwan and Nepal) and the first South-East Asian country to recognize same-sex unions.
The new law uses gender-neutral terms instead of words like “husband”, “wife”, “man” and “woman”. Under the law any LGBTQ couples – of Thai or other nationality – over 18 years old are eligible to marry in Thailand. Thai nationals are also given the same legal rights as people in heterosexual marriages, such as:
- Engagement
- Marriage Registration
- Divorce
- Use of Spouse’s Last Name
- Joint Management of Assets
- Tax Benefits
- Social Security
- Health Care
- Adoption and Guardianship
- Inheritance
Many consider the moment a historic step towards equality after years of tireless work from activists, civil society organizations and lawmakers fighting for the cause.
A History of Queer Tolerance
Thailand has garnered a reputation as a queer tolerant nation, ranking high on indexes regarding LGBTQ legal and living conditions. With that said, there is a juxtaposition with the country’s tolerance and acceptance of its queer community.
According to Chaingmai-based Dutch journalist Sjon Hauser in Transsexuality in Northern Thailand Historical Notes, Thailand has had history of “a very similar mixing of physical and psychological sex, gender behaviours and sexuality” seen through terms like kathoey (กะเทย), which is usually used to refer but not limited to transwomen, intersex individuals, and effeminate gay men.
Looking at the brief LQBTQ history of Thailand, various murals that depict non-heteronormative behaviour, predating the Rattanakosin era (1782 AD – present), have been found in temples.
In 1932, the country transitioned into a constitutional monarchy. The state promoted the concept of Thai nationhood, and with that imposed a stricter notion of gender identity and sexual orientation, modeled after the Victorian middle-class movement in Europe.
Many people also associate Thailand’s juxtaposing attitudes towards queerness with the nation’s ties to Buddhism, with 95% of the population being Buddhists.
Some Thai Buddhist-practitioners believe that not conforming to traditional notion of gender roles and sexual orientation may be seen as a punishment for past lives’ sins or a result of unable to control sexual impulses. Moreover, in a society that sees fulfilling familial duties and upholding the family’s reputation as a center of people’s lives, being open with one’s sexuality may be seen as against norms and bring shame to the family.
At the same time, some might argue that the country’s roots in Buddhism is what makes Thailand tolerant towards queer people. Many Thais adhere to the Buddhist teachings of being
a good person and performing good deeds. These people accept LGTBQ individuals as long as they are considered “good” citizens and perform their familial duties.
According to the market research firm Ipsos Group, 9% of Thai people identify as a member of the LGBTQ community, making them a minority of the country’s population of over 71 million. However, throughout the years, queer people have gained more visibility in media through the popularization of platforms such as trans beauty pageants and drag performances. The Thai entertainment industry is also considered to set off the modern resurgence of Boys Love (BL) programs, increasing the representation of queer characters.
Now it’s one of the very few countries that have legalized same-sex marriages in Asia. With that said, work is still being done to turn the country’s tolerance to acceptance.
Triumphant but Not Over
A few legislations have been enacted to protect members of the LGBT community in Thailand. Asides from the same-sex marriage bill, The Gender Equality Act was passed in 2015 that made gender-based discrimination illegal. Although, many see the work that still needs to be done.
For instance, transgender people have the ability to legally change their given birth name, but they are still not allowed to change the gender of their birth.
Moreover, Thai law still defines parents as “mother” and “father”, which might potentially hinder the qualification of LGBTQ people in adopting children.
With that said the significance of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thaliand was not lost in anyone.
Upon the Marriage Equality Bill taking effect, a mass wedding event took place, organized by Thai rights group Naruemit Pride, at the Paragon Hall, a large event space in one of the country’s biggest malls. Many couples came dressed in traditional and contemporary wedding outfits to fill out their marriage forms.
Some notable figures that got married the day after the law had taken effect include Thai actors Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool. Drag artist and designer Art Arya also married her long-time partner.
Thailand’s legalization of same-sex marriage is a big step towards acceptance of love in all forms. While there are still more nuanced conversations to be had, it is still a privilege to freely be with who you want to be with. Here’s to a celebration of love!
Last Updated: August 27, 2025
