BANGKOK (APP) Thailand's landmark marriage equality bill was officially written into law on Tuesday, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry.
The law was published in the Royal Gazette after King Maha Vajiralongkorn's assent, and will come into effect in 120 days. This means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year, making Thailand the third country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.
The bill, which provides full legal, financial and medical rights for married partners of either sex, Both passed through the House of Representatives. And The Senate in April and June respectively.
“Congratulations to everyone's love,” Prime Minister Patongtern Shinawatra wrote on X, adding the hashtag #LoveWins.
Thailand has a reputation for acceptance. and inclusion but struggled to pass marriage equality legislation for decades. Thai society has largely conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life.
Government and state institutions are also historically conservative, and gender equality advocates have had difficulty pressuring lawmakers and civil servants to embrace change.
Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanwon Wangserang Boon said last week that city officials would be ready to register same-sex marriages as soon as the law takes effect.
The legislation amended the country's Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific words such as “men and women” with gender-neutral words such as “individual”.
The Pheu Thai Party-led government has made marriage equality one of its main goals. He made a great effort to identify himself. Annual Bangkok Pride Parade In June, thousands celebrated in one of Bangkok's busiest commercial districts.
Organizers of Bangkok Pride announced on Facebook that it will host weddings for couples who want to register their marriage on the first day the law takes effect.