Thailand Passes Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Law

[webfact]

 

18 June marks a historic day for Thailand as the country's Senate overwhelmingly approves a same-sex marriage bill, making it the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex unions. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority vote of 130 to 4, with 18 abstentions.

 

This landmark decision culminates years of relentless advocacy by LGBTQ+ activists and allies in Thailand. With this legislation, same-sex couples can marry and enjoy the same legal protections and benefits as heterosexual couples, including inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and access to healthcare and social welfare programmes.

 

The law's passage has been met with widespread jubilation from the LGBTQ+ community and supporters, viewing it as a significant victory for equality and human rights. Many have hailed it as a turning point for Thailand, a country renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and general tolerance.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR onbline

 

Amidst the celebrations, the Thai government has also warmly welcomed the bill’s approval, seeing it as a means to promote Thailand as a progressive and inclusive destination for tourists and investors. The country is now preparing to bid for the 2030 World Pride celebrations, further cementing its role as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

 

The new law is expected to take effect within 120 days. Once implemented, Thailand will become the third place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, following Taiwan's decision in 2019 and Nepal's recent legislation in 2023.

 

This legislative achievement signals a progressive shift in Thailand's approach to human rights and sets a precedent for neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. As the world watches, Thailand's bold move could inspire a broader recognition of LGBTQ+ rights across the region, highlighting the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance for all.

 

TOP Picture courtesy: MGR onbline

 

-- 2024-06-19

 

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[steven100]

Very good,  this is great news for Thailand and the gay community. It goes a long way in representing same-sex couples and their equal place in Thai society. 

Well done ....   good to read some positive news for a change.   

 

 

[Jingthing]

They've been at this so long its kind of anticlimatic, eh?

But yes historic.

Good for Thailand and good for Thailand's international soft power brand.

Edited June 18 by Jingthing

[rocketboy2]

Well, about time.

Good luck to them all. 

[Henk Langeweg]

Who is paying the dowry?

[rwill]

23 minutes ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Who is paying the dowry?

Indian tourists in Pattaya.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This landmark decision culminates years of relentless advocacy by LGBTQ+ activists and allies in Thailand. With this legislation, same-sex couples can marry and enjoy the same legal protections and benefits as heterosexual couples, including inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and access to healthcare and social welfare programmes.

About time too.

[rovinman]

"First Place in South East Asia"  !   Great, but only Third pace in Asia  { ? }, after Taiwan, and Nepal  ?  ?  ?

Any-one got a Map  ?

[granuaile]

Will foreign spouses in same-sex marriages have the same rights as those in opposite-sex marriages?

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

"Thailand's bold move could inspire a broader recognition of LGBTQ+ rights across the region,"

 

Magical thinking.

[ChasingTheSun]

What comes next after same sex marriage?

[bob smith]

Great news for Thailand.

 

Well done indeed! 

 

bob.

[Lenthai]

Congratulations Thailand

[MamaSan]

'Can't WAIT to apply for my new marriage visa!

[mushroomdave]

And now will soon have the same right to be miserable, just like everyone else!

Edited June 19 by mushroomdave

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, ChasingTheSun said:

What comes next after same sex marriage?

Same sex divorce.

[redwood1]

33 minutes ago, MamaSan said:

'Can't WAIT to apply for my new marriage visa!

 

Me too....

 

I will marry my Thai girlfriend...She the husband....And me the wife...And I will get a super easy Thai citizenship in no time....

Edited June 19 by redwood1

[Kwaibill]

2 hours ago, Henk Langeweg said:

Who is paying the dowry?

Mexico.😜

[KhunLA]

43 minutes ago, mushroomdave said:

And now will soon have the same right to be miserable, just like everyone else!

 

Careful what you wish for.  Not being able to marry would have saved me from 3 divorces, though all amicable.  No financial losses at all, since already poor & childless.

 

16 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

 

Me too....

 

I will marry my Thai girlfriend...She the husband....And me the wife...And I will get a super easy Thai citizenship in no time....

Said same to wife last night ... she wasn't going for it.

 

On topic ... it's a good thing, for those that need their life 'certified'.    Not seeing any benefit for Thai / Thai union.   Can't see Imm recognizing it, and foreigners getting Thai citizenship after 2 yrs of marriage.

 

Guessing the 'law' states same 'sex', not imaginary genders.

Edited June 19 by KhunLA

[OneMoreFarang]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

This landmark decision culminates years of relentless advocacy by LGBTQ+ activists and allies in Thailand. With this legislation, same-sex couples can marry and enjoy the same legal protections and benefits as heterosexual couples, including inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and access to healthcare and social welfare programmes.

How about adoption? Are they allowed to adopt children?

[Celsius]

What does this mean for extensions based on marriage?

 

 

[johnnybangkok]

Well done Thailand!

[KhunLA]

3 minutes ago, Celsius said:

What does this mean for extensions based on marriage?

Same as female / male scam marriages, there will be new male / male scammers out there.   Imm will probably require nude sex photos to verify 

[johnnybangkok]

3 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

How about adoption? Are they allowed to adopt children?

Well only married couples can adopt in Thailand so since this now includes gay couples then I'm sure they will be allowed eventually.

Another great opportunity for unwanted children to be involved in a loving and devoted family rather than be raised in orphanages. 

[mfd101]

My b/f and I (already civil partnered in Oz) plan to marry here in Nov/Dec when Oz friends are visiting. Main advantage for us - apart from symbolism - is enhanced protection for me (inheritance & property rights) in the event that my partner predeceases me.

[steven100]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

including inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and access to healthcare and social welfare programmes

 

does that include the discount at dairy queen 

[gaucan]

Just now, steven100 said:

 

does that include the discount at dairy queen 

u worried about the extra cream, aren't u

[LukKrueng]

2 hours ago, ChasingTheSun said:

What comes next after same sex marriage?

Same sex divorce?

[gaucan]

2 hours ago, ChasingTheSun said:

What comes next after same sex marriage?

Yes. everyone comes.

[brianthainess]

30 minutes ago, Celsius said:

What does this mean for extensions based on marriage?

 

 

It will mean it the same I presume the foreigner will be the one who has to put the 400K in the bank, but I'm still skeptical that this new law will include foreigners.