Opinion Equality Concerns Persist Despite Thai Pride Progress, Says Srettha

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Srettha Thavisin. File photo

 

Thailand's recent stride in legalising same-sex marriage is just the beginning, according to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a candid discussion with the media for Pride Month, Srettha urged for perpetual commitment to genuine inclusivity, beyond one-month celebrations. He stressed that daily recognition of equality through robust laws and societal acceptance is imperative.

 

Srettha, whose administration catapulted Thailand to the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia, underscored that true equality transcends mere symbolic gestures. As the pioneer of the Marriage Equality Law in the region, he envisions a Thailand where acceptance is embedded in daily life and all identities are safeguarded under the law. He emphasised that seasonal initiatives like Pride Month can inadvertently marginalise rather than integrate.

 

During his tenure, the legalisation of same-sex marriage marked a historic landmark, heralding a new era for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. However, Srettha asserts that the journey towards all-encompassing equality is far from over. The former PM cited the need for urgent legislative reform to address ongoing challenges, pressing for the Gender Recognition Bill and legal reforms affecting sex workers. He highlighted the discrimination faced by transgender individuals due to discrepancies in the legal recognition of their identities.

 

In his vision, adopting inclusive policies would elevate Thailand to a global exemplar of diversity and fairness. However, Srettha points out that tangible change hinges on parliamentary action. He suggests that political inaction will inevitably result in electoral accountability.

 

A broader call to action extends beyond LGBTQ+ rights; the fight against inequality spans education, healthcare, and economic sectors. Srettha linked ongoing inequality to Thailand's falling birth rates, suggesting that societal barriers drive citizens to seek opportunities abroad. This situation aggravates both a population decline and brain drain, threatening future national growth.

 

Education remains another facet of inequality. Srettha criticised international schools benefiting from tax exemptions, urging them to offer scholarships to less-privileged students. He pointed out that disparities in educational access compromise the nation's socio-economic mobility and opportunities for underprivileged students.

 

On sustainability, Srettha believes that comprehensive taxation is key to fostering rural development and improving public services. Rejecting misconceptions that taxation necessarily breeds corruption, he argued that efficient redistribution of wealth could secure universal improvements, such as clean water and healthcare, ultimately strengthening national resilience.

 

He also highlighted the importance of adding value to Thailand's agricultural outputs, suggesting innovative ideas like turning Thai rice into high-quality liquor, a potential catalyst for rural economic growth. Through embedding equality into everyday life and economic policy, Srettha envisions a Thailand where citizens are empowered to invest in their future, feeling secure and appreciated. In essence, he aligns national stability with the everyday lived reality of genuine equality for all.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-18