June 18th 2024.
Thailand made history this week as it became the first country in South East Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. This groundbreaking move was made possible when the country's Senate passed the marriage equality law on Tuesday. It is a momentous event for the region, and activists have been working tirelessly for over two decades to make this dream a reality. Thailand now joins Nepal and Taiwan as the first countries in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Thai premier Srettha Thavisin expressed his joy at the passing of the law, stating, "Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Bill." At the official ceremony to mark the occasion, a gay couple, Apiwat Apiwatsayree and his partner Sappanyoo Panatkool, shared a light moment, full of hope and happiness. The atmosphere was electric as campaigners and members of the LGBTQIA+ community rejoiced and celebrated this long-awaited victory.
Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, shared her thoughts on the momentous occasion, saying, "Today, love has triumphed over prejudice. After fighting for more than 20 years, we can finally say that this country has marriage equality." The bill was initially backed by 400 members of the House of Representatives in a near-unanimous decision in March. The overwhelming support was evident when only 15 lawmakers present did not endorse it, and the announcement was met with applause and the waving of Pride flags.
Outside the Parliament, a lesbian couple, Juntagon Seneewong Na Ayutthaya and her partner Kamontip Aurareemaitrichit, celebrated with the rest of the LGBTQ+ community in Bangkok. Danuphorn Punnakanta, an MP and chair of the lower house's marriage equality committee, shared his excitement, saying, "This is the beginning of equality. This law wants to return these rights to this group of people, not grant them the rights."
The bill had to be approved by the Senate and then endorsed by the Thai king Vajiralongkorn. It was a significant step towards equality, and many, like gay police officer Phisit Sirihirunchai, were overjoyed at the news. Sirihirunchai said, "I'm glad and already excited that it is really going to happen."
Thailand has a reputation as a relatively progressive country when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, with laws in place to protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. It already ranks among the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Asia. However, with this new law, it joins Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian countries to legalize same-sex marriage. In a government survey conducted last year, more than 96% of people in Thailand showed their support for marriage equality.
Thailand's journey towards marriage equality has not been without its challenges. It took years of campaigning and several failed attempts to get this bill through the finish line. The new law redefines marriage as a partnership between two individuals, rather than between a man and a woman. This change not only marks a symbolic victory but also has a significant impact on the daily lives of LGBTQ+ couples. They now have equal rights when it comes to marital tax savings, inheritance, and consenting to medical treatment for their partners.
Additionally, the new law allows same-sex spouses to adopt children. However, it still uses the term "fathers and mothers," instead of the recommended "parents," as proposed by the marriage equality committee. Despite this, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat believes that "equality has happened today," and that it is a historic day for the Thai parliament, which has stood up to fight for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage since taking office last September. Street celebrations erupted across Bangkok when the lower house passed four draft bills on marriage equality in December. And in March, a combined version of these bills was passed, paving the way for Thailand to become the 38th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, once the bill receives royal ascent.
Other countries, unfortunately, are moving in the opposite direction when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Uganda, for example, introduced the death penalty for homosexuality in 2023. And while same-sex activity is still illegal in 65 countries, it is punishable by death in 12 of those countries. But in Thailand, love has triumphed over prejudice, and this momentous occasion is a step in the right direction towards equality for all.
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