"Marriage Registration Regardless of Gender"... Thailand Promotes 'Marriage Equality Law' Allowing Same-Sex Marriage

Prime Minister "Supports Legislation Strengthening LGBTQ+ Rights"
"Will Also Discuss Ways to Accept Legalization of Prostitution"

The Thai government is pushing for the enactment of a marriage equality law focused on strengthening the rights of sexual minorities (LGBTQ), including the legalization of same-sex marriage.

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According to local media such as the Bangkok Post and The Nation, Prime Minister Seta Tawisin stated that he will do his best to pass the marriage equality law.

Government spokesperson Chai Wachalong said, “The Prime Minister has clearly expressed his support for various bills that strengthen the rights of sexual minorities, including the marriage equality law, and intends to implement related policies.” The bill is scheduled to be reviewed by the cabinet next week and discussed in the parliament in December.

Under current Thai law, marriage is only permitted between a man and a woman. However, if the marriage equality law is passed, individuals above a certain age will be able to register their marriage regardless of gender. Authorities are also reviewing a bill that would allow transgender individuals to change the gender listed on their identification cards.

Currently, more than 30 countries, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, France, Mexico, and Brazil, have legalized same-sex marriage. In 2000, the Dutch parliament became the first in the world to legally recognize same-sex marriage, and since then, a wave of legalization has spread worldwide, especially across Europe.

Thailand's LGBTQ+ Festival
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Taiwan is the only country in Asia that has legalized same-sex marriage. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019, Taiwan also passed a bill in May to expand adoption rights for same-sex couples.

In Thailand, awareness of gender issues is open, and discrimination against sexual minorities such as homosexuals and transgender people is relatively low, with the country known for recognizing diversity.

Drama and films featuring sexual minorities are popular, and there is an atmosphere where sexual minorities can freely work in general occupations.

Additionally, the government sponsors LGBTQ events and actively promotes tourism targeting sexual minorities from around the world. The government has also announced plans to host the global LGBTQ festival, ‘World Pride,’ in 2028.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Seta has also expressed his intention to review the controversy surrounding the legalization of prostitution.

Women’s rights groups have argued that prostitution should be legalized to protect the welfare and rights of sex workers, but they have repeatedly faced strong opposition from conservative groups.

Spokesperson Wachalong said, “Legalizing prostitution is a sensitive issue that could affect Thailand’s social and cultural norms, but the Prime Minister has said he will discuss with relevant agencies to find a solution that can be accepted.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.