Thailand
Thailand’s house passes bill toward legalizing same-sex marriage
Thailand’s House votes to legalize same-sex marriage, a step closer to being Southeast Asia’s first to recognize equal marriage rights, pending Senate and king’s approval.
BANGKOK, THAILAND: In a landmark vote on Wednesday, Thailand’s House of Representatives took a significant step toward legalizing same-sex marriage, positioning the country to potentially become the first in Southeast Asia to recognize equal marriage rights.
The bill passed its third and final reading in the lower house of parliament with overwhelming support, receiving 400 votes in favour and only ten against.
This progress towards marriage equality marks a historic moment in Thai legislation but awaits further approval from the Senate and the king’s endorsement, a process expected to span several months.
If ratified, Thailand would not only lead the way in Southeast Asia but also join Taiwan and Nepal as the third jurisdiction in Asia to embrace marriage equality.
Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the amendment committee, hailed the moment as a monumental shift in Thai history, emphasizing the need for the law to mirror current societal changes. The bill garnered support from major political parties, underscoring a collective commitment to enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive society for the gay, lesbian, and transgender community.
Despite this legislative milestone, members of the LGBTQ+ community highlight the ongoing challenges they face, including discrimination and violence, in Thailand’s conservative society.
The journey towards marriage equality has seen numerous hurdles, including a 2020 Constitutional Court ruling that upheld the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
However, the recent parliamentary vote reflects a significant change in attitude, fueled in part by election promises from several major political parties, including the progressive Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Thailand’s bid to host World Pride in 2028, supported by Prime Minister Thavisin, underscores the nation’s desire to affirm its standing as a friendly and safe destination for the LGBTQ+ community globally.
Yet, the struggle for equal rights and recognition in Thailand mirrors a broader global challenge, navigating through entrenched conservative values to embrace diversity and inclusion.
As Thailand awaits the Senate’s decision and the royal endorsement, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential impact of this legislation on LGBTQ+ rights in Asia and beyond.
The display of a rainbow flag in the parliamentary chamber following the bill’s approval symbolizes a hopeful future for equality, love, and acceptance in Thailand.
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Should updates on the Iswaran corruption case or Ah Goh’s son CBT case. At least these cases are related to SG and our system, instead of what is happening in other countries. If Singaporeans can’t get the system right in SG, why kaypor with other countries???
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Is this even necessary? There is a need every where to be able to register another human being as the legal representative if they lose their ability to make decisions but a marriage is carrying it too far.
Has the addiction problems increased in Thailand? I was in Phuket in Dec. and though the cannabis cafes were open, there were hardly anyone in them However the cocktail bars were crowded once opened. The legislation may have caused a loss of business to illegal drug trade. It could be the reason why politicians may want to reverse it. In Singapore the addiction nos. continue to increase especially in HDB.
Same lah. Heterosexual marriage oso make a mess … As if same sex will be better. Always empire and agenda override … So result will be the same. Marry down to bully. Becos ppl who cannot treat others as equal will never respect others no matter who they marry. Just wanna get something out of it!
Again why are some ppl so ga-ga what is happening in other countries, like Thailand here? What is the agenda of such articles? Why not focus on what Singaporeans want, not what is happening is other country. Last survey (as recalled) showed majority of Singaporeans still not agreeable to same-sex marriage.