Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act: what comes next?
Rajen (Raji) Ramiah
Nishimura & Asahi, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok
On the 23 January 2025, Thailand took a historic leap forward with the enactment of the Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the legal right to marry. This landmark achievement solidifies Thailand’s reputation as a progressive leader in LGBTQI+ rights within the region. Almost 2,000 couples got married, showing their commitment to each other across the Kingdom. However, while marriage equality is now recognised, a significant gap in other legal protections remains, which must be addressed for true equality to be achieved.
Thailand stands out as the only country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal as the only regions in Asia with such progressive legislation. This move has a huge impact on the region, setting a precedent and offering hope to LGBTQI+ communities in neighbouring countries. However, it is important to note that some countries in this region are unlikely to adopt similar measures due to strong historical and religious backgrounds which influence their legal systems and societal norms.
The next steps in ensuring full equality in Thailand involve a range of legislative updates. Adoption rights for same-sex couples need to be clarified, as well as access to surrogacy. Immigration laws must be adapted to ensure that foreign same-sex spouses receive the same rights as heterosexual couples. Additionally, legal protections surrounding healthcare, insurance and inheritance should be revised to reflect the realities of all families. Without these changes, marriage equality remains incomplete, leaving LGBTQI+ couples vulnerable in key areas of life.
Another pressing issue is the lack of gender recognition for transgender individuals. Thailand, despite being widely known for its acceptance of gender diversity, still does not legally allow individuals to amend their gender on official documents. For example, a British national living and working in Thailand who has legally changed their gender in the UK finds that Thailand does not recognise this change. As a result, they are unable to use their UK documents to update their legal identity in Thailand, causing significant difficulties in daily life, from employment verification to accessing essential services. Legal recognition of gender identity as a fundamental human right must be addressed to ensure dignity, safety and access to essential services.
The passage of the Marriage Equality Act is a reason to celebrate, but it also serves as a reminder that the fight for equality does not stop here. We must continue advocating for legislative reforms that uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Businesses, community leaders and allies have a critical role to play in advocating for these changes – by implementing inclusive policies and fostering environments in which everyone feels respected and valued.
Thailand has set a powerful precedent with marriage equality. Now, the focus must shift to ensuring that all laws reflect this progress. True equality means not only recognising love but also protecting every aspect of a person’s identity and life. The journey continues, and together, we must move forward.
This achievement is a beacon of hope and progress, but it also highlights ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community. By addressing these issues head-on and advocating for comprehensive legal reforms, Thailand can truly become a model for equality and human rights in the region. The road ahead may be long, but with continued effort and solidarity, a future of true equality is within reach.