2024-12-21
Thailand takes a historic step forward on January 22, 2025 when the country becomes the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriages. The new law is an important victory for human rights and marks Thailand's role as a progressive and inclusive society.
The new legislation provides same-sex couples full legal recognition with rights such as inheritance, adoption and tax benefits. Thailand thus joins Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian countries with similar rights. The decision has been praised internationally and is seen as a milestone for gender equality in the region.
In addition to strengthening human rights, this legislation is expected to have significant economic benefits. Thailand, which is already one of the most popular destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, is expected to attract even more visitors thanks to legalization. According to a study by digital travel platform Agoda, this could lead to up to 4 million more international visitors per year and almost 2 billion USD in increased tourism revenue annually within two years. In addition, this is expected to create approximately 152 new full-time jobs, half of which in the tourism sector.
Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional marketing director for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), emphasizes that LGBTQ+ tourists are a "high-quality segment" because they often have higher disposable income and spend more on meaningful experiences. He believes that this legislation further solidifies Thailand's status as a world-leading destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are expected to be particularly popular wedding tourism and honeymoons. Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has also expressed his support for the decision, stressing the importance of building a more inclusive society.
Same-sex marriage in Thailand
- Introduction: January 22, 2025.
- What does the law mean? Full legal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples, including rights such as inheritance, adoption and tax benefits.
- Historic decision: The proposal was introduced in November 2023, passed by the House of Representatives in March 2024 (400 votes to 10) and by the Senate in June 2024 (130 votes to 4).
- Thailand in the region: The first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia (after Taiwan and Nepal) to legalize same-sex marriage.
- Celebration: Activists plan to mark the milestone with a mass wedding for over 1 LGBTQ+ couples on January 000, 22.
- Importance of tourism: Legalized same-sex marriage is expected to increase Thailand's appeal as an inclusive destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, weddings and honeymoons.
Important information for foreign same-sex couples
- Can foreign couples get married in Thailand? Yes, same-sex couples from other countries can marry in Thailand under the new law from January 2025.
- Legal status in Thailand: Marriage is fully recognized in Thailand with rights such as inheritance, adoption and tax benefits.
- Recognition in the home country: It is important to check whether the home country recognizes same-sex marriage. If not, the marriage may lack legal validity in the home country.
- Recommendation:
- Contact the home country's embassy in Thailand for information on legal recognition.
- Consult a legal expert to understand which rights apply in your specific case.
Sources:
- Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage - Reuters
- Economic impact of the law - Nation Thailand
- The tourism industry's expectations - Khaosod English
- LGBTQ+ tourism in Thailand - The Thaiger
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: ASPhotography, Pixabay, original image