Revisiting Thailand’s Milestone: Same‑Sex Marriage

Photo credits: Alexander Grey

By D'Andre Atama

Pride Month, is celebrated every June, honoring the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. In Thailand, Pride is vibrant and visible—parades, concerts, art showcases, and social media post. But this year, Pride takes on deeper significance: it also reminds the individuals of Thailand legalizing same‑sex marriage.

A Historic First in Southeast Asia

On January 23, 2025, Thailand officially launched the Marriage Equality Act, becoming the first Southeast Asian country and the third in Asia (after Taiwan and Nepal) to legalize same‑sex marriage. The landmark law amends Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms like “man,” “woman,” “husband,” and “wife” with gender-neutral equivalents—“individuals” and “marriage partners.” It grants same‑sex couples full rights to marriage registration, inheritance, medical decisions, joint assets, divorce, and adoption,

Celebrations and Registrations

Joy and optimism filled the air across Thailand. The Department of Provincial Administration recorded 1,832 same‑sex marriages registered nationwide on day one According to The Guardian, in Bangkok alone, 185 couples celebrated at a grand event at Siam Paragon mall, where former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a rainbow‑carpet procession. A video message from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra affirmed, “From now on, all love will be certified by law. All couples will live with honor and dignity in Thailand”. 

Leading the way, actors Apiwat “Porsch” Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo “Arm” Panatkool married at the Phra Nakhon district office. Arm declared, “We can love, we love equally, legally,” while Porsch added, “Every kind of family is beautiful as it is”.

Economic and Tourism Impact

A study by Agoda and Access Partnership forecasts a swing change in Thailand’s tourism economy: an estimated 4 million additional international visitors annually, a US $2 billion boost in tourism revenue, creation of 152,000 full-time jobs, and a 0.3% increase in GDP within two years after legalization. Thailand’s wedding and travel sectors are already launching “rainbow tourism” packages—beachfront elopements, LGBTQ+–friendly honeymoon specials, and more.

Next Steps in Equality

Activists emphasize that marriage equality is a milestone, not the finish line. They are urging Parliament to pass further legislation—such as anti-discrimination laws, gender-recognition legislation, and more inclusive parental rights, including IVF access and gender-neutral parental language in the Civil Code.

Public Support & Institution Readiness

Public backing has been strong: a 2023 government survey found 96.6% support for same‑sex marriage. To ensure smooth implementation, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said city staff received sensitivity training. “Society is ready. The law is ready,” he said. “The final piece is understanding from officials”.

Final Reflection

As rainbow flags adorn streets and storefronts this June, Thailand isn’t merely celebrating one year of marriage equality—it’s celebrating a profound affirmation: love recognized, dignity upheld, rights respected. For countless couples, it’s the legal seal on lifelong promises. For Southeast Asia, it’s evidence that progress lives and love wins.