Part of the LGBT rights series |
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Thailand is expected to soon recognise same-sex marriage. The Act to Amend the Civil and Commercial Code (Marriage Equality Act) passed both houses of Parliament, and would come into effect 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette which follows the granting of royal assent.[1] Thailand previously did not recognise any form of same-sex unions.[2][3] Several bills for civil partnerships and same-sex marriage had previously been introduced by the Cabinet but failed to pass Parliament.
New same-sex marriage legislation supported by the government and major opposition parties was introduced in November 2023. It was passed by the House of Representatives by 400 to 10 on 27 March 2024, and the Senate by 130 to 4 on 18 June 2024.[4] It now requires royal assent from King Rama X.[5][6][7][8] The amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code replaces the terms "men and women" and "husband and wife" with the words "individuals" and "spouses". The law also allows same-sex couples to jointly adopt children.[9] It will become the first Southeast Asian country and the second Asian country after Taiwan to legalise same-sex marriage.[10][11][12][13]