Jan 23 marked a historic milestone for Thailand as the Marriage Equality Act, formally known as the Civil and Commercial Code Amendment (No. 24) BE 2567, officially came into effect.
It has been hailed as a watershed achievement in human rights and gender equality, granting all couples, regardless of gender, the right to legally register their marriages, thus reshaping the nation’s legal, economic, and cultural landscape.
The story became a nationwide sensation and the talk of the town. Newspapers and other media outlets ran bold headlines across every front page that day.
This is the first time Thailand has enforced such a law, after years of debate. Thailand has now become the third country in Asia to do so, following Taiwan and Nepal, and the 37th country worldwide to recognise marriage equality.
The kingdom continues to support this global movement, envisioning a world where all love is considered equal, and every individual can live with pride and dignity.
The Act was published in the Royal Gazette in September last year, with a 120-day period for government agencies to adjust regulations accordingly.
Among the changes was the Ministry of Interior’s revision of family registration rules, replacing terms such as “husband and wife” with “spouses”, and “man and woman” with “persons”.
The path to marriage equality in Thailand has spanned more than a decade. The bill passed its first reading in parliament in December 2023, received final approval from the Senate in June 2024, and was promulgated in the Royal Gazette three months later.
Then-prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hailed its enforcement as a victory for all Thai people.
The Bangkok Post organised the “Bangkok Post Pride 2025” forum under the banner “Pride in Action, Together Now, Together Always” to celebrate Pride Month in June.
Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in both his businesses and political career, was invited as a key speaker at the forum. He played a key role in turning the Marriage Equality Bill into law.
Citing the Act, he said Thailand needs to keep supporting the spirit behind Pride Month to ensure LGBTQ+ rights are protected.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the day carried deep emotional significance.
The first day of legal marriage registrations for LGBTQ+ couples was marked by major celebrations in central Bangkok. More than 300 couples registered their marriages, with festivities continuing throughout the day to commemorate the landmark event.
Universities nationwide joined in celebrating the milestone. Student groups organised exhibitions under the theme “Love in Equality”, showcasing the history of activism that led to the reform.
Meanwhile, local businesses have been adapting to the new opportunities offered. Cafés and wedding planners have begun offering services tailored to LGBTQ+ couples, boosting tourism and invigorating regional economies.
Families across the country are experiencing quieter but profound shifts.
Parents in this camp who once worried about their children’s future are now increasingly expressing relief, knowing their sons and daughters can build legally recognised families.
Conversations once marked by tension are giving way to understanding and warmth. Public displays of affection among LGBTQ+ couples are increasingly normalised.
The law has proven to be more than just an example of legal reform. It has reshaped the atmosphere of Thai society, ushering in a new dawn of equality where love, in most of its forms, is recognised and celebrated.
The passage of the Act is one of the major news events of the year in Thailand.
