Wed Sep 25 04:06:51 UTC 2024: ## Thailand Makes History: Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Southeast Asia
**Bangkok, Thailand:** Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed a marriage equality bill into law. The bill, which was passed by the Senate in June, will come into effect on January 22, 2024.
This historic move is the culmination of years of activism by LGBTQ+ groups in Thailand, which has long been considered a relatively tolerant nation for LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. The new law uses gender-neutral language and grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance.
“Today we’re not only getting to write our names in marriage certificates, but we are also writing a page in history… that tells us that love never set a condition of who we were born to be,” said Ann Chumaporn, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement.
Kwankaow Koosakulnirund, an advertising strategist, expressed his joy saying, “The legal recognition means we are fully accepted and can live our lives without conditions or compromises.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the landmark decision on social media, writing “Congratulations on everyone’s love. #LoveWins.”
Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the only countries in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The move is seen as a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the region and a testament to the growing acceptance of diversity and equality.
First Piper 