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At the end of 2024, the Thailand stands out on the Asian scene by adopting major legislation: the marriage for all. This change, carried by the king Rama X, represents a significant step forward in the fight forequal rights and constitutes a turning point in the history of the country. After years of mobilizations and hope, this law paves the way for a more inclusive society, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to diversity and social justice.
Thailand’s King Rama
At the end of 2024, Thailand took a significant step towards equal rights by becoming the third country in Asia, after Taiwan And Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage. This progress is the fruit of a struggle of more than a decade and bears the signature of the king Maha Vajiralongkorn, nicknamed Rama X.
A game-changing law
With the adoption of this new legislation, which will come into force in January 2025, Thailand demonstrates its commitment to equal rights. King Rama X finally gave his assent to the law, allowing Parliament to formalize this progress. “This law marks a monumental turning point for equal rights in Thailand”, expressed the LGBTQ rights activist, Waaddao Chumaporn, at theAFP.
Celebrating Equality
To commemorate this historic legislation, a mass wedding is planned in Bangkok on January 22, 2025, bringing together more than a thousand same-sex couples. “We are all delighted and excited. We have fought for our rights for over ten years, and now it has finally happened.”, commented the activist Siritata Ninlapruek.
Legislative revisions for an inclusive society
The new law replaces traditional terms like “men” and “women” with inclusive words like “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This reform aims to guarantee equal rights for all couples, whether homosexual or heterosexual, particularly in matters of adoption and inheritance. Although Thailand is recognized as one of the most tolerant countries in Asia towards the LGBTQ community, previous political instability delayed the adoption of this law.
A complex political context
The road to this legislation has not been without pitfalls. Last August, the former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, then in office, had submitted this bill to Parliament. After its adoption, he expressed his satisfaction on social media, emphasizing that equality is now a reality in Thailand. Currently, more than 30 countries around the world have now legalized equal marriage, testimony to a global trend towards inclusiveness.
Societal impacts
This legislative initiative is not simply limited to a legal change; it represents a fundamental societal change, promoting greater acceptance of same-sex couples within Thai society. The collective celebration of love and equality could also inspire other Asian countries to follow the same example, strengthening the global movement for LGBTQ rights.
Key elements of the historic legislation of King Rama
- Marriage for all: The law legalizes same-sex marriage in Thailand.
- Third country in Asia: Thailand becomes the third country in Asia to recognize these unions, after Taiwan and Nepal.
- Change in terminology: Traditional terms are replaced by non-gendered terms, promoting inclusiveness.
- Equal rights: Homosexual couples obtain the same rights as heterosexual couples in matters of adoption and inheritance.
- Social progress: This legislation is seen as a major step forward towards equal rights for the LGBTQ community.
- Institutional support: The royal assent of King Rama X was crucial for the law to come into force.
- Planned celebration: A mass wedding in Bangkok is planned to celebrate the law coming into effect in January 2025.
- Long-term struggle: This legislation is the result of nearly a decade of activism and fighting for LGBTQ rights.
- Political repercussions: The law was passed despite continued political instability in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The King of Thailand, Rama marriage for all, marking a significant step forward towards equal rights for the LGBTQ community.
A: The law will come into force in January 2025, thus making it possible to celebrate the first marriages between same-sex couples from this date.
A: The law replaces traditional references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” And “wives” by non-gendered terms like “individuals” And “marriage partners”.
A: This legislation offers homosexual couples the same rights than those of heterosexual couples, particularly in matters of adoption and inheritance.
A: Although Parliament passed the law, it was thanks to royal assent of King Rama X that it could be signed and promulgated.
A: LGBTQ rights activist Waaddao Chumaporn said the law represents a monumental turning point for equal rights in Thailand, sparking enthusiasm and excitement among activists.