Current Affairs-Topics

Thailand's Groundbreaking Move: Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand's lower house of parliament has approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first in Southeast Asia. The bill, which changes the legal definition of marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two persons,"

Thailand's lower house of parliament has approved a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage, putting the country on track to become the first in Southeast Asia to allow such unions. The marriage equality bill passed with overwhelming support - 475 votes in favor, 185 against, and 6 abstentions. The bill will now go to the Senate for approval before being sent to the King for Royal endorsement and publication in the Royal Gazette.

Key Provisions

  • Couples of the same gender, aged 18 and over, will be able to get married legally once the bill becomes law.
  • Same-sex couples will have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption rights and inheritance rights.
  • The bill changes the legal definition of marriage from being between "a man and a woman" to being between "two persons."

Significance

  • Thailand will become only the second place in Asia, after Taiwan, to legally recognize same-sex marriage if the bill clears the remaining hurdles.
  • The move is hailed as a major milestone for LGBTQ rights by activists who have campaigned for decades.
  • Thailand has a prominent LGBTQ culture and is viewed as relatively accepting, but discrimination persists.

Economic Impact

  • Legalizing same-sex marriage could provide a $1.7 billion annual boost to Thailand's economy from LGBTQ tourism and wedding ceremonies.
  • Before Covid, Thailand welcomed around 35 million tourists per year, with around 5% identifying as LGBTQ.
  • The Thai tourism authority has actively courted LGBTQ travelers for over two decades.

Religious Perspectives

  • Thailand's Buddhist leaders have mixed views, with some supporting equal rights while others oppose same-sex unions on religious grounds.
  • The influential Buddhist group Dhammakaya has opposed the legislation, arguing it goes against "the Buddha's teachings."
  • However, several high-profile monks have voiced support, seeing no religious conflict with same-sex marriages.

Regional Context

  • Most Asian nations still outlaw same-sex relations, with punishments ranging from fines to whipping or death.
  • Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first in Asia.
  • Nepal has also legalized same-sex marriage while India's Supreme Court decriminalized gay sex in 2018.

Source: - BBC, Reuter, Bloomberg, Thai PBS, Human Rights Watch

More Related Articles

Storm Petrel Missile Russia

In a major strategic breakthrough, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the successful test of the Storm Petrel missile in Russia, officially known as the Burevestnik missile (9M730). Th

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN 2025

On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste joins ASEAN 2025 officially as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This historic inclusion was formalised during the ASEAN Summi

Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025

The Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025 is one of the most anticipated global spiritual events of the decade. Scheduled from November 4 to 19, 2025, in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, this two-week

US–China Trade War 2025

The US–China Trade War 2025 has once again captured global attention as high-level officials from both nations convened in Kuala Lumpur for critical negotiations. These talks, held on th

Russia Nuclear Readiness Test 2025

On 22 October 2025, Russia conducted a comprehensive nuclear readiness test, under the direct supervision of President Vladimir Putin, involving strategic missile launches from land, sea, and air.

NZ Social Media Ban 2025

In a significant move reflecting growing global concerns about teen mental health and online safety, New Zealand is set to debate legislation that would restrict social media access for children u

Tuvalu Biodiversity Overview

The Government of Tuvalu has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its 90th State Member. This significant development highlights the growing global attent

Middle East Peace Effort 2025

The Middle East peace effort 2025 has taken a historic turn with former US President Donald Trump being recognised for his pivotal role in mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli P

Historic Rise of Sanae Takaichi

In a historic moment for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, breaking one of the country’s most enduring political glass ceilings

India Mongolia Relations Explained

The President of Mongolia recently undertook a state visit to India, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the India-Mongolia strategic partne

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham