Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Key Facts and What It Means

Thailand has officially legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first Southeast Asian country and third in Asia (after Taiwan and Nepal) to do so. The law grants LGBTQ couples over 18, regardless of nationality, the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including marriage registration, divorce, adoption, tax benefits, and healthcare.

However, foreign nationals in same-sex marriages with Thai citizens won't automatically gain Thai citizenship. Additionally, while Thai law still defines parents as a mother and father, LGBTQ couples face challenges in adoption, with ongoing efforts by activists to make the law more inclusive.

While same-sex couples can marry, transgender people in Thailand are still unable to legally change their gender identity, as a draft law on gender recognition was rejected last year. Activists are pushing for new legislation on this issue.