By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Thailand has made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, with King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s royal endorsement of a law passed by Parliament three months ago. The new law will take effect on January 22, 2025, allowing same-sex couples aged 18 and above to register their marriages legally and access benefits like inheritance rights and adoption. This landmark decision comes after a decade of advocacy from LGBTQ+ activists.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the royal approval, stating, “This is a collective effort.” He also mentioned that the government plans to introduce legislation recognizing gender identity in the near future. Thailand now joins Taiwan and Nepal as one of the few Asian nations to recognize same-sex marriage, marking a significant shift in a region where LGBTQ+ rights are often unrecognized.
Source: African News Network
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