Thailand Becomes Largest Asian Nation to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

The historic law, taking effect January 22, grants LGBTQ couples equal legal rights but leaves gaps in family recognition and surrogacy laws.

Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the only places in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ rights in the region.
The new law replaces gender-specific terms in marriage regulations, allowing any two people to marry, provided at least one is a Thai citizen.
Same-sex couples will now gain rights such as joint property ownership, legal guardianship, and access to spousal benefits under Thai law.
Critics note that gaps remain, including the lack of legal recognition for surrogacy by same-sex couples and restrictive definitions of parenthood in family law.
Advocates see the law as a step forward but emphasize the need for further reforms to combat discrimination and achieve full equality for LGBTQ families.