Same-sex couples allowed to marry in January in Thailand

Thai king signs the country’s marriage-equality bill into law as activists hail ‘monumental step’.

Making the kingdom the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriages, Thailand’s king has signed a landmarks marriage equality bill into law.

According to the Royale Gazette, King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed the new law on Tuesday. Meaning LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year and the legislation is set to take effect in 120 days.

Opinion polls reported in local media have shown overwhelming public support for equal marriage. Thailand has had a long international reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community.

Apiwat Apiwatsayree and partner Sappanyoo Panatkool who have been together for over 17 years are, among those who have been waiting for the law to pass so they can finally marry.

The Thailand’s House of Representatives and the Senate had voted immensely in support of the bill. The royale endorsement for the law was cheered by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday.

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