Same-sex marriage in Thailand

Legislative history

Efforts to legalise same-sex unions began long before 2025. Early drafts for civil partnerships faced political stalls and public hearings. A 2018 bill proposed life partner registration but lacked adoption rights. In November 2023, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government approved a draft law. Parliament debated multiple versions before passing a unified bill. The House of Representatives voted 400 to 10 in March 2024. The Senate followed with 130 votes in June. King Vajiralongkorn gave royal assent in August. The law was published in September and took effect in January 2025.

Legal framework

The new law replaced terms like 'men and women' with 'individuals' in the Civil and Commercial Code. Section 1448 now states that marriage requires both parties to be at least eighteen years old. Courts may allow exceptions for younger applicants with valid reasons. Same-sex couples gained the right to jointly adopt children. Previously, Thai law did not recognise any form of same-sex union. Activists had repeatedly attempted to register marriages without success. The Constitutional Court had previously upheld the ban as constitutional.

Public opinion

Polling consistently shows strong support for same-sex marriage among Thais. A 2023 government survey found that 96.6% of the public backed the legislation. Support varies by age and education level, with younger and more educated respondents showing higher approval. Religious affiliation also influences views, with Buddhists showing greater support than Muslims. Opposition remains concentrated within Thailand's small Muslim minority. Despite this, the majority of citizens have consistently favoured legal recognition for decades.

Implementation

On the first day of implementation, over 1,754 couples registered their marriages. About 650 of these were in Bangkok. Organisers aimed for 1,448 participants to symbolise the amended legal section. King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida officiated a royally-sponsored ceremony in May 2025. By January 2026, more than 26,000 same-sex couples had married. These accounted for roughly ten percent of all marriages in the country. Most were between lesbian couples, while male couples made up twenty-four percent.

How Same-sex marriage in Thailand is kept

Couples apply for marriage registration at local administrative offices or online. Both partners must be at least eighteen years old unless a court grants an exception. The process involves submitting identification documents and signing the marriage certificate. No specific religious ceremony is required, though many choose to hold personal celebrations. Mass weddings are sometimes organised by activist groups to mark the occasion. Couples gain joint adoption rights and inheritance protections under the new law.

When and where

Available since 23 January 2025. Couples can register at any time after the law took effect. No specific season or lucky day is mandated. Registration follows standard civil procedures during business hours.

Primarily in Thailand. Available nationwide through administrative offices. Bangkok saw high participation on the first day. Other provinces also hosted mass wedding events. The law applies to all Thai citizens regardless of location.

What Same-sex marriage in Thailand means

The law represents a shift toward equality and dignity for LGBTQ+ individuals. It validates relationships that were previously excluded from civil recognition. The number 1,448 used in early celebrations referenced the amended legal code section. Royal involvement signified state acceptance of diverse family structures. It marks a historic moment for human rights in Southeast Asia.

Who takes part

• The couple: Apply for registration and sign the marriage certificate
• Administrative officials: Verify documents and process the marriage application
• The King: Gave royal assent to the law and officiated a ceremonial wedding
• Activists: Organised mass weddings and advocated for legal change

If you are a guest

Guests at celebratory weddings typically offer congratulations and gifts. There are no strict traditional dress codes for same-sex ceremonies. Attendees may wear formal attire similar to opposite-sex weddings. Some events include speeches or cultural performances. Guests play a supportive role in celebrating the couple's union.

Then and now

The custom is rapidly growing as more couples register. Legal challenges are minimal due to broad public support. Some communities remain hesitant, particularly in conservative regions. The practice continues to evolve as societal attitudes shift. Adoption rights are now fully recognised for same-sex couples.

Same-sex marriage in Thailand dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in Thailand

See also

BaciThe wrist-tying ceremony that calls the soul back to restore balance and good luck.Blessing ceremony of the Unification ChurchA large-scale marriage rededication or new union ceremony that engrafts couples into a sinless lineage.Baju KurungThe traditional blouse and skirt worn by Malay women for weddings and religious ceremoniesBride priceWealth paid by the groom or his family to the bride or her kin to formalize a union.

Good reading and sources

• สมรสเท่าเทียม: สำรวจข้อเหมือน-ข้อต่าง ร่างกฎหมายสมรส LGBTQ+ รัฐบาล-ก้าวไกล-ภาคประชาชนBBC, Article
• Thailand: Lawmakers pass same-sex marriage billDeutsche Welle, Article
• สมรสเท่าเทียม: สำรวจข้อเหมือน-ข้อต่าง ร่างกฎหมายสมรส LGBTQ+ รัฐบาล-ก้าวไกล-ภาคประชาชนBBC, Article
• Thailand: Lawmakers pass same-sex marriage billDeutsche Welle, Article

• Same-sex marriage in Thailand on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.