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Thailand Legalizes Same-sex Partnerships A Landmark, But Not Marriage Equality 

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Thailand Makes History: Legalizes Same-sex Civil Partnerships 

Thailand has taken a historic step by becoming the first country in South and Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex partnerships. The long-awaited bill grants LGBTQ+ couples legal rights to property, inheritance, and adoption rights denied for decades. But while many hail the move as progress, activists argue that calling it “civil partnership” instead of “marriage” still reinforces inequality. Is this truly a victory for equality or just a halfway mark in the fight for marriage for all? 

What the Bill Means 

The new law recognizes same-sex civil partnerships, giving couples rights similar to heterosexual spouses: 

  • Joint property ownership 
  • Inheritance rights 
  • Legal guardianship and child adoption 

To register, couples must be at least 17 years old, and one partner must be a Thai citizen. Those under 17 need parental or guardian consent. 

Government officials hailed the bill as a “milestone” for gender equality and inclusion. “This strengthens the families of people with sexual diversity,” a spokesperson said, framing the law as a landmark in LGBTQ+ recognition. 

Yet, the omission of the word marriage reserved only for heterosexual couples under Thai law has drawn criticism. For many activists, “civil partnership” is progress wrapped in limitation, keeping queer couples one step below full equality. 

Activists Respond: Progress or Prejudice? 

For Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, the bill is bittersweet. While it provides long denied rights, it stops short of granting true marriage equality. 

Activists argue that separate terminology civil partnership versus marriage creates a two-tier system. Pauline Graphing, a transgender woman and former prime ministerial candidate, voiced her disappointment: 

“The foundation of the same-sex union law draft isn’t based on equality. Why not just call everyone, both traditional and nontraditional couples, as married partners? We don’t want anything special we just want to be treated like others.” 

Her words echo the frustration of LGBTQ+ activists who see the bill as an obstacle rather than a milestone. By institutionalizing the term civil partnership, the law risks cementing queer relationships as “less than,” rather than normalizing them as equal. 

Globally, this debate is familiar. Countries like the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. also introduced civil partnerships before eventually recognizing full marriage equality. Activists believe Thailand is on a similar path but warn that celebrating too soon risks halting momentum toward full equality. 

Regional and Global Impact 

Thailand’s step is groundbreaking for the region. In South and Southeast Asia, LGBTQ+ rights remain heavily restricted. Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia still criminalize same-sex relationships. Even India, despite decriminalizing homosexuality in 2018, has yet to legalize same-sex marriage. 

By passing this law, Thailand positions itself as a potential queer haven in Asia both socially and economically. With tourism being a cornerstone of its economy, LGBTQ+ inclusivity may attract global visitors and recognition. 

But the global LGBTQ+ movement reminds us: legal recognition without equality is not enough. Civil partnerships may be the start, but marriage equality is the destination. 

A Step Forward, A Long Road Ahead  

Thailand’s legalization of same-sex civil partnerships is both historic and imperfect. It validates queer love under the law for the first time yet still falls short of true equality by denying marriage rights. For LGBTQ+ Thais, the celebration is mixed with determination: the fight for full equality continues. As activists remind us, queer people don’t need “special” rights or separate termite just need the same recognition, dignity, and respect as everyone else. 

Thailand

Thailand

Thailand

Read Similar Article: Costa Rica finally legalised same-sex marriage!

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