Family law in Thailand, when viewed in the past, reflects the unique cultural and societal values of Thailand where same-sex marriage is not recognized. However, on 24th September 2024, Thailand has officially announced in the Royal Gazette of the legalization of same-sex marriage to encourage marriage equality. The amendment on marriage equality law will take effect within 120 days from the date of announcement. In other words, same-sex marriage can be registered from 22nd January 2025 onwards.
With the legalization of the amendment, there will be no limitation on marriage anymore. The amendment significantly changes the definition of marriage, by framing the definition of marriage as a partnership between two individuals. It replaces gender-specific terms like “men”, “women”, “husbands”, and “wives” with gender-neutral language such as “individuals” and “spouses”.
The amendment also changes the tradition known as betrothal in Thailand. In the past, betrothal only allows men to propose marriage to women by offering property as proof of the proposal. But under the marriage equality law, any individual, regardless of biological sex, is permitted to propose marriage under the same “Betrothal” concept.
In addition, the amendment acknowledges affairs between individuals, regardless of their biological sex, as legitimate grounds for divorce or claims for compensation. It also grants same-sex couples the adoption and inheritance rights.