The Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567 (2024) marks a significant development in Thailand’s legal framework, particularly in recognizing marriage equality. This reform, which becomes effective on January 23, 2025, brings transformative changes to marital rights, property laws, and administrative procedures, ensuring inclusivity and fairness for all individuals.
Key Legal Highlights
1. Gender-Neutral Terminology
– The amendment eliminates gender-specific terms such as “husband” and “wife,” replacing them with “spouses.”
– The term “individual” replaces gender-specific identifiers, enabling same-sex couples to marry legally.
2. Expanded Definition of Marriage
– Marriage is legally recognized as a union between any two individuals, removing prior gender restrictions.
– This redefinition ensures that same-sex couples enjoy equal rights and recognition under Thai law.
3. Property and Inheritance Rights
- Property Rights:
– Spouses, regardless of gender, share equal rights to joint property.
– Equitable division of assets is mandated in cases of separation. - Inheritance Rights:
– Same-sex spouses have the same inheritance rights as opposite-sex couples.
– Succession orders and inheritance entitlements are explicitly extended to same-sex partnerships.
4. Administrative Reforms
- Marriage registration procedures have been updated to accommodate all couples, regardless of gender.
- Forms and official documentation have been amended to align with the inclusive language mandated by the law.
5. Dispute Resolution
- Clear legal mechanisms are introduced for resolving disputes involving same-sex couples, including property division, spousal support, and child custody where applicable.
Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567 (2024)_Bangkok Global Law