Thailand legalises same-sex marriage

Thailand is rightly regarded as a welcoming and open country for LGBT+ travellers. That reputation has been further enhanced with the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The new law came into effect on 23 January 2025, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

What does the new law mean for Thailand?

LGBT+ travellers to Thailand already know what a wonderful destination it is. Thailand is a country that celebrates diversity where the motto “Love is Love” is true and not just a meaningless soundbite. 

Despite the open nature of Thailand and the Thai people, this is still a conservative country. Local LGBT+ activists have waited a long time for attitudes in government to change. But that change is happening. There are already laws in place in Thailand that don’t allow discrimination over sexual orientation and gender identity. The new same-sex marriage law makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to approve equal marriage. Across the wider Asia region, Taiwan recognised equal marriage in 2019.

The equal marriage law is a significant step for LGBT+ couples who live in Thailand. The marriage legislation uses gender-neutral terms and recognises that marriage is a partnership between two individuals instead of using references to “husband” and “wife” and “man” and “woman”. The law will also mean that LGBT+ couples in Thailand will have the same inheritance and adoption rights as those given to heterosexual marriages.

Can I get married in Thailand?

Thailand is already a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, particularly in locations like Phuket and Ko Samui.

Although non-Thais can marry in Thailand, they have to follow legal procedures for the marriage to be formally registered. The process is the same for straight or gay couples. In Thailand, couples are only legally married once the wedding has been registered at the local district office (known as ‘amphur’ in most of the country).

There is some paperwork to go through that also involves a visit to the Thai Embassy. To make the process easier, many non-Thai couples opt to use a local wedding planner. Alternatively, there is the option to have a wedding blessing service in Thailand but go through the legal registration process in the UK or Ireland. 

If you are marrying a Thai partner there are other factors to consider when planning a wedding in Thailand.

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