How Thailand’s same-sex marriage law could impact South East Asia
Nov 21, 2024
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Panisa Aemocha, a BBC Thai journalist based in Bangkok, sheds light on Thailand's groundbreaking legalization of same-sex marriage, the first in Southeast Asia. She discusses the rights now granted to LGBTQ+ couples, including adoption and inheritance. The cultural significance of boy love and girl love series in Thai media is explored, alongside the activism that spurred this change. Aemocha also examines how this milestone could influence LGBTQ rights in neighboring countries, considering both supportive and conservative reactions.
Thailand's legalization of same-sex marriage grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights in essential areas like adoption and medical decisions, marking a historic shift in society.
The popularity of boy love and girl love dramas has played a crucial role in shaping positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and tourism in Thailand.
Deep dives
Thailand's Marriage Equality Milestone
Thailand has made significant strides toward marriage equality by legalizing same-sex marriage, providing same-sex couples with equal rights in areas such as adoption, inheritance, and medical decisions. This change is the result of over two decades of activism, with the law benefiting from a shift in public opinion towards greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Thai society. The new legislation allows individuals of any gender to marry, reflecting a broader definition than previous laws, which specified male and female. As a result, same-sex partners can now legally handle medical emergencies for their spouses and share tax benefits, fostering a sense of inclusion and legal recognition that has long been sought after by activists and the community alike.
Cultural Acceptance and LGBTQ+ Representation
The visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ culture in Thailand is marked by the popularity of boy love (BL) and girl love (GL) dramas, which have significantly shaped societal attitudes and attracted international tourism. These dramas present same-sex relationships in a normalized and relatable manner, leading to a surge in LGBTQ+ tourism during events like Pride Month, which has garnered nearly one million visitors. Despite some resistance from conservative factions in society and government, the overall culture in Thailand tends to be accepting, particularly among younger generations who support LGBTQ+ rights. This cultural landscape has been pivotal in advancing the conversation around marriage equality and more comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Challenges Ahead for LGBTQ+ Rights
While the legalization of same-sex marriage is a historic achievement, there remain significant challenges for the broader LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Issues of discrimination and the need for additional protective laws highlight that marriage equality alone does not ensure comprehensive rights for all individuals, particularly regarding issues like gender identity recognition. Activists note that societal attitudes, especially among older generations and in rural areas, can still be restrictive due to ingrained cultural and religious beliefs. The success of marriage equality may inspire neighboring countries to follow suit, but activists warn that local beliefs and political conditions will play crucial roles in the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the region.
Thailand has become the first country in South East Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. The new law means that LGBTQ+ couples will have the same legal rights as other couples when it comes to adoption, inheritance and medical decisions. It’s taken activists years of campaigning to get to this point, and in September 2024 Thailand's king signed it into law. It will come into force in January 2025.
BBC Thai journalist Panisa Aemocha, in Bangkok, explains the same-sex marriage legalisation in Thailand and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ in the country. This includes how Thailand has embraced boy love (BL) and girl love (GL) TV series - which show same-sex couples.
We also hear from Best Chitsanupong Nithiwana, an activist who co-founded the Young Pride Club in Chiang Mai, who tells us what this new law means for same-sex couples in Thailand. And we ask, could other nearby countries do the same?
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy
Video producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde
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