Thailand’s Equal Marriage Bill has earned praise from the United Nations as a model for non-discrimination policies, setting a precedent for other member states. The recognition came from Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator, who spoke at the launch of the “Flag of Love Across Thailand” campaign on January 13, 2025. The event, held at the United Nations Conference Centre, marked the beginning of a nationwide initiative celebrating Thailand’s impending milestone.
On January 23, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, a landmark moment that Friberg-Storey highlighted as a significant step towards inclusivity and equality. She emphasized that other nations could look to Thailand’s experience as a roadmap for advancing human rights and combating discrimination.
Friberg-Storey also pointed out the considerable efforts that have gone into the development of the Marriage Equality Bill, which she described as central to fostering a society that values inclusivity. “This bill is a testament to Thailand’s leadership in demonstrating that human rights, inclusion, and non-discrimination are essential for a just society,” she added.
Interior Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, who attended the event, shared details about the practical steps being taken to ensure the smooth implementation of the law. The Department of Public Administration is preparing a seamless marriage registration system, which will be available at district offices across the country starting on January 23.
Chanvirakul emphasized that the bill provides inclusive rights for all individuals, regardless of gender identification, and underscored that its passage was not motivated by economic considerations or a desire for international leadership. Instead, he framed it as an alignment with the principles outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, affirming that recognizing inclusivity is the right thing to do.
