Subscribe

0

Videos Society

Thailand Celebrates Pride Month with Bangkok Parade, Nears Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Bangkok launched its Diversity Month celebrations with a colorful parade, marking a significant step towards Thailand legalizing same-sex marriage. The event coincided with the progress of an equality bill, expected to pass its final readings in the Thai Senate later this month.

author-image
Nitish Verma
New Update
Thailand Celebrates Pride Month with Bangkok Parade, Nears Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand Celebrates Pride Month with Bangkok Parade, Nears Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

On June 1, Bangkok launched its Diversity Month celebrations with a colorful parade, marking a significant step towards Thailand becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The event drew tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals, activists, and supporters, filling the streets with rainbow flags and signs proclaiming 'Love wins.'

The parade, themed 'Celebration of Love,' covered 1.5 kilometers in the city's commercial district and featured concerts, drag queens, and a giant rainbow flag. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin joined the march, making history by being the first Thai premier to participate in the Bangkok LGBTQ+ Parade. Thavisin, dressed in a rainbow shirt, emphasized on social media that 'it is a basic right to choose who to love.'

Why this matters: Thailand's move to legalize same-sex marriage has significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia, paving the way for other countries to follow suit. This legislation could lead to increased acceptance and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals, reducing discrimination and promoting equality.

The event coincided with the progress of an equality bill, which is expected to pass its final readings in the Thai Senate later this month. The bill, which has already overwhelmingly passed its first reading in April, aims to amend the Civil and Commercial Code to allow same-sex marriage. Senator Wallop Tangkananuruk, chairman of the Senate's committee on same-sex marriage, predicted that the bill will pass on June 18. If there are no amendments from the lower house, the government will send it for royal approval, and the law will come into force 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette.

The parade highlighted the growing support for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. 'This year's LGBTQ+ parade can be considered one of the biggest because it coincides with the passing of the same-sex marriage,' said Avorawan Ramwan, a parade participant. Another attendee, Maew Chol, a 23-year-old investment banker, remarked, 'Now it'll officially state that Thailand, Thai people, and Thai legality support true love.'

Despite its reputation as a thriving hub for the LGBTQ+ community, Thailand still lacks many legal protections for people of varying sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. The country's parliament rejected a draft law on gender recognition in March, which would have allowed transgender and non-binary Thais to change their legal gender markers.

The Bangkok Equality Parade, organized by Ann Waaddao Chumaporn, has evolved over the years from a party-focused event to a political statement advocating for gender equality and diversity. 'I hope the parade can be a platform that allows everyone to call out for what they want and express who they really are,' said Chumaporn.

With the expected passage of the marriage equality bill, Thailand is set to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. The law will recognize marriage registrations of same-sex partners aged 18 and up, and grant them rights to inheritance, tax allowances, and child adoption.

Thailand's LGBTQ+ Month celebrations, with their colorful parades and political undertones, reflect the country's path towards greater acceptance and legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. As Prime Minister Thavisin noted, 'Thailand will continue to support gender diversity after successfully passing the marriage equality bill.'

Key Takeaways

  • Bangkok launches Diversity Month with a colorful parade, marking a step towards legalizing same-sex marriage in Thailand.
  • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin becomes the first Thai premier to participate in the Bangkok LGBTQ+ Parade.
  • Thailand's marriage equality bill is expected to pass its final readings in the Thai Senate later this month.
  • If passed, the law will recognize same-sex marriage, granting rights to inheritance, tax allowances, and child adoption.
  • Thailand will be the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal.