After several debates and discussions, the senate approved the marriage equality bill today (June 18), making Thailand the first nation in Southeast Asia and the 38th in the world to legally accept same-sex marriage.
In short, this bill amends Thailand’s current marriage law, changing the wording from ‘between a man and a woman’ to ‘between two people’. It was approved with 130 votes, 4 disapprovals, and 8 abstentions.
The bill will proceed to the Cabinet, be officially announced in the Royal Gazette, and take effect 120 days after that. Further discussions will address documentation changes, marriage with foreigners, and adoption.