The King of Thailand today approved the marriage equality bill, which was passed earlier this year by parliament, officially making the kingdom the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to recognize same-sex marriages.
The royal approval was published late yesterday, Tuesday, in the royal gazette, which means the law will come into effect in 120 days, on January 22, 2025.
The bill, which followed two decades of efforts by activists, was approved by the Senate in June.
Thailand, one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, is already known for its LGBTQ+ culture and inclusive policies.
