Thailand Supportive of Same Sex Marriage

Thailand Supportive of Same Sex Marriage

Thailand has a thriving LGBT scene and is well-established as a popular holiday destination for same-sex couples. The Kingdom has long enjoyed a reputation as as a tolerant, supportive destination for couples of various sexual orientations.

This was evidenced recently when two businesswomen, Woranat Photikhruprasert and Darawan Longkhlong, recently tied the knot in Surat Thani province after a five-year courtship. According to Woranat, love conquers all, and during the wedding ceremony, she put down a dowry of THB1.5 million to match her bride’s weight of 50kg in US dollars. The event, which took place at the Kaew Samui Resort, was attended by both of the couples’ families and loved ones. According to Woranat, the families all agree that the marriage will last forever.

Home to a plethora of beautiful islands, including Koh Samui, Surat Thani is a popular spot for destination weddings. Many couples, including same-sex couples, head to the region each year to say their own vows.

Draft legislation has been prepared that seeks to offer lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples in Thailand. Taiwan officially became the first Southeast Asian destination to allow same-sex marriage, and thanks to the draft legislation, it is thought that Thailand will be one of the first countries to follow suit. Thailand passed the Gender Equality Act in 2015 to punish discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

During the early stages of the drafting process, the law was significantly opposed. However, according to Wiratana Kalayasiri who presented the draft law to Thailand’s parliament, there has since been a lot more support. In terms of social acceptance, Thailand is a haven for couples of various sexual orientations and gender identifications. According to figures published by The Samui Times, it is estimated that the country is currently home to 180,000 transgender people. This number includes pop singers, movie stars and other celebrities.

Thanks to the high level of support and tolerance shown to the LGBT community, many couples choose the country as an idyllic setting for their wedding ceremony, often hosting the celebrations in luxury private villas. Organising celebrations to take place in one of these lavish private venues allows couples to tailor the day to reflect their own tastes. Everything from the schedule and decorations to cuisine and theme can all be personalised. In addition to the bespoke package couples can create, Koh Samui’s private villas generally enjoy wow-factor locations ideal for wedding ceremonies. Many even feature ocean views and direct access to the beach.