Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was formally written into law on September 24th, legally recognizing and allowing the marriage of same-sex couples. King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed the bill passed by parliament, signing it into law. The bill will now begin taking effect in 120 days, meaning same-sex couples will be able to wed starting January 22nd, 2025.

Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriages of same sex-couples and the third place in Asia (following Taiwan and Nepal) to do so. The marriage equality bill grants full legal, financial, and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender. These rights also include adoption and inheritance rights. The law specifically amends the nation’s Civil and Commercial Code to use gender-neutral language such as “individual” rather than “men and women.” In April and June respectively, Thailand’s House of Representatives and Senate swiftly passed the bill with overwhelming support. The King’s endorsement was the last step for marriage equality to be legalized.

Celebration is proliferating throughout Thailand following the bill’s endorsement by King Vajiralongkorn. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tweeted “Congratulations to everyone’s love. #LoveWins.” Nada Chaiyajit, LGBTQ+ advocate and law lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University, states that it “means a lot” for Thailand to reach marriage equality. Ann Chumaporn, longtime LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement, told BBC “today we’re not only getting to write our names in marriage certificates, but we are also writing a page in history… that tells us that love never set a condition of who we were born to be.” She adds, “it’s a triumph of equality and human dignity,” saying she plans to organize a mass wedding for over a thousand LGBTQ+ couples on January 22nd.

Thailand’s bill will be recognized as historic, symbolizing the culmination of years of campaigning for marriage equality. The nation has been known for its tolerance and vibrant LGBTQ+ social scene, serving as a safe haven for many LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the passage of marriage equality has struggled against other conservative, traditional social values found in the country for years. Activist Siritata Ninlapruek shared the joy and relief she feels with AFP, saying, “we’ve been fighting for our rights for over 10 years, and now it’s finally happening.”

Thailand’s official legalization of same-sex marriage is a life-changing event for the people of Thailand as well as the international community. The freedom to exist without persecution is a basic human right, and although controversial to many who hold more conservative values, love should never be persecuted. Thailand’s new bill will hopefully encourage other nations in Asia to make moves towards marriage equality, marking a step towards more equality around the world.