Thailand’s senate has approved the final reading of a significant marriage equality bill, clearing the path for the country to potentially become the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
But beyond the social and legal implications, could the bill also have a positive impact on Thailand’s economy? Some experts and activists think so. They argue that legalizing same-sex marriage would boost the country’s tourism industry, attract foreign investment, and foster a more inclusive and productive workforce.
Key Takeaways
- The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand has the potential to boost the country’s economy through increased spending on wedding-related services and tourism.
- The new law can also lead to improved workplace productivity and reduced absenteeism, as it promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workforce.
- By recognizing same-sex unions, Thailand can enhance its global reputation as an open and progressive society, attracting foreign investment and skilled workers.
According to the research conducted by the UCLA School of Law, after same sex marriage was legalized in the United States in 2015, the local economies surged approximately by $3.8 billion. It also supported around 45,000 jobs, generating more than $244.1 million in state and local sales tax.
Tourism: A Potential Windfall
Tourism is one of the main pillars of Thailand’s economy, accounting for about 20% of its GDP. The country is already a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, who are estimated to spend more than $6 billion annually in Thailand. By recognizing same-sex marriage, Thailand could further enhance its reputation as a friendly and progressive place, and attract more visitors from countries where such rights are not available or respected.
Taiwan remains the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage in 2019. Last year Nepal became the second and in November local authorities registered the first marriage of an LGBTI couple.
Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, one of the LGBT members of the House of Representatives, said that marriage equality prompts gay lovers to buy high-value items such as houses or cars together, resulting in economic enhancement. The wedding planning process also boosts the country’s event industry from hosting parties and wedding receptions.
However, the passed bill still lacks the privilege of heterosexual marriage.
The main point is that the gay couples cannot decide on medical operations for their significant others (under a coma situation) nor change their nationality to Thai after marriage.
So, Thailand’s ‘same sex’ marriage act still has room for improvement.
The final version of this draft legislation must not water down calls for the full spectrum of the right to family life, including access to adoption and inheritance for LGBTI couples, as well as the legal recognition of same-sex couples as ‘spouses’ on an equal footing with different-sex couples.
Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, Amnesty International Thailand Researcher
Enhanced Global Reputation
Beyond the immediate economic benefits, legalizing same-sex marriage could bolster Thailand’s global reputation as a progressive and inclusive nation. This positive image could attract more foreign investment and business opportunities, as companies increasingly prioritize diversity and inclusion in their decision-making processes. Moreover, it could encourage LGBTQ+ individuals and families to relocate to Thailand, contributing to the country’s skilled labor force and innovation ecosystem.
Thailand will be the third place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage, following Taiwan and Nepal, and the first in Southeast Asia. In October, India’s highest court refused to legally recognize same-sex marriages, stating that it should be determined by parliament.
Many countries in the region, such as Myanmar and Malaysia, still have laws criminalizing same-sex sexual acts, which were inherited from British colonial rule. In Malaysia, both the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as well as individual states, have sharia codes that generally criminalize gay sex and gender nonconformity.
Legalizing same-sex marriage could also make Thailand more appealing for foreign investors and businesses, who value diversity and inclusion as part of their corporate culture and social responsibility. According to a 2019 report by the World Bank, countries that protect LGBTQ+ rights tend to have higher levels of economic development and innovation. The report also found that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people costs countries an average of 1% of their GDP due to lower productivity, poorer health outcomes, and reduced human capital.
Moreover, legalizing same-sex marriage could benefit Thailand’s domestic labor market, by creating a more equal and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ workers. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ employees who are able to be open about their identity at work are more satisfied, engaged, and productive than those who face discrimination or harassment.
They also report lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can affect their physical and mental health. By granting same-sex couples the same rights and benefits as heterosexual couples, Thailand could reduce the stigma and barriers that LGBTQ+ workers face, and improve their well-being and performance.
A potential soft power source
Thailand is emerging as a focal point for gay dramas in Asia, using the medium of soft power to depict its evolving society. With many names varying from Boy’s Love (BL), Y series (from a Japanese origin word, Yaoi), Thai gay dramas catch the attention of viewers throughout Asia. Although they were primarily made for the domestic market to support the popularity of South Korean dramas, they took the world by storm.
That leads to the question – why do Thai gay dramas start to flourish?
Because Thailand holds a geographic and cultural position between East Asia and Southeast Asia, its East-Asia-styled dramas portray a more familiar cultural framework for the Southeast Asian to easily consume and feel related. As a result, Thai gay dramas are now not only watched in Thailand but also throughout Southeast Asia, thanks to the trends on social media and introduction among friends.
Moreover, Thailand’s drama industry is heavily using the K-pop star model from South Korea by treating the actors as idols, hosting fan service events, such as meet-and-greet events and concerts. Poowin Bunyavejchewin, Thammasat University, calls Thailand’s gay dramas a ‘melting pot’ which mixes the components of Japan and South Korea.
As in June 2021, the industry secured 360 million baht alone from foreign investments (around $10.4 million). The government also said that the Thai gay drama market was worth 1 billion baht. The success shows that Thai gay dramas are becoming the country’s soft power like how K-pop fueled Korea’s economy in the past. Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon, GMMTV’s senior director of content production, expected a 30-40% growth a year.
Thai people see gay couples no different than others – with BL actors advertisement products almost everywhere. And many gay tourists see Thailand as a place where they can express themselves freely without judgment from others.
Thus, gay tourists would be the next important part for Thailand’s tourism and passing the bill would support the economy and portray Thailand as a LGBT friendly country.
However, the bill also faces some challenges and opposition from conservative and religious groups, who argue that it goes against Thai culture and values. Some critics also claim that the bill is a political move by the government to divert attention from other issues, such as the ongoing protests and the lingering economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill’s supporters, however, hope that it will pave the way for more acceptance and equality for LGBT people in Thailand and the region. They also believe that it will send a positive message to the world that Thailand is a modern and open-minded country that respects human rights and diversity.
