# Thai Cabinet Endorses Bill to Grant Same-Sex Couples Equal Legal Rights

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/law/113294-thai-cabinet-endorses-bill-to-grant-same-sex-couples-equal-legal-rights
- Published: 2023-11-23T10:27:53+07:00
- Author: Thai News ข่าวไทย

The Thai Cabinet has recently approved a bill that grants same-sex marriage rights
in Thailand. This marks a significant departure from the current Life Partnership
Act, which only recognizes the right of same-sex couples to cohabitate but does 
not provide them with all the legal benefits and privileges of marriage.

## Key Takeaways

 * The Thai Cabinet has approved a bill to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, 
   granting same-sex couples equal legal rights in marriage.
 * The amendment aims to replace gender-specific terms in the civil code with gender-
   neutral ones, allowing for marriages between same-sex couples.
 * The change signifies a significant shift from the existing Life Partnership Act
   and will ensure that same-sex couples have the same legal protections and privileges
   as heterosexual couples.

## Thailand’s Progress in LGBTQ Equality: Proposed Marriage Rights Bill

The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Civil and Commercial Code 
to provide same-sex couples with equal legal rights in marriage. This progressive
initiative, put forward by the Justice Ministry, aims to replace gender-specific
terms in the code with gender-neutral language.

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This amendment paves the way for marriages between same-sex couples, ensuring they
are afforded the same legal protections and privileges as heterosexual couples. 
The revised terms will include “persons”, “fiancées,”, “engaged couples”, and “married
couples”, allowing for marriages irrespective of gender.

Thailand is aiming to become a top LGBTQ tourism destination, capitalizing on the
growing number of LGBTQ travelers globally. The country already attracts a significant
number of LGBTQ tourists, generating $6.5 billion in revenue in 2019 alone.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been actively promoting the country 
as an LGBTQ-friendly destination through campaigns and events. However, there is
still a need for better understanding and treatment of LGBTQ individuals in the 
tourism industry.

Advocates are calling for legal reforms, including same-sex marriage and gender 
recognition, to further enhance Thailand’s appeal as a welcoming and inclusive destination.

## A Significant Shift from Existing Life Partnership Act

The amendment marks a significant shift from the existing Life Partnership Act, 
which only acknowledges the right of same-sex couples to live together but does 
not extend full marital rights to them. Moreover, the Cabinet has instructed the
Council of State to review other laws to ensure equitable treatment of same-sex 
couples, particularly in regards to inheritance rights. The Council of State is 
currently reviewing the bill, and once complete, it will be presented to the House
for further consideration.

## What are the Next Steps in the Legislative Process?

The bill’s approval by the Cabinet represents a step forward in the fight for equal
rights for same-sex couples in Thailand. The next steps in the legislative process
are for the Council of State to finalize its review of the bill and for it to be
presented to the House for deliberation. If passed, the bill will bring about a 
significant legal reform in Thailand, promoting equality and equal treatment for
all couples, regardless of gender.

Source : National News Bureau of Thailand