'A long fight full of tears': Why Thailand became a haven for LGBT couples

In recent years, Thailand has become a more accepting place for same-sex relationships. This change is significant for many individuals and couples. On January 10, 2025, a historic event took place in Bangkok, where two Thai actors, Apiwat 'Porsch' Apiwatsayree and Sappanyoo 'Arm' Panatkool, celebrated their unofficial wedding. They wore matching beige tuxedos and shared a kiss under a beautifully decorated tree with twinkling lights. Surrounded by family and friends, the atmosphere was filled with joy and love. Ann 'Waaddao' Chumaporn, who played a crucial role in organizing the Bangkok Pride March, expressed her emotions by stating, 'It has been a long fight full of tears for us. ' This day marked a significant milestone as same-sex marriage became legal in Thailand, allowing more than a hundred couples to tie the knot in one of Bangkok's largest shopping malls. The event was a vibrant celebration of love and acceptance. Many people often wonder, 'Why Thailand? ' Why is it one of the few places in Asia where same-sex marriage is recognized? Thailand is known for its openness and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. They have been visible in various aspects of life, and the general attitude of Thai people is easy-going. The phrase 'Mai pen rai,' which translates to 'no big deal,' reflects this cultural mindset. Additionally, the majority of Thais practice Buddhism, which does not prohibit LGBT lifestyles. Many believed that equal marriage would eventually happen, but the journey was not straightforward. Ms. Waaddao shared that the first Pride march in Thailand occurred only 25 years ago. At that time, obtaining permission from the police was challenging, and the event itself was often chaotic and unfocused. Between 2006 and 2022, only two Pride marches took place. In 2009, a planned Pride march in Chiang Mai had to be canceled due to threats of violence. Ms. Waaddao recalled, 'We were not accepted by our own families and by society. ' There were moments when they doubted that marriage equality would ever be achieved, but they persevered in their fight for it. Achieving equal rights, including marriage, required a determined effort to change societal attitudes in Thailand. Over the years, these attitudes have evolved. Chakkrit 'Ink' Vadhanavira began dating his partner in 2001, during a time when the Thai Ministry of Health still classified homosexuality as a mental illness. Chakkrit reflected on the challenges they faced, stating, 'Back then, society could not accept leading male roles being played by a gay man. ' They encountered significant media scrutiny, which added stress to their relationship. As a result, they made the decision to step away from the entertainment industry to be together. Now, after more than 20 years, they run a successful production company. The landscape has changed dramatically since then, particularly in the portrayal of LGBT characters in Thai television dramas. Tinnaphop Sinsomboonthong, an assistant professor at Thammasat University who identifies as queer, noted, 'Nowadays they represent us as normal characters, like you see in real life. ' This shift in representation has played a vital role in changing perceptions and values across generations. The rise of 'Boy Love' dramas has also contributed to this transformation. These romantic television series, featuring love stories between young men, have gained immense popularity, especially during the Covid pandemic. They have become one of Thailand's most successful cultural exports, attracting large audiences in countries like China. Series such as My School President and Love Sick have garnered hundreds of millions of views on streaming platforms. Simultaneously, activists became more focused and united in their efforts to change the law. Various LGBT groups came together under the Change 1448 campaign, which aimed to redefine marriage in the Thai Civil Code. They collaborated with other organizations advocating for greater rights and freedoms in Thailand. The revival of Pride marches in 2022 and the promotion of Thailand as a welcoming destination for LGBT travelers also played a role in shifting public perceptions. Mr. Tinnaphop emphasized, 'We did not fight, we negotiated. ' They understood the importance of engaging with Thai society to gradually change attitudes. The political landscape in Thailand also influenced the passage of the equal marriage law. Following a military coup in 2014, the country was governed by a conservative military government that was only willing to consider civil partnerships for LGBT couples. However, the 2019 election saw the emergence of a new reformist party called Future Forward, which fully supported equal marriage. This party performed unexpectedly well, winning a significant number of seats and indicating a growing desire for change among the Thai population. Following a controversial court ruling that sparked months of student-led protests calling for reforms, LGBT campaigners gained greater visibility. Although the protests eventually subsided, the 2023 election saw the successor to Future Forward, now called Move Forward, winning more seats than any other party. Despite being blocked from forming a government by conservative factions, support for equal marriage continued to grow. The passage of the law became less contentious, as few people opposed it. This achievement provided the coalition government, which had formed without Move Forward, with a quick win to please the majority of the country. Thailand stands out in Asia as a pioneer in recognizing equal marriage. Few other countries in the region are likely to follow suit due to the influence of Islam in nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, where LGBT communities face discrimination and persecution. In Brunei, for instance, same-sex relations can lead to the death penalty. While the Philippines shows some acceptance of LGBT couples, the Catholic Church strongly opposes same-sex marriage. Vietnam, like Thailand, has no significant religious or ideological barriers, but changing the law remains challenging under a repressive regime. The same applies to China, where the ruling communist party shows no signs of endorsing equal marriage. Even in democracies like Japan and South Korea, where conservative political parties dominate, the prospects for equal marriage remain bleak. Chae-yoon Han, executive director of the Beyond the Rainbow Foundation in South Korea, noted, 'It is largely conservative Christians who are blocking it. ' In India, there was hope for legalizing same-sex marriage in 2023, but the Supreme Court stated that the decision was up to parliament. Thailand aims to benefit from its pioneering status. Tourism is one of the few sectors of the Thai economy that is thriving in the post-pandemic recovery, and the country is increasingly seen as a safe and welcoming destination for LGBT travelers. More same-sex couples from other Asian countries are choosing to relocate to Thailand, where their marriages can be legally recognized. This legal recognition allows them to raise children and enjoy nearly all the rights and protections afforded to heterosexual couples.