23-12-2023 (BANGKOK) The House of Representatives has garnered positive responses from various sectors of society after giving its approval to all four bills seeking to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, paving the way for same-sex marriages in the country. The bills, which were presented for their first reading, aim to redefine terms within 68 provisions of the Code to ensure gender equality and diversity. A resounding majority of 369 out of 380 votes, with only one abstention, were in favor of the bills during the Friday session. Although the bills still need to undergo a second reading, their initial success signals a significant step towards legalizing same-sex marriage in the country.
Government spokesman Chai Watcharonke stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that one of the key principles of the bills is to recognize and certify the marriage registration of individuals based on their gender identification. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, not only through legislative amendments but also by supporting pro-LGBT events, such as Pride.
In a meeting held in November, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin engaged with the CEO of InterPride, the organization responsible for organizing Pride parades worldwide. They discussed the possibility of hosting the World Pride Event 2028 in Bangkok, demonstrating the government’s dedication to advancing LGBT rights.
Akkaranan Kankittinan, the Pheu Thai Member of Parliament for Kanchanaburi and a member of the ad hoc committee overseeing the government’s version of the bill, revealed that a first committee is expected to be formed within 60 days. However, the scheduling of its inaugural meeting is yet to be determined.
Parit Wacharasindhu, a representative from the Move Forward Party, commended the approval of the bills as a positive example of collaboration between the opposition and the government in addressing gender-related issues. He emphasized that these bills are not limited to specific genders but are crucial for ensuring equal rights for all citizens. Mr. Parit stated, “Approving the four bills during the first reading is a sign that people can have confidence in the entire House.”
However, experts have highlighted the need for further clarification of certain conditions outlined in the bills. Nada Chaiyajit, a lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University’s Faculty of Law, observed discrepancies between the government’s version and a similar bill proposed by the Move Forward Party. These differences mainly concern legal terms, and Nada suggested that the Interior Ministry, as stated in the Move Forward Party’s version, should be responsible for enforcing the law instead of the Justice Ministry.
Kittinun Daramadhaj, President of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, stressed the importance of ensuring fairness in the final version of the legislation. He expressed optimism that Thailand could serve as a role model for gender equality in the region, considering that many neighboring countries still face challenges in accepting LGBT rights.
