Thai King signs the same-sex marriage bill into Law
The 24 of September marked a historic moment as the same-sex bill in Thailand received Royal Assent, making it the first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage to be legalised recognised.
From the 22 January 2025, same-sex couples will be allowed to legally register their marriages in Thailand. The law will allow same-sex couples to afford the same rights in marriage as heterosexual couples.
This is a huge step for Thailand, making it the third country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriages. It also removes previous barriers faced by same-sex couples in England and Wales that wish to legally marry in Thailand.
Under UK law, a Thai marriage will be recognised as legal in the UK as long as the marriage would be considered legal under Thai law. British Nationals wishing to get married in Thailand must therefore:
- Be over the age of 18;
- Obtain an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from the British Embassy; and
- Register the marriage at a District Office.
Prior to the change in law, this meant that same-sex couples, who could not register the marriage at a District Office, would be required to take extra steps to legalise the marriage in the UK. From next year, same -sex couples will finally be able to have their marriage legally recognised in Thailand and the UK.
If you require more information or assistance with regard to the legality of Thai marriages in the UK, please get in touch with a member of the Family team at Field Seymour Parkes.
