Thailand Poised to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, A Historic First in Southeast Asia

Following overwhelming approval by the lower house, the bill now awaits Senate and royal endorsement to become law.

Thailand's lower house of parliament overwhelmingly passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.
The bill received support from all major parties and was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present, with only 10 voting against it.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and major political parties have supported the bill, marking it as a signature issue.
The legislation amends the Civil and Commercial Code to use gender-neutral terms, granting LGBTQ+ couples rights to inheritance, tax allowances, and child adoption among others.
If the bill passes the Senate and receives royal endorsement, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the only places in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.