BANGKOK - The Thai Senate passed the first reading of a Bill to legalise same-sex marriage on April 2, taking the kingdom another step closer to becoming the first South-east Asian country to recognise marriage equality.

Thailand has long enjoyed an international reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, but activists have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values.

The vote sailed through the unelected Upper House – stacked with conservative appointees named by the last junta – with 147 votes in favour, four against and seven abstaining, building on the momentum from last week’s landslide vote in Parliament.

Earlier, senators debated the legislation, which would change references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms.

“Now I have faith in this country, that it can eventually change,” campaigner Naiyana Supapung said as she watched the debate, ahead of the vote.

The legislation will now go to a 27-person committee for further consideration.

The Senate cannot reject the proposed changes but can send the Bill back to the Lower House for further debate for 180 days.

It will come back for two more Senate votes, with the next probably no earlier than July.

“It’s as if we have received the greatest gift that I’ve been pushing for over 12 years,” LGBTQ gender rights activist Waaddao Chumaporn said after the senators voted.

“It has meaning not only for LGBTQ couples, but also for family institutions.”

The tone in Parliament was muted, with many in the LGBTQ community waiting for the legislation to become law before celebrating fully.

In a side room off from the Chamber, activist Siritata Ninlapruek clutched a rainbow flag and threw her fist in the air as the Bill passed its first reading.

But there was more to be done to help and protect the LGBTQ community, she said.

“We still need to keep fighting for our rights.”

‘Proud of our pride’

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was “proud of our pride” after the Lower House voted to approve the Bill in a 399-10 landslide.

“The passing (of this law) in the Parliament today is a proud moment for Thai society, which will walk together towards social equality and respect differences,” Mr Srettha wrote on social media platform X.

Across Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognise same-sex marriage.

In 2023, India’s highest court deferred the decision to Parliament, and Hong Kong’s top court stopped just short of granting full marriage rights.

LGBTQ activists celebrated the March 27 vote as a significant milestone on the road to equality.

Ms Paulie Nataya Paomephan, who won Miss Trans Thailand in 2023, said that until recently, she never dreamt that transgender people would be able to legally marry in Thailand.

“I think it is because politicians have to adapt themselves to the changing world,” she said, adding that she and her boyfriend of three years plan to marry if the law passes.

Mr Srettha has been vocal in his support for the LGBTQ community, making the marriage equality policy a signature issue and telling reporters in 2023 that the change would strengthen family structures.

Opinion polls reported by the local media show the law has overwhelming support among Thais.

While Thailand has a reputation for tolerance, much of the Buddhist-majority country remains conservative and LGBTQ people, while highly visible, still face barriers and discrimination.

Activists have been pushing for same-sex marriage rights for more than a decade, but in a kingdom where politics is regularly upended by coups and mass street protests, the advocacy did not get far.

Activist Waaddao said she knew of dozens of LGBTQ couples ready to tie the knot once the law is passed, which she hoped would happen in 2024.

“Once the law is enforced, yes of course, it will change Thai society,” she said.

“It will inspire other fights for other equalities.” AFP