Thailand’s King has signed same-sex marriage into law, according to the Royal Gazette, marking Thailand the first and largest country in Southeast Asia to recognize equal standing in marriage.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn offered royal consent to the new law, which was enacted by parliament in June and will go into effect in 120 days, with the first weddings scheduled in January.
Thailand is now the third country in Asia where same-sex couples can marry, following Taiwan and Nepal.
The law of marriage mandates the use of gender-neutral words such as “women,” “men,” “husbands,” and “wives.” Same-sex couples also grant adoption and inheritance rights.
The king’s official endorsement indicates the end of years of advocacy and failed attempts to implement equal marriage statutes.
Photo courtesy: PBS