Thailand to be first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage

A general view of the Senate during the passing of the marriage equality bill in its second and third readings, which will effectively make Thailand Asia's third territory to legalise same-sex unions, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 18, 2024. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday, paving the way for it to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex couples.

The bill, the culmination of more than two decades of effort by activists, was supported by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers in the upper house.