Thailand makes history with same-sex marriage law signed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn

The Thai king has signed same-sex marriage into law, the official Royal Gazette announced on Tuesday, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the biggest place in Asia to recognise marriage equality.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn gave royal assent to the new law, passed by parliament in June, which will take effect in 120 days – meaning the first weddings are expected to take place in January.

Thailand becomes only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples can tie the knot, after Taiwan and Nepal.

The law on marriage now uses gender-neutral terms in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives”, and also grants adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples.