One year after the enforcement of the marriage equality law in Thailand, more than 26,000 same-sex couples have formalized their union.
This represents around 10% of all marriage registrations and marks a significant milestone in the country's fight for legal equality.
- More than 26,000 same-sex marriages were registered in Thailand in one year.
- The Marriage Equality Act came into effect on January 23, 2025.
- Official figures may underestimate the diversity of LGBTQ+ couples.
Bangkok Pride, the organizer of the annual capital's LGBTQ+ parade and festival, shared this information on Friday, January 23, 2026, on its Facebook page, citing official marriage registration figures since the law came into effect.
A historic law for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand
Women on a beach with the LGBTQIA+ flag. Photo: The Nation Thailand.
The Marriage Equality Act was promulgated on January 23rd, marking a historic advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.
The legislation allows same-sex couples to legally register their marriage and grants them the same rights, protections, and legal benefits as heterosexual couples.
26,000 same-sex marriages registered in one year
A couple of women get married on January 23, 2025, the day the marriage equality law comes into effect. Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut
Data from the Ministry of Interior shows that between January 23, 2025 and January 12 of this year, a total of 265,816 couples have registered their marriage nationwide, including:
- 239,530 heterosexual couples
- 20,083 female couples
- 6,204 male couples
Official statistics that underestimate the diversity of couples
Applicants for gay marriage in Thailand, Chakkrit (R) and Prinn. Photo: Benjamin Begley/BBC
While welcoming these developments, Bangkok Pride has warned that official figures may not fully reflect the reality experienced by LGBTQ+ communities.
The current marriage registration system continues to classify couples based on the sex assigned at birth rather than gender identity.
As a result, many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth, may not be accurately reflected in government data.
Bangkok Pride stressed that this limitation could mean that the diversity of married couples is underestimated and that the actual number of LGBTQ+ marriages could be higher than suggested by official statistics.
Legal equality still incomplete despite reform
Women in a couple. Photo: Cuncon
The organization also stressed that legal equality remains incomplete, noting that around 50 related laws still need to be amended.
Delays in revising these laws continue to create practical obstacles for LGBTQ+ couples seeking full and equal access to their rights.
“The enactment of the marriage equality bill is just a first step towards equality,” the message reads.
“Further legal reforms are needed.”
See also:
What is the position of Buddhism on LGBT+ in Thailand?
Thailand wants to attract international LGBTQ+ retirees
Thai marriage: unique traditions, rituals, and unusual moments
Source: Bangkok Post
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2 comments
It's quite evocative of the Thai spirit regarding the tolerance displayed towards LGBT+++ couples in this country: 10%, or 1 in 10 marriages, is a significant figure.
In comparison with France in 2025, with a total of 239,000 marriages, LGBT+++ marriages rose to 7,120, or around 3%..
And it's only the first year of legalization in Thailand, while France has allowed same-sex marriage since 2013.
It is likely that this Thai percentage of 10% will increase over the years, Thai public opinion has always been much more tolerant than the mentality of many French men and women (44% in 2025) who still today are reluctant to consider LGBT+++ people as fully part of French society, at the same level of acceptance as heterosexual society.
It should be remembered that before 1982, homosexuality was a punishable offense in France.
Knowing this, we better understand the reluctance of some French people towards LGBT individuals.
I admit that even I find it strange every time I see a man introducing himself as the husband of Mr. So-and-so or a woman as the wife of Mrs. So-and-so…