Popular Post reader Posted March 27 Popular Post Posted March 27 From Thai PBS World Thailand’s Lower House approved the final reading of the landmark marriage equality bill today, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the third country in Asia, to recognise same-sex marriage, once it passes the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, was approved by 400 votes to 10, with two abstentions and three MPs who decided not to vote. Danuporn Punnakan, Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House scrutiny committee, told parliament that the bill is meant for all Thais, irrespective of gender. Under the bill, same-sex couples who want to get engaged or married must be at least 18 years old, to protect minors from being forced into marriage, which is in line with the convention on the protection of the rights of children, said Danuporn. He also said that the House scrutiny committee had added one provision to the bill, specifying the rights, duties and legal status of same-sex couples in the creation of a family. He assured that the existing rights of men and women in general will not be affected by this bill, but it will protect a certain group of people, classified as LGBTQ. He said that a minority of the House scrutiny committee had proposed a new wording, “first parents”, to be added to the bill, but this was rejected by the majority of the committee on the grounds that the wording is new and there is no legal definition yet. The Pheu Thai MP said that it is now widely recognised that there are more than the male and female genders in societies, as some people who were born as a boy or a girl want to choose their own gender when they grow up. The bill does not give them any additional rights, but restores their basic rights, said Danuporn, adding that the bill will mark the beginning of the creation of equality in Thai society. The bill has to be approved by the Senate before it becomes law. In Asia, Taiwan and Nepal already have the same laws. floridarob, vinapu, Marc in Calif and 5 others 5 3 Quote
reader Posted March 28 Author Posted March 28 From Pattaya Mail Legal and visa implications for gay marriage By Barry Kenyon Subject to the likely agreement of the Senate and the 120 days waiting period prior to implementation, gay marriage will be operational in Thailand in 2025. Although the new law is essentially designed to grant equality to two Thai nationals of the same sex, there will be a sizeable number of expats wanting to marry their Thai partners. Jessataporn Bunnag, a Thai lawyer based in Pattaya, said, “Longstay gay foreigners will be able to apply for the one year spouse visa which currently requires 400,000 baht in the bank or the equivalent in foreign income, plus other documentation and an immigration police visit to confirm residence and relationship.” However, Mr Bunnag added that another option for foreigners over 50 years was the retirement visa and annual extension of stay which, though less bureaucratic, requires 800,000 baht or monthly income.” Thailand already allows two foreigners (neither being a Thai) of the opposite sex to register their marriage at the amphur office, subject to both receiving an affidavit from their respective embassy in Bangkok. After the new law is introduced, this civil facility will also be available for two gay foreigners, men or women, to cement their relationship. Many Thai temples already hold ceremonies for gay couples. Formal marriage here of two same sex foreigners is likely to grow in importance in future years as Thailand is famous as a gay-friendly destination. On the negative front, Mr Bunnag said candidates for gay marriage must also understand Thai laws on divorce. “Gay marriages will break up as easily as straight ones,” he stressed. Currently, heterosexual partners can visit the amphur office for formal termination providing they have agreed the settlement terms in advance. But if one partner has gone missing, has behaved badly or is uncooperative, a civil court order may be necessary which can take months. In general terms, property and assets bought since the marriage will be divided equally, though the detail can cause problems. Thailand has long been a draw for same sex couples as it has a vibrant scene for both Thais and foreigners and, under the current Pheu Thai government, targets this market to attract increasing numbers of travellers. In 2028, Thailand is poised to become the heartbeat of gender inclusivity in hosting the LGBTQ+ worldwide summit. “It’s all looking very good,” concluded Thitian Chanmontri of the gay campaigning Rainbow Alliance. 10tazione, vinapu and Ruthrieston 3 Quote
Keithambrose Posted March 28 Posted March 28 This is clearly good news, but a little surprising. The assumption is that the bill will pass the Senate. I would have thought that the right wing Senate, with the Army picks, would be hostile, but it seems not! Perhaps a deal has been done! Quote
Hunkz Posted March 29 Posted March 29 Very exciting that more and more countries are coming to their senses and legalizing same-sex marriage. Thailand will be the first in Southeast Asia and hopefully others will follow suit. Quote
Boy69 Posted March 31 Posted March 31 On 3/28/2024 at 2:16 PM, reader said: Jessataporn Bunnag, a Thai lawyer based in Pattaya, said, “Longstay gay foreigners will be able to apply for the one year spouse visa which currently requires 400,000 baht in the bank or the equivalent in foreign income, plus other documentation and an immigration police visit to confirm residence and relationship.” However, Mr Bunnag added that another option for foreigners over 50 years was the retirement visa and annual extension of stay which, though less bureaucratic, requires 800,000 baht or monthly income.” Nonsense. 800,0000 baht deposit in the bank not monthly income. Quote
thaiophilus Posted April 1 Posted April 1 18 hours ago, Boy69 said: Nonsense. 800,0000 baht deposit in the bank not monthly income. What he said: 800,000 baht or monthly income. Quote
reader Posted April 2 Author Posted April 2 From Thai News Agency Senate Passes First Reading of Same-Sex Marriage Bill The Senate votes to accept the marriage equality bill in principle and establishes a committee for further study. The bill was endorsed by the lower house last week and forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The vote on Tuesday saw a significant majority of 147 in favor, 10 against, 7 abstaining out of 158 total members. The draft amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code or the marriage equality bill will replace terms such as “men and women” and “husband and wife,” with gender-neutral terms like “individuals” and “marriage partners” ensuring inclusivity for same-sex couples. Following this, a committee of 27 members will be established to further study the bill and propose amendments within 7 days. If it becomes the law, Thailand will be the first country in the Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex unions. vinapu, splinter1949, ichigo and 1 other 3 1 Quote
