More than 99% of Thais back marriage equality

A recent poll reveals that over 99% of Thais are in favour of the Marriage Equality Bill, advocating for legal benefits for same-sex couples. This groundbreaking survey, conducted by content platform The Attraction between May 20 and June 9, indicates a powerful push towards equality in Thailand.

An overwhelming 99.3% of respondents backed the bill, though the exact number of participants remains undisclosed. The top reasons for supporting the bill were clear: 77.6% cited granting marital rights for same-sex couples, 67.7% highlighted the right to manage a spouse’s assets, and 60.8% emphasised the right to consent to a spouse’s medical treatment.

Respondents attributed the bill’s progress to several key players: 47.4% credited the Move Forward Party (MFP), 26.3% saw it as a public effort, and 23.3% believed it was a collaborative endeavour by all parties involved. Only 1.9% viewed it as an achievement of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

MFP former leader Pita Limjaroenrat emerged as the most influential supporter of same-sex marriage rights with 58% of the vote. Musician Pataradanai Setsuwan followed closely with 55%, while television host Vuthithorn Milintachinda aka Woody garnered 28.5%.

The poll also highlighted the broader implications of the bill’s enactment. A significant 77.5% of respondents believed it would enhance Thailand’s global reputation for gender diversity and openness. Furthermore, 60.7% said the law would attract same-sex couples to Thailand for holidays or residency, and 51.7% felt it would boost related industries such as tourism, entertainment, wedding organisation, and life insurance.

The business sector’s support was also evident, with Central Group leading at 56.5%, followed by TikTok at 40.7%, and retail-property company Siam Piwat at 33.3%.

The Marriage Equality Bill passed its final reading in the House of Representatives on March 27, with 400 MPs voting in favour and only 10 against. It is now expected to receive the Senate’s endorsement and royal approval, paving the way for a landmark legal shift later this year, reported The Nation.

In related news, Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative.