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See out guide to same-sex marriage in Thailand. Since 2024 you can now get married in Thailand under the new law. Thailand is a well known as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia. Thailand has a large transgender (kathoey) community. Everyone knows that Thailand is a country with acceptance and tolerance however same sex marriage in Thailand has been very difficult. See the history of LGBTQ right s in Thailand on this website.
Here we will explain to you how to get married in Thailand but as a same sex couple. This becomes very important when you are a mixed foreign couple or a Thai couple. He we will explain the needed paperwork such as the embassy procedures as well as the MFA translation and notarized documents. Likewise there is also the no-objection letter from your local embassy.
Thailand had already decimalized sodomy in 1956. So until recently, the Civil and Commercial Law was changed. I was Section 1448 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code that was amended. It changes the language and goes from a marriage being between and man and a woman to persons. This started changing from around 2013 with the introduction of the Civil Partnership Bill. This Bill was to provide certain rights and privilege’s to same sex couples however it would not include everyone.
It was not until 2020 with student support and activism the Civil Partnership Bill came before parliament again. So in 2021 and 2022, Thailand’s Parliament passed initial readings of the bill. It was only in 2023, that the Thai Cabinet approved an updated version of the bill. These changes allowed full marriage equality simply by modifying Section 1448 to include gender-neutral language. Likewise you can also read on the history of LGBTQ marriage in Thailand.
Finally in 2024, it was announced that the Marriage Equality Bill would be passed in Parliament by mid-2025. This would make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, providing full legal recognition and protection under Thai law.
The attitude in Thailand had changed over the years. Since Buddhist-majority culture does not explicitly condemn homosexuality. Many will argue that the general cultural principle of “mai pen rai” (never mind or it’s okay) contributes to a live-and-let-live attitude. On the latest surveys from Pew Research in 2019 showed the 60% of Thai supported same sex marriage. This increased in 2021 when the UNDP survey indicated that 70% of the younger generation supported same sex marriage. Read further on the guide to same sex marriage in Thailand.
Thailand today treats gay marriage like a normal heterosexual unions. The same sex marriage process is straightforward but involves specific requirements—especially for foreign nationals.
The following person can get married in Thailand
• Thai nationals marrying each other.
• Thai nationals who are marrying a foreign national.
• Foreign nationals marrying each other in Thailand (provided their home countries do not restrict such marriages). See same sex visa options for the Australian visa, UK visa as well as US visa.
Much like the heterosexuals’ marriage in Thailand. The same sex marriage must be registered at a local District Office (called “Amphur” or “Khet” in Bangkok). You will note that having a religious wedding or traditional Thai marriage. These are not legally recognized unless registered at an Amphur.
For same-sex foreigners (or one foreigner and one Thai national), documentation is the most critical part of the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What is it?
So what is a no objection letter needed in Thailand. The no-objection letter which is also known as the “Affirmation of Freedom to Marry,”. With this letter being issued by the foreign national’s embassy in Thailand. It affirms that you are legally free to marry under your home country’s laws. Note that if you are divorced then the original divorce decree needs to be brought from your home country. Likewise you will also need a death certificate if you spouse passed away.
First you will need to contact your embassy or consulate in Bangkok or if American, Chiang Mai
• You will need your passport;
• You will also need to pay the embassy fee (ranges from 1,000–3,000 THB depending on the country).
• Typically the request is processing time is typically 1–5 days.
Note: You will note that not all embassies issue this letter for same-sex couples if gay marriage isn’t recognized in your home country. Always check with your embassy first.
Once you obtain the “No Objection” letter from your Embassy the following will need to be done:
This document must be translated into Thai from whatever you language is by a certified translator.
The costs will also vary between 300–1,000 THB per page.
You will need to have the Affirmation of Freedom to Marry translated.
You will need to take the original and translated documents to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
Likewise you will need to pay the legalization fee (~400 THB per document).
Note that the processing time is 1–3 business days.
For both partners:
· Your current passports (original and photocopy)
· Showing your arrival/departure cards
· There needs to be “No Objection” letter (for foreigners)
· Likewise proof of divorce or death certificate (if previously married)
· Lastly translations and legalized documents
· Likewise two witnesses (usually arranged by the District Office if not provided)
For Thai nationals:
· Your partners National Thai ID card
· Likewise he or she will need her/his House registration document (Tabien Baan)
Likewise once you are married, same-sex couples will enjoy all the legal benefits afforded to heterosexual married couples. These include the following and we have written on this before:
Spousal visas and immigration rights. You can find this listed on this website. There is the prospective Australian visa, UK same sex marriage visa as well as the K1 visa from Thailand.
Inheritance and property co-ownership. You will also read our suggestions on drafting a will in Thailand as a same sex couple. View this and consider you options.
Joint adoption rights (expected to follow with additional legal revisions). Likewise you should also look at your rights under a prenuptial agreement for same sex couples in Thailand.
There are a number of District Offices are more familiar with processing foreign same-sex marriages. These are some of the popular offices include:
· Bang Rak District (Bangkok) – Known as the “District of Love”. The most popular Amphur in Bangkok;
· Chiang Mai District Office – Well known with many foreigners getting married there;
· Pattaya City Hall – Most common in Pattaya where people get married.
It’s often easier to deal with Amphur in tourist-friendly cities with experience in international marriage registrations. These Amphur offices are farang friendly, especially the office in Bang Rak.
If you don’t read or speak Thai and you are unfamiliar with Thai bureaucracy. Then it is best to obtain the services of a lawyer or a Thai marriage service. We are able to assist with the following:
· We are able to scheduling appointments
· Likewise the ability to translating documents and notarizing documents
· Taking you and your spouse to the MFA as well as Amphur afterwards
· Lastly we will ensure paperwork is complete
You would need to expect to pay 10,000–20,000 THB for full service, depending on complexity.
Embassy rules differ significantly:
· U.S. Embassy: Straightforward process, recognizes gay marriage. You might need to wait 2 days for this.
· U.K. Embassy: Issues Affirmations easily and they do recognize gay marriage;
· India/China/Russia: May not issue “No Objection” letters for same-sex couples.
· Middle Eastern countries: Often do not recognize or support gay marriage, which may complicate matters.
Even before full legalization, Thailand has been a popular wedding and honeymoon destination for LGBTQ+ couples. Once legal, expect to see an increase in:
If you wanted to get married in Thailand as a foreign and local spouse partner. You can no fulfill your dream in Thailand. The market has improved as now you have hotels and wedding planners planning out their weddings online. Phuket and Koh Samui is popular in Thailand and many get married there.
Third place are for those who get married at Chiang Mai. Many of the wedding planners now also offer tailor made packages for people. There are many who wanted a beach ceremony with their marriage certification. This can be done now. This was your guide to same sex marriage in Thailand.
Lastly also see the article we wrote on Thai permanent residency as well as reading at Thailand divorce lawyer as you will see.
