Thailand celebrates marriage equality milestone as GEC network expands its Asia-Pacific engagement
Credit: Equal Asia Foundation, 2024.
The Global Equality Caucus (GEC) congratulates the Thai LGBT+ community on achieving a historic milestone with the passage of marriage equality, with the new law taking effect today (23 January 2025). This moment is the result of years of relentless advocacy, resilience, and dedication by different stakeholders - including legislators - across Thailand. It underscores a strong commitment to securing equal rights and inclusion for all.
Thailand becomes the third jurisdiction in Asia to introduce same-sex unions, after Taiwan and Nepal.
GEC commends Thai legislators, civil society organisations, and corporate allies for their pivotal roles in realising this landmark decision. Their collaboration highlights how partnerships across sectors can drive transformative change, offering hope and inspiration to the region as a whole.
GEC has a longstanding commitment to advancing LGBT+ rights in Asia. Through work in countries like India, the Philippines, and Japan, GEC has facilitated legislative workshops, capacity-building programmes, and regional convenings to empower parliamentarians, policymakers, and activists. These efforts have helped create a network of champions dedicated to promoting equality through legal reforms, workplace inclusion, and human rights protections. GEC’s initiatives have supported decriminalisation campaigns, amplified LGBT+ voices, and provided policy frameworks to address discrimination and exclusion.
In 2025, GEC will deepen its engagement in Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on advancing priorities including decriminalisation, anti-discrimination laws, and legal protections for LGBT+ individuals. We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Ryan Figueiredo as a Regional Consultant to lead and champion this work. Ryan - based in Bangkok as Executive Director of the Equal Asia Foundation - is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. With over two decades of experience, Ryan has cultivated deep relationships with lawmakers, civil society organisations and international agencies across Asia in the LGBT+ policy space.
The Caucus will also prioritise capacity-building programmes for policymakers and foster regional collaboration by connecting legislators with civil society, corporate allies and other stakeholders. Public-private partnerships and South to South engagement will play a key role in promoting inclusive policymaking spaces, while tailored policy advising will address systemic barriers to equality. These initiatives aim to sustain progress toward a future where dignity and inclusion are guaranteed for all.
On the new developments in the Asia-Pacific region, Aron le Fèvre, GEC Executive Director, said: "Thailand’s path to marriage equality provides a clear roadmap for other nations seeking to advance LGBT+ rights. By fostering dialogue, building coalitions, and ensuring legislators are equipped to advance inclusive legislation, countries can create meaningful progress. I am delighted to welcome Ryan to our Secretariat to expand our engagement in the region, continuing to empower legislators and in turn the communities they represent.”