Gender recognition law ‘next big step’ in Thailand

[Gaybutton]

Gender recognition law ‘next big step’ in Thailand

Public education an important part of the mission to expand rights protection

by Jutamas Tadthiemrom

June 25, 2025

Advocates are urging the government to expedite the passage of a gender recognition law following Thailand’s landmark legalisation of same-sex marriage.

“Gender recognition is our next mission,” declared People’s Party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, vice-chair of the House Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Ethnic Groups and LGBTI+.

Mr Tunyawaj made the comment during the “Law Out Loud” panel discussion at the Bangkok Post “Pride in Action” forum at Lido Connect in Siam Square on Wednesday.

“The issue was raised in parliament but dismissed. Many people still do not understand its importance,” he said. “Transgender individuals frequently encounter difficulties — such as at immigration checkpoints — when official titles like ‘Mr’ or ‘Miss’ do not correspond with their gender identity.”

While some MPs are now advancing the bill, progress is expected to be slow due to the need for coordination among multiple agencies and the comprehensive revision of existing laws and regulations.

The forum was held as part of a celebration of Pride Month, which began with Thailand’s largest-ever Pride Parade on June 1, featuring a 200-metre rainbow flag stretching from National Stadium to Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok. The event marked a landmark moment for LGBTQI+ visibility and participation nationwide.

Despite this progress, campaigners insist that more comprehensive legal reforms are essential. MP Tunyawaj highlighted ongoing barriers, including the requirement that same-sex couples must be at least 25 years old to marry and that transgender individuals seeking legal gender changes must obtain approval from a psychiatrist — conditions he described as major impediments to personal dignity and autonomy.

“Education is fundamental,” he said. “We must ensure that children and young people are properly educated about LGBTQI+ issues and inclusivity. This will support the implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Bill, which is vital for protecting LGBTQI+ individuals from unfair treatment.”

Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, director of the International Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice, reflected on the long journey to legalise same-sex marriage.

“When my team first proposed this bill, it was almost impossible. People laughed and did not take it seriously,” she said. “Its enactment has brought us great joy — it is a massive achievement and a significant step forward.”

The Marriage Equality Act, which came into effect on Jan 22, 2025, grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption, property management and inheritance, divorce, access to state welfare if one partner is a civil servant, and eligibility for tax deductions.

Ms Nareeluc said fostering social inclusion and awareness was still needed. The Ministry of Justice is working with the Ministry of Education to launch nationwide campaigns to promote LGBTQI+ acceptance.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... n-thailand

[Dodger]

MP Tunyawaj highlighted ongoing barriers, including the requirement that same-sex couples must be at least 25 years old to marry.......

Ms Nareeluc said fostering social inclusion and awareness was still needed.

I hate to start my day off sounding negative - but what are these people talking about?

Same sex couples can be married at age 18 the same as str8 couples.

And there is absolutely no need for fostering social inclusion and awareness in Thailand. What nonsense. Gays have always been accepted in Thai society. Just turn on your TV and see how many channels include gays and ladyboys entertaining the masses.

The only people lacking awareness are the ones sitting on these committees who apparently have a lack of meaningful things to work on.

[2lz2p]

MP Tunyawaj highlighted ongoing barriers, including the requirement that same-sex couples must be at least 25 years old to marry.......

Ms Nareeluc said fostering social inclusion and awareness was still needed.

I hate to start my day off sounding negative - but what are these people talking about?

Same sex couples can be married at age 18 the same as str8 couples.

And there is absolutely no need for fostering social inclusion and awareness in Thailand. What nonsense. Gays have always been accepted in Thai society. Just turn on your TV and see how many channels include gays and ladyboys entertaining the masses.

The only people lacking awareness are the ones sitting on these committees who apparently have a lack of meaningful things to work on.

This morning I came across this YouTube video which offers a view that supports there is a need:

The Dark History About Gay Thailand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hScKNJps6vo

Having first visited Thailand in 1986 returning often on holiday and then moving here in 2002 to be with my Thai Partner, I can't say I fully agree with the views expressed, but it does bring up some points that tend to support a need for the proposed laws on gender identity.

[Dodger]

Having first visited Thailand in 1986 returning often on holiday and then moving here in 2002 to be with my Thai Partner, I can't say I fully agree with the views expressed, but it does bring up some points that tend to support a need for the proposed laws on gender identity.

I found the video interesting and sure that the historical events referenced are true, although I also realize that the world is constantly evolving - where any/all facets of society and social behavior have changed dramatically over the past few centuries...with Thailand being no different

I've only experienced gay life in Thailand during the 2,000's and draw my opinions regarding the treatment of gays based solely on those experiences, and can say without hesitation that from all I've witnessed, both during my time frolicking on the gays scenes, as well as my time residing in more remote areas of Thailand with gay partners, that gays are not treated any differently than str8's - and the western stigma's that many of us have been accustomed to are almost non-existent.

I think the fact that the "third-sex" (ladyboys) has been acknowledged and accepted in Thai society for well-over a century is what really separates Thailand from other countries/cultures. This was my first of many "amazements" when first coming here. The fact that 95% of the Thai population is Buddhist also plays a significant role, as a persons chosen sexual identity is not judged in Buddhism. Gender identity is something they fight about in the West. Gender identify in Thailand is consistent with all of nature and doesn't need to be defined beyond that.

Jai and I just watched one of Thailand's volleyball games last night where one team was 100% ladyboys and the other team gay boys. The ladyboys uniforms and facial makeup were decorated with rainbow colors...laughing and screaming like they always do...and the spectators were having a ball.

Only in Thailand!

[2lz2p]

I've only experienced gay life in Thailand during the 2,000's and draw my opinions regarding the treatment of gays based solely on those experiences, and can say without hesitation that from all I've witnessed, both during my time frolicking on the gays scenes, as well as my time residing in more remote areas of Thailand with gay partners, that gays are not treated any differently than str8's - and the western stigma's that many of us have been accustomed to are almost non-existent.

That has also been my experience. In my first few trips, I usually met and asked a Thai boy to accompany me on regular tours as well as visits to Chang Mai, Phuket and rarely encountered any hostility.