Will Thailand be the first rainbow domino of Southeast Asia?

Thailand is poised to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. Could this put pressure on its neighbours to embrace greater social diversity and equality?

The Land of Smiles may be on the cusp of a historic social and political transformation. As the proposed Same-Sex Marriage Bill winds its way through parliament, it sparks anticipation and excitement among the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters. This potential turning point could have far-reaching consequences for the nation and the region.

Domestically, the draft bill aligns Thailand with modern global norms on equality and signifies a vital moment in reclaiming its global spotlight after a lost decade under military rule. It also showcases the new administration's commitment to economic prosperity fueled by inclusivity and diversity.

Beyond its borders, the bill serves as a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southeast Asia, where same-sex marriage remains illegal. It sends a powerful message of tolerance, inclusivity, and the transformative power of activism, inspiring positive change throughout the region.

“No more Pinkwashing for Thailand”

Despite its reputation as a haven for LGBTQIA+ tourists, the reality for Thailand's own LGBTQIA+ citizens is more nuanced. While they experience relative safety, full societal acceptance remains elusive. Stereotypes abound, limiting opportunities and hindering their potential. Studies reveal this stark contrast, highlighting the phenomenon of "Pinkwashing," where Thailand promotes itself as a "Gay Paradise" and yet neglects the rights of its own LGBTQIA+ community.

However, the proposed Same-Sex Marriage Bill has the potential to rewrite this narrative. Legalising same-sex marriage would not only redefine marriage but dismantle the discriminatory structures that marginalise the LGBTQIA+ community. This landmark legislation would effectively end Thailand's Pinkwashing image and represent a profound societal shift towards inclusivity.

While the path towards full equality is rarely smooth, Thailand's bold step extends far beyond legal recognition. It symbolises a nation striving to dismantle prejudices and build a truly inclusive society.

Making the economy like a rainbow

Thailand's progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights extends beyond social inclusion, recognising its economic potential. Studies consistently demonstrate that LGBTQIA+ inclusion unlocks individuals' economic potential, translating to higher per capita income and greater societal well-being.

This approach sends a powerful message of inclusivity to the global community, attracting foreign direct investments from multinational companies prioritising diversity and inclusion. By creating an inclusive environment, Thailand positions itself as a prime location for regional headquarters, offices, and manufacturing facilities, reaping the benefits of job creation, infrastructure development, and knowledge transfer.

The economic advantages extend beyond attracting large corporations. Thailand's embrace of LGBTQIA+ rights fosters a thriving environment for local entrepreneurs catering to the specific needs of this community. This grassroots economic growth stimulates innovation and fuels Thailand's economic engine.

Furthermore, Thailand's potential to become a regional pioneer in marriage equality presents a lucrative opportunity for the tourism industry. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand ranked fourth globally in LGBTQIA+ tourism revenue. By solidifying its position as a leader in LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, Thailand can attract tourists seeking a welcoming and celebratory destination, boosting tourism revenue, and further diversifying the economy.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has consistently expressed his support for the extension of
marriage rights on principle, dating back to his time as CEO of Sansiri Plc. But this also aligns perfectly with the administration’s goal of stimulating economic growth through grassroots development, reskilling the population, and attracting diverse tourism. This comprehensive approach positions Thailand as a magnet for foreign investments and key players in the global advanced technology industry, creating an economy fuelled by diversity, innovation, and inclusivity. If happened, this success story has the potential to inspire neighbouring countries to re-evaluate their stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, recognising the economic benefits and the importance of maintaining positive international standing.

Activism Paves the Way

Thailand's legalisation of same-sex marriage would represent a landmark victory for the LGBTQIA+ community and a testament to the power of sustained activism. Tireless efforts from individuals, NGOs, and a resilient community have paved the path towards equality.

Activists strategically employed Pride events, public demonstrations, and social media campaigns to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and garner widespread support for legislative change. Notably, the ‘Naruemit Pride’ group partnered with the newly ratified mayor of Bangkok in 2022 for their first event, leading to ‘Bangkok Pride 2023’ becoming the first event to attract major political parties and multinational cooperates to participate. Their visibility and resilience successfully framed the fight for marriage equality as a fundamental human rights issue, shifting public opinion. Furthermore, Pride events were held in 23 provinces across Thailand in 2023. These local efforts significantly boosted acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the nation.

It's noteworthy that media coverage and public sentiment surrounding the same-sex marriage bill have been overwhelmingly positive in recent months, with minimal criticism or negative feedback. This widespread optimism regarding the bill's passage by Parliament is further bolstered by the endorsements of the two largest political parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai.

The intertwined efforts of activists and political parties in Thailand transcend national borders, serving as a source of inspiration for similar movements in neighboring countries where LGBTQIA+ rights remain contested. Thai activists offer a beacon of hope and a valuable blueprint, demonstrating the success of overcoming societal prejudices, legal hurdles, and conservative opposition.

Despite this milestone, activists remain focusing on securing broader rights. Their commitment extends to securing anti-discrimination laws, safeguarding transgender rights, promoting inclusive education systems, and advocating for legalisation of service workers.

A Domino Effect for LGBTQ+ Rights?

Thailand's move towards legalising same-sex marriage challenges the traditional and conservative landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in Southeast Asia, often rooted in cultural and religious norms. This bold step has the potential to trigger a domino effect, inspiring neighbouring nations to re-evaluate their own approaches, especially those with similar economic standing, may be encouraged to initiate legislative changes. This could embolden burgeoning LGBTQIA+ movements within these countries to push for legal recognition of same-sex unions.

The debate on same-sex marriage in Southeast Asia is intricately woven with religious and cultural beliefs. Religious leaders and conservative groups often cite scriptures and traditional values in their opposition, expressing concerns about societal norms and family structures.

Across Southeast Asia, the legal landscape remains restrictive. While Thailand takes a progressive step, countries like Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to criminalise same-sex relationships and sexual activities. Others lack legal frameworks for same-sex marriage or civil unions. This reflects the region's diverse cultural and religious contexts, highlighting the ongoing clash between predominant traditional values and human rights.

On the bright side, there have been positive signs towards this inclusivity. In 2022, Singapore took a significant step by repealing its antisodomy law. This move, driven by the tireless efforts of the Pink Dot, represents a milestone in the nation and region.The Social acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals is gradually evolving in many Southeast Asian countries. A recent survey in the Philippines reveals a significant rise in trust and acceptance since 2013, from 67 percent to 79 percent this year. However, the path towards same-sex marriage for both countries remains uncertain.

Additionally, the LGBTQIA+ inclusivity is not shared by all governments in the region. Several countries grappling with dictatorship regimes and poverty issues prioritise other concerns, often leaving LGBTQIA+ rights on the backburner.

In the nutshell, the passage of Thailand's Same-Sex Marriage Bill would mark a historic moment, not only for LGBTQIA+ rights within the nation but also for the broader socio-economic landscape of Southeast Asia. This ground-breaking legislation holds the potential for far-reaching consequences, impacting legal recognition, social acceptance, and even economic prosperity.

Thailand is now setting new standards of inclusivity. One question arises: By recognising the economic benefits of embracing diversity and equality, will other Southeast Asian nations follow suit?

Peerawit Khantisuk, an independent political consultant and strategist. Former Deputy Team Leader of European Union Policy and Outreach Partnership in ASEAN (EUPOP).