Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a marriage equality Bill, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law.
The Bill passed its final reading with the approval of 130 of the 152 members of the Senate in attendance, with 4 voting against it and 18 abstaining.
The Bill now needs the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, followed by its publication in the Government Gazette, which will set a date within 120 days when it becomes effective.
Thailand will become the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage.