Reviewed by Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556, for ThaiLawOnline, a Thai law firm acting for foreigners since 2006.
Update log
- 4 November 2026: Added the statute box with Thai, English and French text and checked the page against the official text
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. Sections 1448 to 1453 of the Civil and Commercial Code, as amended by the Amendment Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567, were read in the Thai text. Documents, fees, waiting times at district offices and recognition abroad are practice information.
On January 23, 2025, Thailand made history. It became the first Southeast Asian country and the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The law is called the Amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567 (2024) and was published on September 24, 2024. This important law gives same-sex couples the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples, affirming their civil partnership. It is a big step forward for LGBTQ+ rights. This follows decades of advocacy, making Thailand the 38th country globally to recognize marriage equality. The new law facilitates the process of Same-Sex Marriage Registration in Thailand.
Table of Contents
Understanding Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act
Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act started on January 23, 2025. His Majesty the King approved it. It was published in the Royal Gazette. This marks an important step for same-sex marriage. The law enjoyed robust bipartisan support, passing the House of Representatives by 400 to 10 votes and the Senate by 130 to 4 votes. It introduced gender-neutral language and equal rights in financial, medical, and legal areas, significantly benefiting LGBTQ individuals. This changed over 60 sections of the Civil and Commercial Code. As of July 2025, implementation has been smooth with no reported widespread issues, per government reports.
Who Can Register a Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand?
Both parties must be at least 18 years old (younger only with court permission), not insane or adjudged incompetent, unmarried, not lineal relatives or full or half siblings, and not adopter and adopted child. A woman whose previous marriage ended must wait 310 days before marrying a man, unless she has given birth in the meantime, is remarrying her former spouse, holds a medical certificate that she is not pregnant, or has a court order (section 1453). The waiting period does not apply to a woman marrying a woman. A person under 20 has not reached majority and needs the consent of their parents, adoptive parent or guardian to marry (sections 19 and 1454). Marriage registration is open to any two people, whether they are Thai or foreign. This means same-sex couples can marry in Thailand. They must meet some basic requirements. These include being of legal age, giving consent, and not being currently married.
The law replaces “husband and wife” with “married partners” or “spouses” and “man and woman” with “individuals.
The law behind this page
English
Section 1448Amended on 23 January 2025
Marriage requires both parties to be 18 or older. Below that age, a court order is required. The 2024 Marriage Equality Act both raised the minimum age (from 17 to 18) and replaced gendered terms with neutral 'persons', allowing same-sex marriage.
Full text
A marriage may take place only when both persons have completed eighteen years of age; but where there is appropriate cause, the court may permit them to marry before then.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1458Amended on 23 January 2025
A marriage can be made only if the two persons consent to be spouses of each other, and that consent must be declared openly before the registrar, who records it. Consent is therefore part of the form of the marriage, not merely an inward intention. A marriage made without it is void under Section 1495, but by Section 1496 that voidness takes effect only on a court judgment, which the spouses, their parents or descendants, or, if there are none of them, the public prosecutor at an interested person's request, may apply for.
Full text
A marriage may be made only when two persons consent to be spouses of each other, and that consent must be declared openly before the registrar, who shall record it.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1457
A marriage under this Code takes effect only once it has been registered. Religious or customary ceremonies alone do not create a legal marriage in Thailand.
Full text
A marriage under this Code can exist only once it has been registered.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1452Amended on 23 January 2025
A person who is already validly married cannot enter into another marriage. A second marriage during the first is void.
Full text
A person may not marry while that person has a spouse.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1450Amended on 23 January 2025
Full text
Two persons who are blood relatives in the direct ascending or descending line, or who are brothers or sisters of full blood or of half blood, cannot marry each other. That relationship is determined by blood, regardless of whether it is legitimate.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1453Amended on 23 January 2025
Full text
A woman whose male spouse has died, or whose marriage has come to an end in any other way, may marry a man again only when not less than three hundred and ten days have elapsed since the end of the marriage, unless: (1) a child has been born during that period; (2) she marries her former spouse; (3) there is a certificate from a person lawfully qualified to practise medicine, holding a diploma or a degree, that she is not pregnant; or (4) there is an order of the court permitting the marriage.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 1459
Full text
A marriage abroad between Thai nationals, or where either party is a Thai national, may be made in the form prescribed by Thai law or by the law of that country. Where the spouses wish to register the marriage under Thai law, a Thai diplomatic or consular official shall register it.
ThaiLawOnline translation
Section 6 Family Registration Act B.E. 2478
Full text
Subject to section 14, an application for registration must be made in writing in the form prescribed by ministerial regulation. When the Registrar accepts the registration, the applicant must sign the register in the presence of the Registrar and of two witnesses, who must also sign the register at that time. If the applicant is unable to sign by any means, the Registrar shall make a note in the register. Specifically for marriage registration, in addition to complying with the preceding paragraph, in any locality where the provincial governor sees fit to announce it with the approval of the Minister of Interior, an application to register a marriage may be filed with the kamnan of the locality where the man or the woman, or both, reside. Such an application must bear the signatures of the applicants and two witnesses, made in the presence of the kamnan, and one of the witnesses must be an administrative official holding a position of village headman or above, a police officer of the rank of sub-lieutenant or above, the chief of a police station, a member of the House of Representatives, a municipal executive councillor, a member of a municipal council, a member of a provincial council, or a lawyer. On receiving a correct application, the kamnan shall forward it promptly to the Registrar for consideration of registration. In this registration, the Registrar shall enter the names of the applicants and witnesses in the register in place of their signatures, and the marriage is deemed complete from the date on which the kamnan received the application.
ThaiLawOnline translation
ไทย
มาตรา 1448แก้ไขเมื่อ 23 มกราคม 2568
ข้อความเต็ม
การสมรสจะกระทำได้ต่อเมื่อบุคคลทั้งสองฝ่ายมีอายุสิบแปดปีบริบูรณ์แล้ว แต่ในกรณีมีเหตุอันสมควร ศาลอาจอนุญาตให้ทำการสมรสก่อนนั้นได้
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1458แก้ไขเมื่อ 23 มกราคม 2568
ข้อความเต็ม
การสมรสจะทำได้ต่อเมื่อบุคคลสองคนยินยอมเป็นคู่สมรสกัน และต้องแสดงการยินยอมนั้นให้ปรากฏโดยเปิดเผยต่อหน้านายทะเบียนและให้นายทะเบียนบันทึกความยินยอมนั้นไว้ด้วย
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1457
ข้อความเต็ม
การสมรสตามประมวลกฎหมายนี้จะมีได้เฉพาะเมื่อได้จดทะเบียนแล้วเท่านั้น
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1452แก้ไขเมื่อ 23 มกราคม 2568
ข้อความเต็ม
บุคคลจะทำการสมรสในขณะที่ตนมีคู่สมรสอยู่ไม่ได้
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1450แก้ไขเมื่อ 23 มกราคม 2568
ข้อความเต็ม
บุคคลสองคนซึ่งเป็นญาติสืบสายโลหิตโดยตรงขึ้นไปหรือลงมาก็ดี เป็นพี่น้องร่วมบิดามารดาหรือร่วมแต่บิดาหรือมารดาก็ดี จะทำการสมรสกันไม่ได้ ความเป็นญาติดังกล่าวมานี้ให้ถือตามสายโลหิตโดยไม่คำนึงว่าจะเป็นญาติโดยชอบด้วยกฎหมายหรือไม่
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1453แก้ไขเมื่อ 23 มกราคม 2568
ข้อความเต็ม
หญิงที่ชายผู้เป็นคู่สมรสตายหรือที่การสมรสสิ้นสุดลงด้วยประการอื่นจะทำการสมรสใหม่กับชายได้ต่อเมื่อการสิ้นสุดแห่งการสมรสได้ผ่านพ้นไปแล้วไม่น้อยกว่าสามร้อยสิบวัน เว้นแต่ (๑) คลอดบุตรแล้วในระหว่างนั้น (๒) สมรสกับคู่สมรสเดิม (๓) มีใบรับรองแพทย์ประกาศนียบัตรหรือปริญญาซึ่งเป็นผู้ประกอบการรักษาโรคในสาขาเวชกรรมได้ตามกฎหมายว่ามิได้มีครรภ์ หรือ (๔) มีคำสั่งของศาลให้สมรสได้
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 1459
ข้อความเต็ม
การสมรสในต่างประเทศระหว่างคนที่มีสัญชาติไทยด้วยกัน หรือฝ่ายใดฝ่ายหนึ่งมีสัญชาติไทย จะทำตามแบบที่กำหนดไว้ตามกฎหมายไทยหรือกฎหมายแห่งประเทศนั้นก็ได้ในกรณีที่คู่สมรสประสงค์จะจดทะเบียนตามกฎหมายไทย ให้พนักงานทูตหรือกงสุลไทยเป็นผู้รับจดทะเบียน
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
มาตรา 6 พระราชบัญญัติจดทะเบียนครอบครัว พุทธศักราช 2478
ข้อความเต็ม
ภายใต้บังคับแห่งบทบัญญัติมาตรา ๑๔ คำร้องขอจดทะเบียนต้องทำเป็นหนังสือตามแบบที่กำหนดไว้ในกฎกระทรวง เมื่อนายทะเบียนรับจดทะเบียน ผู้ร้องต้องลงลายมือชื่อไว้เป็นสำคัญในทะเบียนต่อหน้านายทะเบียนและต่อหน้าพยานสองคนซึ่งต้องลงลายมือชื่อไว้ในทะเบียนในขณะนั้นด้วย แต่ถ้าผู้ร้องไม่สามารถลงลายมือชื่อได้โดยวิธีหนึ่งวิธีใด ให้นายทะเบียนหมายเหตุไว้ในทะเบียน โดยเฉพาะการจดทะเบียนสมรส นอกจากจะปฏิบัติตามความในวรรคก่อน ถ้าท้องที่ใด ข้าหลวงประจำจังหวัดเห็นสมควรจะประกาศโดยอนุมัติของรัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงมหาดไทย ยอมให้ยื่นคำร้องขอจดทะเบียนสมรสต่อกำนันท้องที่ที่ชายหรือหญิงฝ่ายใดหรือทั้งสองฝ่ายที่มีถิ่นที่อยู่ก็ได้ คำร้องเช่นว่านี้ต้องมีลายมือชื่อของผู้ร้องและพยานสองคนลงต่อหน้ากำนัน แต่พยานคนหนึ่งนั้นต้องเป็นเจ้าพนักงานฝ่ายปกครอง ซึ่งมีตำแหน่งตั้งแต่ชั้นผู้ใหญ่บ้านขึ้นไป หรือนายตำรวจซึ่งมียศตั้งแต่ชั้นนายร้อยตำรวจตรีขึ้นไป หรือหัวหน้าสถานีตำรวจ หรือผู้แทนราษฎร เทศมนตรี สมาชิกสภาเทศบาล สมาชิกสภาจังหวัด หรือทนายความ เมื่อได้รับคำร้องโดยถูกต้องแล้ว ให้กำนันส่งคำร้องนั้นต่อไปยังนายทะเบียนโดยเร็ว เพื่อพิจารณารับจดทะเบียน ในการจดทะเบียนนี้ ให้นายทะเบียนลงชื่อผู้ร้องและพยานในทะเบียนถือเป็นแทนการลงลายมือชื่อ และให้ถือว่าการสมรสได้สมบูรณ์แต่วันที่กำนันรับคำร้องนั้น
ตรงตามข้อความในราชกิจจานุเบกษา / สำนักงานคณะกรรมการกฤษฎีกา (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette / Office of the Council of State)
Français
Article 1448Modifié le 23 janvier 2025
Le mariage ne peut être contracté que lorsque les deux personnes ont atteint l'âge de dix-huit ans révolus ; toutefois, s'il existe un motif légitime, le tribunal peut les autoriser à se marier avant cet âge.
résumé non officiel
Article 1458Modifié le 23 janvier 2025
Le mariage exige que deux personnes y consentent et l'expriment publiquement devant l'officier d'état civil, qui doit consigner ce consentement.
résumé non officiel
Article 1457
Le mariage régi par le présent Code ne peut exister qu'une fois enregistré.
résumé non officiel
Article 1452Modifié le 23 janvier 2025
Une personne ne peut contracter mariage tant qu'elle a un conjoint.
résumé non officiel
Article 1450Modifié le 23 janvier 2025
Ne peuvent se marier ensemble deux personnes parentes en ligne directe ascendante ou descendante, ni des frères et sœurs germains, consanguins ou utérins. Cette parenté s'apprécie selon les liens du sang, qu'elle soit légitime ou non.
résumé non officiel
Article 1453Modifié le 23 janvier 2025
La femme dont le mariage a pris fin par décès du mari ou autrement ne peut se remarier avec un homme qu'après 310 jours, sauf si elle a accouché entre-temps, épouse son ancien conjoint, produit le certificat d'un médecin habilité attestant l'absence de grossesse, ou obtient l'autorisation du tribunal.
résumé non officiel
Article 1459
Le mariage célébré à l'étranger entre ressortissants thaïlandais, ou lorsque l'un des époux est de nationalité thaïlandaise, peut suivre la forme prévue par la loi thaïlandaise ou par la loi du pays concerné. Si les époux souhaitent l'enregistrer selon la loi thaïlandaise, l'enregistrement est effectué par l'agent diplomatique ou consulaire thaïlandais.
résumé non officiel
Article 6 Family Registration Act B.E. 2478
La demande se fait par écrit; le demandeur signe le registre devant l'officier et deux témoins, qui signent aussi. Sur annonce provinciale approuvée par le ministre, la demande de mariage peut être déposée devant le kamnan; une fois enregistré, le mariage vaut dès la date de réception.
résumé non officiel
Sources
- Civil and Commercial Code, Office of the Council of State, retrieved 31 October 2026
- Family Registration Act B.E. 2478, retrieved 31 October 2026
Required Documentation
Proper documentation ensures a smooth registration process for same-sex couples in Thailand.
Thai nationals must present:
- National ID card and house registration book (Tabien Baan)
- A divorce or death certificate of a previous spouse is needed for couples in Thailand. This ensures their union is legally recognized.
- Two adult witnesses with valid IDs. Please note that in many places, even if the law does not say who can be a witness, they may only accept Thai people.
Foreign nationals need:
- A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Certificate of single status from their embassy. It could also be called “Certificate of no impediment to marriage”.
- Visa documentation proving legal stay in Thailand
- Divorce or death certificate from previous marriages, if applicable. But that is normally given to embassies and not the local registration office.
- Professional Thai translations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs legalization. DO NOTE THAT SINCE JULY 2025, THAT PROCESS CAN BE LONG. We have an article about legalization of documents here.
Embassy requirements vary by nationality, and single status certificates are usually valid for 90 days post-legalization.
Registration Procedure
Couples can register at any district office in Thailand, ensuring a streamlined process for getting married in Thailand. Where at least one partner is Thai, they can also register at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad (Civil and Commercial Code section 1459). Special event venues are another option for registration. The process usually takes 1 hour. It involves submitting documents, filling out forms, and signing the marriage certificate with two witnesses. You will also receive official documentation.
Since middle of 2025, many offices need booking in advance and it can take 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months. They also want to see prenuptial agreements in advance. Do note that in rural areas, it might be easier and much shorter.
Popular marriage registration offices include:
- Bangrak District Office, Bangkok. Do note that they are strict and other places might be better.
- Pathumwan District Office, Bangkok
- Amphur Mueang Chiang Mai
- Amphur Banglamung, Pattaya
- Amphur Mueang Phuket
Marriage Registration Costs
District office registrations are free. There are small fees for off-site registration, which costs 200 THB. Certified copies cost 10 THB each. Additional costs may include embassy fees, translation services, legalization fees, and travel expenses. Professional legal assistance is available for those preferring guided support.
Rights and Benefits of Same-Sex Married Couples
Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act ensures comprehensive rights:
Property and Financial:
- Joint ownership and management of property
- Inheritance and survivor rights
- Tax and social security benefits
Healthcare and Medical:
- Medical decision-making authority
- Hospital visitation and access to medical records
Family:
- Adoption and parental recognition rights
- Family reunification for visa purposes
Immigration:
- Eligibility for marriage visas (Non-Immigrant O)
- Extensions of stay and work permit eligibility
- Pathways to permanent residency in Thailand through marriage with a Thai partner are now available. Same-sex couples can enjoy legally recognized rights.
Prenuptial agreements are also available and recommended for financial clarity.
Although progressive, couples may face hurdles like adoption challenges, surrogacy restrictions, administrative delays, and varying international recognition. Recognition depends on other countries. For example, it is recognised in Canada, the United States and many European countries, though not in every EU member state. However, it is not recognized in places like Russia or many countries in the Middle East. Couples should check with their home country’s laws and consider apostille/legalization for international validity.
Celebrating Success
The law’s implementation saw immediate success, with 1,832 couples registering nationwide on the first day alone. Thailand’s historic move got global praise and attention. This positions the country as a top LGBTQ+ wedding spot in Asia.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Registration of same-sex unions in Thailand.
Before Registration:
- Allow at least 1 month in general for document preparation. You must contact your embassy. Countries like China, Cambodia, Burma, India, and Pakistan can be more difficult when considering getting married in Thailand. There are also delays to legalize documents unless you use an agent but you will pay more.
- Schedule embassy appointments early
- Ensure witnesses meet requirements
During Registration:
- Arrive early with original documents
- Dress formally and consider capturing memories with photos
- And do note that now, you might need an appointment in advance and it can take weeks. It has changed in 2025 even if the law remain the same.
After Registration:
- Secure multiple certified copies of the marriage certificate
- Inform relevant authorities in your home country
- Update passports and visas promptly
FAQS about Same-Sex Marriage Registration in Thailand
What is the current status of same-sex marriage in Thailand?
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Thailand since 23 January 2025, when the Civil and Commercial Code Amendment Act (No. 24) B.E. 2567 came into force. Thailand was the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize it. This is an important step towards marriage equality in the region
How does the marriage equality law affect same-sex couples in Thailand?
The marriage equality law grants same-sex couples legal recognition and rights similar to those enjoyed by heterosexual couples. This includes inheritance rights, tax benefits, and the ability to register their marriage. These changes will improve the legal status of same-sex relationships in Thailand.
When will same-sex couples be able to register their marriage in Thailand?
Same-sex couples in Thailand have been able to register their marriage since 23 January 2025. This date marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s journey towards marriage equality.
How does Thailand’s same-sex marriage legislation compare to other countries in Asia?
With the legalization of same-sex marriage, Thailand becomes a leader in Asia. Taiwan was the first country in the region to recognize same-sex marriage. The new law shows changing views on gender identity. It also sets an example for other Asian countries to think about similar laws.
What are the implications of the marriage equality bill in Thailand?
The marriage equality bill in Thailand has important effects. It gives legal rights to same-sex couples. This gives them broadly the same position as other married couples, with one statutory exception: section 67 paragraph 2 of the Act leaves unchanged the laws that treat a husband and a wife differently, such as the spouse routes to Thai nationality and the surrogacy Act. This includes the ability to make legal decisions for one another and access to spousal benefits.
What challenges do same-sex couples still face in Thailand?
Despite the progress made with the same-sex marriage law, challenges remain for same-sex couples in Thailand. These include social stigma, discrimination, and the need for complete gender recognition laws. These laws should support gender diversity and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
How did the public react to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand?
The public response to legalizing same-sex marriage has been mostly positive. This is especially true for younger people who support marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Events such as Bangkok Pride highlight the support for same-sex couples and their rights within Thai society.
What steps are needed for same-sex marriage to be fully realized in Thailand?
For same-sex marriage to happen in Thailand, we need to keep pushing for better marriage laws and gender recognition. This includes teaching the public about LGBTQ+ issues. It also means working for legal changes that protect everyone’s rights, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.
While the law is a massive win, the “administrative reality” in Thailand is that local districts (Amphurs) have a lot of autonomy. Even though the law is national, a district office in a rural province might be less familiar with foreign paperwork than one in Bangkok or Phuket. Always call the specific office 48 hours before arriving, even if you have an appointment.
For detailed guidance and updates, couples should regularly check with local Thai embassies or trusted legal experts. ThaiLawOnline has helped marriage registration of same-sex couples, done prenuptial agreements for same-sex couples and more. We can help you. Book at consultation with us following the instructions in this article.
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