Why Thailand is a paradise for LGBT couples

In the Philippines, there is growing acceptance of LGBT couples living together openly. But the Roman Catholic Church vehemently opposes same-sex marriage.

In Vietnam, like Thailand, there are no religious or ideological barriers, but campaigning to change the law, as happened in Thailand, is difficult under a repressive regime. The same is true in China. Until the ruling communist party supports same-sex marriage, which it shows no signs of doing, it cannot happen.

Even in democracies like Japan and South Korea – where political parties are generally conservative and dominated by older men – the outlook looks bleak.

“Most conservative Christians are blocking it,” said Chae-yoon Han, executive director of the Beyond the Rainbow Foundation in South Korea.

“Most, if not all, politicians in President Yoon’s conservative party are devout Christians, and they have framed marriage equality as a ‘leftist agenda’, potentially opening society to a ‘leftist communist takeover”https://www. .bbc.com/news/articles/.”

India appeared to be close to legalizing same-sex marriage in 2023, when the decision went to the Supreme Court – but the judges refused, saying it was up to parliament.

So Thailand hopes to benefit from being a pioneer. Tourism is one of the few areas of Thailand’s economy that is doing well in the post-pandemic recovery, and the country is regarded as a safe and welcoming destination for LGBT vacationers.

A growing number of same-sex couples from other Asian countries are choosing to live here today.

The legal recognition they can get for their marriage will allow them to raise their children and grow up with almost all the rights and protections given to heterosexual couples.