Nada Chaiyajit is a law lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University’s School of Law and is set to embark on her PhD journey
in Law at the University of Warwick. As co-founder of Intersex Thailand, she spearheads legal advocacy efforts,
including drafting gender identity recognition and sex characteristics protection legislation.
Her expertise in human rights is evident in her multiple advisory roles: at the Manushya Foundation,
as LGBTI focal point for the Thai Business and Human Rights Network,
and as a key member of the Thai CSOs Coalition for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
She served as an advisor to the ad hoc Committee for Thailand’s historic Marriage Equality Bill,
which was recently passed and will be enforced in 2025. She also serves as an adviser on LGBTQI social and
economic inclusion for international projects, including Finance Inc. and [IM]Part for APCOM Foundation.
Nada’s work seamlessly blends legal scholarship with impactful human rights advocacy,
a path she continues to forge as she begins her doctoral studies.
Marriage equality law took effect from January 23, 2025.
Can you let us know about the long struggle to get to the law’s passage?
Thailand’s journey to marriage equality has lasted over a decade, beginning notably in 2012, when a same-sex couple’s marriage registration attempt was rejected. This sparked initial legislative efforts during PM Yingluck’s administration. Though the 2014 coup halted progress, the movement gained unprecedented momentum after the 2023 election, driven by the Constitutional Court’s controversial ruling, over 362,000 public signatures supporting equality, and recognition of Thailand’s 4 million LGBTIQAN+ voters. The House of Representatives historic passage in March 2024 culminated in years of persistent advocacy.
How did you and other activists celebrate this landmark moment?
As an academic and advocate, I’ve actively engaged with international media outlets such as BBC UK, providing consultations and writing educational materials to assist couples in preparing for marriage registration. I have focused on ensuring that couples comprehend both their rights and responsibilities, particularly concerning practical considerations like prenuptial agreements under the new legal framework.
How are you feeling about it?
This achievement signifies the culmination of years of dedicated advocacy and personal commitment. The emotion is profound—it’s not merely about legal recognition, but about validating the dignity of millions of Thai citizens who have long awaited this moment. Witnessing our collective efforts bear fruit fosters an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, albeit tempered by the awareness that further work remains.
What kind of difficulties did you and others face during the passage of this law?
We faced significant opposition from religious-based political parties, particularly Muslim MPs who sought either to prohibit the bill or to demand exemptions for Muslim citizens. Although we achieved gender-neutral language for marriage eligibility by changing “male and female” to “person,” we encountered considerable resistance regarding parental terminology, which demonstrated ongoing challenges in recognising diverse family structures.
How significant is this achievement for the whole country?
This signifies a transformative moment that extends beyond the estimated 4 million LGBTIQAN+ citizens to influence the entirety of Thai society. It showcases Thailand’s capacity to promote fundamental human rights while addressing complex cultural considerations, positioning us as the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognise marriage equality. This achievement challenges the perception that LGBTIQAN+ rights are merely Western concepts.
What is still missing from the law?
Beyond technical limitations, we face complex challenges within our communities, including internalised LGBTIQAN+ phobia. Some assert that marriage equality is adequate, neglecting crucial issues such as gender identity recognition and access to healthcare. The persistence of binary “father/mother” terms reflects enduring traditional thinking that must be addressed through comprehensive reforms.
There are any other issues that the LGBTQI community is working towards now?
The marriage equality law is one step towards full LGBTIQAN+ rights. We are actively pursuing legal gender recognition, comprehensive healthcare coverage through the National Health Security Office for gender-affirming care, and tackling discrimination in the education and employment sectors where significant barriers remain.
Since Thailand is first country in Southeast Asia to implement this law, how do you think this could inspire other countries to achieve marriage equality?
Thailand’s achievement sets a significant precedent for Southeast Asia, demonstrating that progress on LGBTIQAN+ rights is possible within Asian cultural contexts. Our experience illustrates how civil society organisations can effectively mobilise public support and operate within legislative frameworks while preserving cultural identity.
How is the Thai government using marriage equality to advance working on LGBTQI rights in Thailand and globally?
Although the government promotes this internationally, including aspirations to host World Pride 2030, progress primarily arises from ongoing efforts by civil society. A gap persists between international commitments and domestic implementation. We must concentrate on securing substantive rights rather than merely symbolic gestures.
Anything else you would like to add?
As we celebrate, we must remember that true equality extends beyond the legal recognition of relationships. Implementation must align with international human rights standards while addressing Thailand’s needs. This includes advocating for gender-neutral language in all legislation, comprehensive anti-discrimination protections, and full recognition of the dignity of LGBTIQAN+ individuals in all aspects of life.
