Homosexuality in Thailand

Geographical location of Thailand

Socially, homosexuality and cross-dressing are largely tolerated in Thailand . Legally, however, homosexuals tend to enjoy fewer rights.

legality

Kathoeys at a stage event

The last law prohibiting homosexual acts was repealed in 1956. Since 2002, homosexuality is no longer seen as a mental health problem or illness in law.

After a lawsuit by Samart Meecharoen, who had lost his job, homosexuals and Kathoeys no longer get the note “Has mental disorder” in the draft notice, even in the military . This was decided in August 2005 and was therefore effective for the first time from April 2006 onwards. Above all, however, men who act as women are certified as having "problems with sexual identity" and they are excluded from military service. Before that, however, all young men were called up to serve in the military, except for homosexuals and transsexuals who were expelled because of "mental disorders".

There are no laws against homosexuals, except for a few Buddhist regulations that openly deny gays access to monasticism.

Anti-discrimination laws

Sexual identity is protected in the Thai constitution , adopted by referendum in 2007 .

Recognition of same-sex civil partnerships

The news of Elton John's wedding in particular caused many gays to criticize the government, as no opening of marriage is planned and neither registered partnerships nor unregistered cohabitation are officially recognized by the government. Regardless of this, however, many Thai gays and lesbians are out in public in larger cities like Bangkok or western-oriented areas like Phuket and Pattaya .

On June 29, 2007, the constituent assembly decided to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in the new constitution, which was still rejected until mid-June 2007. A draft law in August 2013 to introduce a registered partnership failed because there were general elections in Thailand on February 2, 2014. In December 2018, a new government bill to introduce a civil partnership institute was introduced into parliament.

Social situation

Gay Pride Parade in Bangkok 2006

The Thai gay community is one of the most openly self-confessed in the world, although coming out within one's own family is rather rare. The family pressure to marry is much lower than in Western, Indian or Islamic families.

Annual Gay Pride Parades take place in Thailand , for example in Bangkok , Pattaya and Phuket . The Ministry of Health works with gay associations to strengthen awareness and prevention of AIDS. Gays and transvestites are heavily represented in films and television (soap operas). There are even gay and transsexual sports and cheerleading associations in schools.

The lesbian community has also been establishing itself more strongly since 2002, as larger lesbian bars and clubs have opened in Bangkok for the first time. The 2006 military coup did not affect the LGBT community.