Thai same-sex marriage Bill passes first reading in Senate

Thailand another step closer to being first Asean nation to recognise marriage equality

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The Thai Senate passed the first reading of a Bill to legalise same-sex marriage on April 2, taking the kingdom another step closer to becoming the first South-east Asian country to recognise marriage equality.

Thailand has long enjoyed an international reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, but activists have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values.

The vote sailed through the unelected Upper House - stacked with conservative appointees named by the last junta - with 147 votes in favour, four against and seven abstaining, building on the momentum from last week's landslide vote in Parliament.

Earlier, senators debated the legislation, which would change references to "men", "women", "husbands" and "wives" in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms.

"Now I have faith in this country, that it can eventually change," campaigner Naiyana Supapung said as she watched the debate, ahead of the vote.

The legislation will now go to a 27-person committee for further consideration.