Thailand is predicted to experience a $2 billion (£1.58 billion) boost in tourism after the country passed a marriage equality law, which will come into effect in two months.
It is the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to recognize same-sex marriage after the king approved the marriage equality law passed by parliament earlier this year.
The new law amends the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms such as “men and women” with gender-neutral terms such as “individual”.
The law was approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in September and will come into effect at the end of January 2025.
Travel company Agoda, founded in Phuket, Thailand, has predicted that within two years of the law coming into effect, the country will see tourism revenues increase by almost $2 billion a year.
Agoda predicts that Thailand will attract four million additional visitors annually.
The company’s research into the economic impact of the law on the tourism sector shows that the influx of visitors could support an additional 152,000 full-time jobs and increase Thailand’s GDP by 0.3 percent.
Darren Burn, the CEO and founder of luxury LGBTQ+ travel agency Out Of Office and travel guide Travel Gay, explains The independent: “Thailand has long been one of the most popular destinations on Travel Gay and interest is growing year on year. It has always been seen by the community as a welcoming destination and the introduction of marriage equality will only improve that.”
Although Thailand has long had a reputation as an accepting and inclusive country, and Bangkok has a large LGBT+ community and scene, the conservative and traditional side of Thai society and government has prevented the passage of the equality law.
The new law will allow same-sex couples to marry and receive full legal, financial and medical rights.
Agoda also predicts that Thailand will become a regional hub for LGBTQ+ couples from neighboring countries looking to celebrate their nuptials.
Burn said Out Of Office has helped couples plan symbolic gay weddings in places like Chiang Mai, and hopes traditional ceremonies that vary by region can be adapted to allow for legal gay weddings.
“More and more LGBTQ+ couples want to get married abroad – especially our US clients,” said Burn. “There are still limited options where legal marriage is open to same-sex couples and so Thailand will undoubtedly see a relative influx of travelers as a result.”
Henry Koh, Executive Director of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Asia said: “The unfortunate reality is that more than half of LGBTQIA+ travelers from the Asia Pacific region experience some form of sexual harassment while traveling has experienced discrimination. making safety an important consideration for them while they travel.
“By making this crucial change in law, Thailand is establishing itself as a safe and preferred destination that can provide them with the otherwise unavailable opportunity to, for example, hold a destination wedding.”
Timothy Hughes, vice president of business development at Agoda and lead sponsor of Agoda Pride, said: “Although it is already a popular destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, this move is expected to further strengthen Thailand’s reputation as an inclusive holiday option.
“At Agoda, we are excited to see the substantial economic impact that the influx of travelers will have on local businesses and communities.”
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