In 2024, Thailand legalized same-sex marriage, providing more equality for its LGBTQ residents and visitors. On January 23, 2025, the law went into effect and the country celebrated with a mass wedding for same-sex partners, with NBC News reporting that almost 200 couples took part.
The new law has helped many Thai residents feel more welcomed and accepted, with one couple telling NPR, “I feel more secure in our life because we can be a family and be recognized as a couple in society." But the new measure will also have impacts on Thailand’s tourism industry.
Thailand as an LGBTQ travel destination
Thailand is already a massive travel destination – with locales like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Ko Phi Phi being global hotspots – so the nation is already well-equipped to become one of the world’s leading LGBTQ travel destinations.
Thanks to its welcoming culture and easy-going vibes, Thailand has already been a popular spot for queer visitors. But the new law goes further, showing LGBTQ people around the world that Thailand respects and recognizes them on a governmental level. In fact, EF, one of the world’s leading group and educational travel outfitters, revealed in a study that almost 50% of LGBTQ travelers seek destinations that have welcoming policies.
Plus, Thailand is now one of the only Asian countries to allow same-sex marriage, along with Taiwan and sorta-kinda Nepal, which has a very weird marriage-but-not-marriage option for its LGBTQ residents. This makes Thailand a pioneer in the region, offering a uniquely safe and welcoming space for queer travelers…all while being surrounded by the beauty of Southeast Asia.
The BBC even reported that “Thailand hopes to benefit from being a pioneer…and the country is seen as a safe and welcoming destination for LGBT holiday-makers.” It also stated that, “Growing numbers of same-sex couples from other Asian countries are choosing to live here now.”
This could also help Thailand attract tourism because, with growing turmoil across the world, many travelers are seeking countries that are safe and welcoming. Countries experiencing a reduction in civil rights, like America, are currently losing international visitors. A 2024 study from the US Travel Association found that America is now almost in last place for international tourism demand, ranking on the same level as China.
With its friendly people and atmosphere, and with equality now officially on the books, Thailand could see itself become an even hotter travel hotspot than it already is – especially for queer visitors.