Bangkok: Thailand's Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill legalizing marriage equality, marking a historic milestone for the country and Southeast Asia as a whole.

The Senate voted in favor of the marriage equality bill on Tuesday, with 130 out of 152 members present supporting the legislation. Four senators voted against it, and 18 abstained from voting.

The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and its publication in the Government Gazette. Once published, the law will take effect within 120 days from the date of publication.

Thailand will become the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage. The legislation grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners of any gender. It had previously passed through the House of Representatives just before the conclusion of the previous parliamentary session in April.

Despite Thailand's reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, the country has faced challenges in passing a marriage equality law due to its largely conservative societal values. Members of the LGBTQ+ community often report facing discrimination in their daily lives. Historically, the government and state agencies have also held conservative views, making it difficult for advocates of gender equality to persuade lawmakers and civil servants to embrace change.

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