FOCUS THAILAND LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS

'Equality for all': LGBTQIA+ community in Thailand calls for more rights

epa11424801 Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat (2-R), an MP with Thailand's progressive Move Forward party, greets participants during a Pride event in Bangkok, Thailand, 29 May 2024 (issued 20 June 2024). 'We want the LGBTQIA+ community to obtain legal documents that recognize their gender identity,' says Tunyawaj, who is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Such laws are needed, the MP says, because despite Thailand's reputation as a safe haven for the community, hate and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people still exist. Thailand has just passed, on 18 June, a historic marriage equality bill that will grant same-sex couples advantages that are currently only enjoyed by heterosexual married couples, such as tax benefits, as well the right to inherit and manage their spouse's assets; or to give spousal consent for medical treatment and to adopt children. But activists and rights groups say that more action is needed if Thailand is to justify its reputation as a relatively safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ people. EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT ATTENTION: For the full FOCUS ESSAY text please go to: https://epaimages.com/misc.pp?code=section-focus

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