The Political in the Movement for Pushing Forward the Equal Marriage Policy, 2011-2024

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) study the economic, social, and political context in Thailand that affects the movement of the LGBTQ+ group in pushing forward their agenda; 2), examine the conditions and processes involved in pushing forward the equal marriage policy for the LGBTQ+ group; and 3) analyze the political dynamics in the formulation of the equal marriage policy in Thailand from 2011 to 2024. This research employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews with 11 key informants involved in the relevant issues. The purposive sampling was used and the data were content analysis.

Research findings revealed that: 1) The economic, social, and political contexts of Thailand can be divided into four periods: (1) During the administration of Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra (2011–2014), the political environment was open and the economy was growing, which facilitated the promotion of the Civil Partnership Act draft. (2) During General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government (2014–2019), politics was tightly controlled, but towards the end, there was increasing acceptance of rights and the Civil Partnership Act draft was proposed. (3) When General Prayut returned as Prime Minister (2019–2023), the political atmosphere became more open, with renewed proposals for the marriage equality bill and the Civil Partnership Act. (4) During Mr. Srettha Thavisin’s government (2023–2024), the economy recovered after COVID-19 and elections were held, resulting in the marriage equality bill passing parliament for the first time on March 27, 2024. 2) Conditions in the policy advocacy process found that: (1) The unification of LGBTQ+ groups and civil society organizations was a key factor driving the policy. (2) Social movements, through demonstrations and social media campaigns, helped raise awareness and support for legal reforms. (3) Legal structural factors, both supporting and limiting the movements, affected the success of rights advocacy. 3) Political relations showed that: (1) Between 2011 and 2014, the political context was open, with the government striving to promote equality policies. (2) After the 2014 coup, the political atmosphere shifted to control and restrict freedoms. (3) The economy grew well before the coup and slowed down afterward. (4) Society began to accept sexual diversity more before the coup, but movements were restricted after it. (5) Between 2019 and 2023, the marriage equality law continued to be promoted through social media campaigns and collaboration with human rights organizations until the law passed parliament in 2024.

In summary, political changes and socio-economic contexts had a significant impact on the movement and advocacy for marriage equality policy in Thailand.