ABSTRACT

Thailand allows an open array of LGBTI venues, organisations and events, and the country is famous for quality trans medical procedures. The government advertises the country as an LGBTI-friendly tourist destination. Police do not raid or harass LGBTI venues and events. In Thai society, individual gays and lesbians are rarely “out” to their birth families or on the job. Trans, in contrast, are visible and are limited in acceptance in families and employment. Discrimination on grounds of sex, gender identity and gender expression is prohibited by the Gender Equality Act, which may apply, as well, to sexual orientation discrimination. The English language press is very LGBTI friendly, but the Thai language press is more negative. Thai films with gay characters are common, though often with trans comic stereotypes. Trans are unable to get the “sex” designation on personal documents altered. Discussions are underway on a Gender Identity Law to allow this change. A draft law to allow same-sex couples to register their relationships and gain limited legal rights was given preliminary approval by the cabinet in December 2018. Some political parties now support legal recognition of same-sex relationships.