LGBT+ Travel in Thailand: Safety, Marriage Law and Visas
Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 23 January 2025, couples aged 18 or over can register at any district office, and same-sex marriages are eligible for the LTR visa as dependants. An unmarried partner does not qualify as a spouse.
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Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers, and the legal picture changed in January 2025, when same-sex marriage became law. For couples, that turns the country from a holiday destination into a place where a legal marriage is possible.
Travelling as an LGBT+ visitor
For a trip of a week or two, the main advice is the one that applies to everyone: Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Our travel safety guide covers scams, roads and nightlife, and applies whoever you are with.
Same-sex marriage law
The equal marriage law defines marriage as a partnership between two people, rather than a woman and a man, and it took effect on 23 January 2025. Same-sex couples aged 18 or over can register their marriages and enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples, although those under 20 need parental consent.
Every district office, including all 50 in Bangkok, is ready to arrange the registration. For the documents and steps, see our marriage registration guide.
What it means for visas
The law matters for residence as well as weddings. Thailand’s Long Term Resident programme recognises same-sex marriages as eligible under the dependent category, but a spouse must be legally married and show a marriage certificate, so an unmarried partner does not qualify. See our LTR visa guide for the full list.
For the marriage visa, the Immigration Bureau order sets a separate income or Thai bank deposit rule for a marriage between persons of diverse gender. For the amounts and how to prove them, see our marriage visa guide.
Photos (3)
- Santiago Boada
- Mai Quin
- Pixabay
Not confirmed: Rules for foreign couples who want to marry in Thailand, gender recognition and adoption are not covered here. For marriage registration with a foreign partner, read our marriage registration guide and ask the district office which documents it wants.
Common questions
Is Thailand safe for LGBT+ travellers?
Thailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Thailand?
Yes: Thailand legalised same-sex marriage in January 2025, and the equal marriage law took effect on 23 January 2025.
How old do you need to be to register?
Same-sex couples aged 18 or over can register, and under-20s need parental consent.
Where can couples register?
Every district office, including all 50 in Bangkok, is ready to register same-sex marriages.
Can a same-sex spouse get an LTR dependant visa?
Same-sex marriages are eligible under the dependent category, but an unmarried partner does not qualify.
Does the marriage visa recognise diverse-gender spouses?
The Immigration Bureau order has its own income and deposit rule for a marriage between persons of diverse gender.
Read next
Sources and reader comments
Official sources:
- UK FCDO: Thailand travel advice, Safety and security (LGBT+ travellers; read 3 Nov 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Thailand.go.th (Government Public Relations Department): Equal Marriage Law takes effect 23 January 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Thailand BOI, LTR Visa Thailand - Long Term Resident Program (ltr.boi.go.th) (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration Bureau Order No. 12/2568 (23 Jan 2025), clauses 1-7 on pp. 1-2 (scanned) plus the criteria table (clause 2) and annexes A-C on pp. 3-30; copy hosted by Chiang Rai Immigration (uploaded 2025-03-05); pdf pages 1-2 are images, read by eye (opens in a new tab)
- Thailand BOI, LTR Visa FAQ (ltr.boi.go.th) (opens in a new tab)
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