The legislation, which replaces gender-specific terms with gender-neutral ones, grants equal rights to same-sex couples, establishing a landmark precedent in the region.

Thailand’s senate has approved a groundbreaking marriage equality bill in its final reading, positioning the nation to become the first in south-east Asia to officially recognize same-sex marriage.

Nearly all upper-house lawmakers supported the bill, which now awaits pro-forma endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn before taking effect 120 days after publication in the royal gazette.

“We’re all just really excited,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an 18-year-old activist. “I can feel the whole world is cheering us on.”

The bill passed on Tuesday with 130 of 152 senators in favor, four against, and 18 abstaining. Campaigners have received global support on social media, including messages in French, Spanish, and Burmese.

Thailand will be the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal, and the first in south-east Asia. In October, India’s top court deferred to parliament on legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men”, “women”, “husbands”, and “wives” with gender-neutral terms like “spouse” and “person”. It grants equal marriage rights, including adoption, healthcare consent, and inheritance.

Rights under the law extend to trans individuals, though their legal recognition remains tied to their assigned sex at birth pending a push for a gender recognition law.

“Thailand has been known as a gay or queer paradise, but it was never really paradise for queer people,” said Plaifah. “This bill will open so many doors.”

Known for vibrant LGBT communities and popular boy love TV series, Thailand has lacked basic legal protections for activists.

Supporters plan a rally in Bangkok featuring a drag show, while Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will host activists and supporters at his official residence post-vote. Many venues are displaying rainbow flags for Pride month, with Thailand bidding to host World Pride in 2030 to boost tourism.

“We have been waiting for this moment for so long,” said Tinnaphop Sinsomboonthong, a Thammasat University scholar, predicting regional inspiration. “It’s the symbol of new change and transformation in south-east Asia.”