In Thailand, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage has passed the lower house.

On Wednesday, Thailand's House of Representatives voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage, bringing the Southeast Asian country closer to becoming the third region to guarantee equal marital rights. The lower house of parliament passed the bill after its third and final reading, with 400 representatives voting in favor. Only 10 MPs opposed the bill. However, the bill still requires the approval of the Senate and the support of the King before marriage between same-sex couples can become a reality in Thailand. The whole process could take several months.

If the law is approved, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage. Thailand will also become the third country in Asia with marriage equality, after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and Nepal in 2023.

"We are now writing a new history of Thailand that will change Thai society forever," said Plaipha Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the amendment committee, in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Marriage Equality Bill, which was introduced in the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, was supported by all major parties and is a significant step in cementing the country's reputation as one of the most gay, lesbian and transgender-friendly in the region.

However, according to some members of the LGBT community, the reality is somewhat different. They claim that laws prohibit discrimination, but they still face prejudice and even violence in conservative Thai society. Previous attempts to legalize marriage equality over the past decade have proven to be dead ends.

In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Thailand's current law, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, is constitutional. As part of last year's elections, some major political parties promised to promote marriage equality as part of their campaign, including the progressive Move Forward party, which won a majority of seats in parliament.

However, this party, being popular among the youth, has been unable to form a government after rival parties united to prevent it from coming to power. How the fate of this party and its popular leader Pitha Limjaroenrat will develop is still unknown as they face a number of allegations.

However, Thai Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin of the Phyo Thai Party has also promised to bring the marriage equality bill to parliament. Pro-government factions have formed a government with more conservative forces, and the prime minister has also reportedly voiced his support for Bangkok's bid to hold a myrdaida (gay pride parade) in 2028.

Make me a response in this format:

'{text}'