New Thai Law Allows LGBTQ+ Spouses to Claim Adultery Compensation

Thailand has taken a landmark step toward equality by officially granting LGBTQ+ spouses the legal right to claim compensation for adultery. As of January 2025, Article 1523 of the Civil and Commercial Code has been amended to provide the same protections to all married couples — regardless of gender.

Previously, the law allowed only husbands to sue their wives’ lovers. Wives and same-sex spouses had no such right. In 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled this discriminatory and in violation of Article 27 of the Thai Constitution, which guarantees equal treatment under the law.

The revised law replaces gendered terms with the neutral term “spouse” and now states:

“When the court grants a divorce due to adultery, one spouse may claim compensation from the offending spouse and from any third party involved, such as a lover or someone publicly presenting themselves as being in a relationship with the spouse.”

However, compensation claims are excluded in cases where the adultery was consented to or tolerated by the claimant.

We welcome this change and stand ready to assist clients of all genders and orientations in discreetly documenting infidelity — always within legal boundaries. Our team in Chiang Mai is experienced in handling sensitive cases, including LGBTQ+ relationships, where trust and clarity are crucial.

We provide discreet observation, reporting, and — where permitted — visual evidence, tailored to your legal and emotional needs. Whether you seek closure, evidence for legal proceedings, or simply peace of mind, Orchid Eyes is your trusted partner on the ground in Thailand.

This legal development, alongside the upcoming Marriage Equality Act, shows Thailand’s growing commitment to fairness and modern family rights. Thailand continues to position itself as a progressive leader in Southeast Asia when it comes to LGBTQ+ legal reform.