10.86°C Vancouver

Oct 10, 2024 6:26 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Trudeau applauds Thailand for legalizing gay marriage during meeting at ASEAN summit

Share On
trudeau-applauds-thailand-for-legalizing-gay-marriage-during-meeting-at-asean-summit
Trudeau said that at a time when rights are backsliding around the world, Shinawatra's leadership on gay marriage is "exceptional. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Thailand’s new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on her country’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, calling it a remarkable step forward for human rights in Asia.

Trudeau made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Shinawatra while attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos. He said Thailand’s progress stands out “at a time when rights are backsliding around the world,” describing Shinawatra’s leadership on marriage equality as “exceptional.”

Thailand’s landmark marriage equality law, passed on September 24, officially allows same-sex couples to marry — making it the first Southeast Asian nation to grant full marriage rights to LGBTQ+ citizens.

The meeting was part of a busy day of diplomacy for Trudeau, who held back-to-back sessions with several Asian leaders as Canada seeks to strengthen ties across the Indo-Pacific region. His attendance marks the third consecutive year Canada has participated in the ASEAN summit.

Latest news

mission-rcmp-investigate-alleged-online-drug-sales-to-youth-three-arrested-in-abbotsford
BCJun 09, 2026

Mission RCMP investigate alleged online drug sales to youth; three arrested in Abbotsford

Mission RCMP say three people have been arrested following an investigation into an online drug delivery operation that allegedly sold cannabis and psilocybin products to minors in the Mission area. According to Mission RCMP, the investigation began earlier this year after a 16-year-old and their parent reported that the teenager had purchased psilocybin and cannabis through a website offering same-day delivery in Mission. Police said a second parent later reported that their teenager had purchased psilocybin gummies marketed with candy-themed branding through the same website. The allegations
dakha-mla-manpreet-singh-iyali-joins-akali-dal-waris-punjab-de
IndiaJun 09, 2026

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali joins Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De

Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Iyali has joined Akali Dal–Waris Punjab De, according to statements made by the party's leadership. Iyali said his political priorities within the organization would include seeking the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who remains detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners commonly referred to as "Bandi Singhs," and promoting Punjab's development. He also ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the organization would maintain an independent political course.
CanadaJun 09, 2026

Canada’s Trade Surplus Rises 55% in April as Higher Oil Prices Boost Exports

Canada recorded a merchandise trade surplus of $2.72 billion in April, up 55 per cent from the previous month and the highest level in 15 months, according to data released Tuesday by Statistics Canada. The increase was driven in part by higher crude oil prices, which supported the value of Canadian exports during the month. The latest figures come as global energy markets continue to respond to geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply and pricing. Despite federal efforts to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the United States amid ongoing trade disputes, the U.S. remained Canada’s dom
teen-missing-presumed-drowned-after-boat-capsizes-near-quesnel
BCJun 09, 2026

Teen missing, presumed drowned after boat capsizes near Quesnel

A 17-year-old from Prince George is presumed drowned after a boat carrying four people capsized on Stony Lake in British Columbia's central Interior, according to RCMP. Quesnel RCMP said three people aboard the vessel were able to reach shore safely after the incident. However, the boat's operator did not resurface and remains missing. Police identified the missing person as a 17-year-old male from Prince George. His family has been notified, RCMP said. Search efforts remained underway Tuesday. According to police, an underwater recovery team was expected to arrive at the lake to assist in the
AlbertaJun 09, 2026

13-year-old charged after alleged school threat in Sexsmith

A 13-year-old boy has been charged after police investigated alleged threats of gun violence targeting a school in Sexsmith, a community about 450 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. RCMP said officers were called Thursday after receiving reports of threats against students at the school. Police arrested a suspect and seized a firearm from the youth's residence during the investigation. The boy has been charged with uttering threats. The allegation has not been tested in court. According to RCMP, the accused is scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie provincial court on Wednesday. Police have not

Related News