Last year, Taiwan became the first Asian country to allow same-sex couples to enter a registered partnership. Now Thailand can be the second if the government's bill is put in Parliament.

"This is a milestone for Thai society and is increasing equality between all genders," said Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesman for the government, according to CNN.

Among other things, the change in the law would open the door to adoption for same-sex couples. However, the proposal does not go so far as to allow same-sex couples to marry, which has provoked reactions among parts of the country's LGBT movement.

"The proposal is not a milestone for equality in Thailand, but an obstacle to everyone's right to marry," said Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, LGBT activist and secretary general of the organization Free Youth.

"Another form of discrimination"

Even Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, MP for MPP, had wished the government went further. The party has long wanted to see a reform of the country's marriage law, including by changing the words "husband and wife" to "married partner".

- This is another form of discrimination. We don't want anything special, we just want to be treated like everyone else, he says.

Welcome by LGBT organization

However, the government's message is welcomed by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand LGBT organization. The proposal would mean that same-sex couples will in principle be given the right to marry, but without calling it a marriage, says chairman Kittinan Daramadhaj.

- Who does it matter what it is called? It is the content that is the most important, he tells the news agency Reuters.