The name of Mongkolkit Suksintharanont, leader of the Thai Civilized party, is no stranger to controversy. However, his most recent proposal has crossed every line, raising a radical reform to the marriage code: the legalization of polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands).
Mongkolkit argues that there is a large number of single “men” and that the current structure is unfair. In a country where polygamy (one man with several women) has been a historical practice (though not always legal), the politician suggests that true gender equality means women should have the same right. “If they can, so can they”, seems to be the hidden slogan behind the proposal.
IA
According to the politician, having 4 husbands would not only be a matter of freedom, but also an economic solution. Four salaries coming into one household and four people sharing domestic responsibilities could, in theory, create more economically stable families.
Bangkok Post
On social media, the issue has become a battleground.
Women: Many joke about the idea of having one husband to cook, another to clean, another for expenses, and another for fun.
Men: They appear skeptical and concerned about how coexistence between “co-husbands” would work.
Conservatives: They claim this would destroy the foundations of Thai society.
Regardless of whether the law ends up being passed, Mongkolkit has achieved what he wanted: for the whole planet to talk about his proposal.