The Bangkok Post today reported that Public Hearings regarding a civil partnership bill for same-sex couples will be held from Nov 12-16 in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Songkhla, with the possibility of a 70-section bill being concluded and presented to cabinet this month.

The bill is likely to resemble that of the UK Civil Partnership but significantly, also provide important protections for LGBT Couples.
The apparent speed of progress is very positive and could produce the first formalised LGBT Partnership in Asia, with Taiwan holding referendums on same-sex marriage later this month. 

Whilst many would argue for full equal marriage, it was shown in the UK and other countries that a formalised Civil Partnership structure can provide an important first step and catalyst for further change, contrasted by possible delays by many years of the introduction of critical protections for same-sex couples.