BANGKOK, April 2 (Reuters) – Thai LGBT activists celebrated another victory on Tuesday after a marriage equality bill overwhelmingly passed a first reading in the upper house, a key step bringing the country closer to becoming Asia’s third territory to legalise same-sex unions. “It’s like we’ve been embraced and accepted by the people in the entire country,” said Waaddao Chumaporn, 40, an LGBT activist and spokesperson for the parliamentary committee for the bill, calling it the “best gift of our lives”. “It sends a signal to the Southeast Asian region, where the fundamentals are deeply rooted in conservative views.” The bill sailed through the Senate’s first reading in a 147-4 vote, prior to second and third readings due in July. If approved, it will be sent to the royal palace for the king’s assent before it becomes law within 120 days.