Thailand is moving forward in recognizing same-sex couples. Today the cabinet approved the first draft of a bill regulating civil partnerships. This paves the way for Thailand to become the first country in Asia to endorse same-sex marriage. In the current version of the bill, same-sex couples may adopt children if they are at least 20 years old and hold a Thai passport. Moreover, in terms of assets and estate, the Civil and Commercial Code will apply mutatis mutandis, making the union very similar to that of heterosexual couples, www.bangkokpost.com reports. A civil union ends by death, voluntary separation or court order. The next step will see the cabinet sending the draft to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).