Dating in Thailand
Thailand is one of the top destinations in the world when it comes to travel. But not only that. In recent years, the country has also become a popular spot for downshifting, setting up a base as a digital nomad, retiring, building a career, and more. This means that more and more expats move to Thailand for the long-term, and some make it their full-time home.
Building your expat life in Thailand can be an exciting undertaking. But in addition to finding a job, arranging the right visa and renting a place, you may also want to start dating. Here's what you need to know about dating in Thailand.
Meeting people in Thailand
There are lots of ways to make new acquaintances in Thailand.
You can meet new people through socializing and attending various events in your city. Big cities in Thailand have a busy and diverse nightlife where you can easily meet new people.
If you are in the country for work, you will have an even larger pool of people to meet. Attending work related events, conferences and exhibitions are all great ways to expand your circle and potentially meet someone special.
If you've just moved to Thailand and don't know anyone yet, consider taking up a new hobby or finding a way to practice the hobbies you had back home. This will help you meet people with similar interests and will also make it easier for you to adjust to your new life in Thailand.
Online dating in Thailand
Just like everywhere else in the world, more and more socializing in Thailand happens online. WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram are all available in the country.
However, Thailand's most popular messenger is Line. Line is a messenger application created in Japan that now has over 40 million active users in Thailand. If you meet someone new in Thailand, it's customary to exchange your Line contacts. Line is also the best way to keep in touch with your new acquaintances and make new ones.
Dating apps like Tinder and Badoo are also popular in Thailand.
Important :
You should be aware of online dating scams in Thailand, which often happen on Line. If someone you don't know asks you for money (for a ticket, shopping expenses, medical bills, etc.), you may be dealing with a scam artist using your interest in dating them for financial gain. After you've sent them money, you may never hear from them again.
Dating in Thailand: nightlife
Even if you've never been to Thailand, you've probably heard stories of the country's active nightlife. In big cities like Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya, you will find entire districts dedicated to bars and clubs. While in smaller towns and on the islands, a quick stroll down the Walking Street will introduce you to lots of establishments and night shows.
There is a lot of variety in Thailand's nightlife too. You can go bar hopping, spend the night dancing, attend an upscale party, see a drag queen performance, and lots more.
Thailand's exciting nightlife is one of the country's main draws, especially for single men. With that, some popular party districts have also developed "a bad reputation". If you plan to explore the country's nightlife, make sure to exercise due precautions:
- Don't get in vehicles with people you don't know
- Make sure your friends/family know where you are
- Don't walk alone in unfamiliar areas late at night
- Keep an eye on your drink and call the police if you feel that something isn't right.
Relationships in Thailand
Dating and building relationships in Thailand may not be that much different from dating in other countries. However, there are some things you should be aware of.
First, relationships between foreign men and Thai women are much more common than relationships between Thai men and foreign women. In fact, expat women in Thailand often mention that dating is complicated and they have a very limited pool of potential partners.
Second, the dating culture in Thailand may be very different depending on who you date. Some Thai women and men still hold their traditions strong. In this case, you will find that family plays a very big role in the relationship. You may often receive visits from relatives and travel to your spouse's hometown for the holidays. Some Thai men and women, on the other hand, may be more accustomed to "western-style" dating and have a more casual attitude towards relationships.
If you are a foreign man dating a Thai woman, you will most likely be expected to be the one paying for going out, travel, entertainment and so on. So, unless you have specifically discussed this with your partner, you should be prepared to take on most of the dating expenses. And if the relationship becomes serious, you should also be ready to take care of other expenses such as rent, visiting family, etc.
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