Thai Girlfriend Warning Signs: How to Spot Potential Red Flags
Published: March 3, 2018 - Reading time: 10 minutes
» Updated: October 15, 2024
Each year, thousands of foreign men visit Thailand and enter into romantic relationships with Thai women. While many of these relationships can be fulfilling, it is essential to be aware of certain signs and behaviours that may indicate potential issues, particularly if your partner is involved in the sex industry or maintains multiple overseas relationships. Thai culture and societal norms can be markedly different from those in the Western world, so we have compiled a list of the top 10 warning signs that may suggest your partner could be unfaithful or seeking to exploit your affections.
If you find yourself falling for a Thai woman, it is vital to remain vigilant and ensure you are not falling victim to infidelity or a romance scam. Some individuals, particularly those working in the nightlife scene, may seek to take advantage of foreign men. If you notice multiple warning signs listed in this article in your girlfriend, this could indicate that she might not be a suitable partner for a serious relationship.
1. She constantly talks about money or asks you for money
A good Thai woman would never request money from a man she is just starting a relationship with; this is not an appropriate sign when you are still getting to know each other and should act as a red flag. Common excuses for money can include: her parent’s buffalo is sick, she needs money for her family's medical bills, home improvement, debt repayments or even just help paying for rent and food. Many Thai women who have been involved with the sex industry are especially good at crafting believable stories to extract money from foreign men!
However, many Thai women are also aware that asking for cash early on in a relationship can raise suspicions. They may play the long game, slowly building up to a situation where you feel compelled to assist them financially.
2. She spends a lot of time in bars
Alcohol is tolerated in Thai society, but responsibly so. Most people in Thailand wouldn’t consider spending night after night sat on a bar stool getting intoxicated. If you’re seeking a party-loving companion, this could suit you. But if you desire a serious, stable relationship, it may be best to reconsider. If your girlfriend works at a bar in Thailand, this raises further concerns. Many bar girls investigated by us have been found to be unfaithful to their foreign partners. Learn more on our bar girl investigations page.
Many women frequenting nightclubs, bars, or discos in Thailand are, in fact, freelancers. They may spend their nights drinking in search of customers who will pay them for companionship. If your Thai girlfriend is frequently engaging in nightlife, this should be considered a significant red flag.
3. She has tattoos
While tattoos in themselves do not make someone a bad person, they can carry a stigma in Thai society. Tattooed women are often associated with the sex industry, as bar girls and go-go dancers frequently display ink. Outside of nightlife, women with tattoos may be looked upon unfavourably, which should raise concerns regarding your Thai partner's background. Although attitudes towards tattoos in Thailand are slowly evolving, ink on your Thai girlfriend could signal past involvement in the sex industry. For more insights about tattoos, read our blog post Thai women with tattoos.
4. She smokes cigarettes
Women not involved in the nightlife industry typically do not smoke in Thailand. Smoking is often prevalent among those working in less reputable bars, which can indicate a troubled past. If your girlfriend smokes, it might be wise to encourage her to quit for her health and well-being.
5. She wears a large amount of gold
In Thailand, gold is often worn as an investment, given its high purity (usually 23 karat) and distinctive colour. However, it is typically worn in moderation, such as one necklace and a couple of rings. If someone is adorned with multiple thick gold chains or rings worth substantial amounts, they may be flaunting their wealth or signalling that they are accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, possibly due to support from foreign partners. If your Thai girlfriend wears thousands of dollars’ worth of gold, consider how she might have acquired it.
6. Her English is very good but she never attended university
Public schools in Thailand generally do not provide a high level of English instruction. If your girlfriend speaks fluent English but has not attended university or taken English classes, it could indicate she has learned the language through interactions with foreigners in bars and other less reputable venues.
Women who work in nightlife areas often develop what is known as “bar girl English,” which involves speaking enough English to convey simple messages but with poor grammar. This type of English can sometimes be challenging to understand.
7. She swears a lot
A respectable Thai woman would care about her public image and refrain from using profane language, especially in front of her partner or others. You might find it amusing if your girlfriend swears frequently, but this is generally frowned upon in Thai culture. Most Thai women aim to speak as politely as possible and do not adopt coarse language.
8. She says that all Thai men are "no good"
Every group has its good and bad individuals, and Thai men are no exception. While there may be instances of domestic violence or abuse in Thailand, it is inaccurate to claim that all Thai men are problematic. Typically, Thai men show respect towards their girlfriends or wives, akin to expectations in Western relationships. If a woman states that "all Thai men are no good," this may suggest a personal issue, potentially indicating that Thai men have valid reasons for their feelings.
9. She is constantly on her phone texting while spending time with you
It is disrespectful for your girlfriend or the woman you are dating to continuously text while you are together. Such behaviour indicates that she is not fully engaged in your time together. Be particularly cautious if she conceals her phone screen from you or steps away to have private conversations in English. Regardless of the excuses given, these are significant red flags that could suggest she may be involved with another man. If your girlfriend is overly concerned with her phone and hides her screen when you try to look, this is a clear indication that you may not be the only man in her life.
10. She is involved with illegal drugs
This is perhaps the most serious warning sign to watch for in a prospective partner in Thailand. Drug use and dealing are highly taboo in the kingdom. There are numerous crimes that can lead to severe penalties, including the death sentence for drug trafficking. If you encounter anyone involved with illegal drugs in Thailand, the best course of action is to distance yourself. While certain recreational drug use might be tolerated in your home country, Thailand imposes harsh penalties for such behaviour. If your Thai girlfriend is part of the drug scene, this should be regarded as a major warning sign.
Check Your Thai Girlfriend
As a leading detective agency based in Thailand, we have uncovered numerous cases of Thai women who were found to be cheating on their partners. Romance scams can take various forms, including women pretending to be university students or claiming to have regular jobs while actually working in the bar scene.
Here are some of the most common services we provide to check on Thai girlfriends:
1. Background Checks
Background checks are an excellent starting point for assessing your Thai girlfriend and can help you avoid costly mistakes. We can investigate a lady’s marital history, children, employment, education, social media, and various other factors. We offer standard and enhanced background checks depending on our client’s needs. Read more on our background checks page.
2. Personal Surveillance
Personal surveillance is perhaps the most typical service offered by private investigators. We can track, follow, and monitor individuals, gathering images and reporting our findings to our clients. Is she meeting other men late at night? Does she flirt with customers or colleagues while at work? Are men visiting her home? These are the types of questions surveillance typically addresses.
3. Decoy Service
Our decoy service offers a discreet and cost-effective way to check your Thai girlfriend, particularly if she works in bars, go-gos, massage parlours, hotels, or other customer service-oriented jobs. Many of the bar girls we have investigated continue to engage with other men while their boyfriends are abroad. In these cases, our decoy service can provide clear answers to our clients. We offer free quotes for all services. Please feel free to get in touch with us and discover how we can assist you.
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