Does Your Girlfriend Work in a Thai Massage Parlor?

Published: March 10, 2018 - Reading time: 5 minutes
» Updated: October 16, 2024

Does your girlfriend work in a Thai massage parlour? Thai massage is renowned worldwide. When mentioning "Thai massage" to someone who hasn't visited Thailand, they may associate it with the sex industry and the so-called "happy ending massages." Thousands of massage shops are found across Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and other popular tourist destinations. Many of these establishments offer massages in large, open-plan rooms, while others have private rooms where customers are led for their treatments. Some also provide short-time hotel rooms above the massage shop itself.

If someone tells you they work in a massage shop in Thailand, it's challenging to determine if they're involved in the sex industry. Many massage shops are legitimate businesses, with staff trained at certified massage schools. Illicit establishments do not advertise their activities, as they operate against Thai law. Genuine massage shops often look identical to those that may function as brothels, making it difficult to discern their true nature just by appearance.

Traditional Massage Shops in Thailand

Thai massage prices

Photo: Prices at a traditional Thai massage shop.

Traditional massage shops in Thailand exclusively offer Thai massages, with no other services. Massage is a respected profession here, requiring masseuses to undergo training and obtain certification in traditional Thai massage. When arriving in Thailand, avoid assuming that all massage shops are disreputable. Traditional parlours can provide world-famous Thai massage at affordable prices.

Typically, traditional Thai massage costs between 200 to 300 THB for a one-hour session (tipping is customary). Many tourists and locals enjoy traditional massages regularly. These parlours usually display their prices prominently and offer a range of treatments, including foot massages, oil massages, and head/shoulder massages. Staff members typically wear traditional uniforms.

Soapy Massage Shops in Thailand

So-called "soapy massage" parlours differ significantly from traditional Thai massage establishments. 'Soapy massage' often refers to body-to-body massages with one or more Thai women. Upon entering a soapy massage parlour, customers typically select the lady they prefer. Some establishments may offer drinks and lounge areas, allowing customers to relax while choosing from the line-up. In contrast, traditional Thai massage parlours generally do not allow customers to select their masseuses in this manner. Additionally, traditional Thai massages are usually much more affordable than soapy massages.

Happy Ending Massage Shops in Thailand

No happy ending massage sign at a massage shop in Thailand

Photo: This shop emphasises that it does not offer happy endings!

How can you identify whether a massage parlour offers services that might lead to a "happy ending"? Typically, soapy massage parlours fall into this category. While you might gather some clues by observing the shop, it's often not straightforward. Some traditional massage shops may also offer additional services, making it difficult to judge solely based on outward appearances.

More disreputable venues might have ladies dressed in revealing clothing or not in uniform, yet discerning the establishment's nature from the outside can be challenging. Often, the discretion lies with the masseuse regarding the services she offers.

Check Your Thai Girlfriend

The only way to be certain that your girlfriend or partner is not engaged in selling sex or providing 'massages with extras' is to hire a private investigator to conduct a honeytrap investigation—and that’s where we can assist. We have investigated numerous Thai women working in massage parlours, sometimes offering additional services. Our focus is on delivering the truth and providing factual accounts of events. We do not pay for extras or sexual services; our sole mission is to establish the facts and report back to our clients.

If your Thai girlfriend works in a massage parlour, we can help verify her work and what it entails. Operating across Thailand, please get in touch with us for a free quote.

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Thai Girlfriend Warning Signs: How to Spot Potential Red Flags

Published: March 3, 2018 - Reading time: 10 minutes
» Updated: October 15, 2024

Thai girlfriend warning signs
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.

Thai Bar Girls

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

Thai lady outside a money transfer booth

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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Bar Fine Test: Can Your Girlfriend in Thailand Be Bar Fined?

Published: January 19, 2018 - Reading time: 5 minutes
» Updated: October 16, 2024

“Can you bar fine my girlfriend?” – This is a question we regularly receive from clients who are concerned about their partners' faithfulness. Thousands of men visit places like Pattaya, Patong, and Bangkok every year and become romantically involved with women working in beer bars or go-gos. In the world of private investigation, we call these cases "sting operations" or "Thailand honey trap investigations". Then these are effective tests of loyalty that leave no room for doubt.

Bar Girls in Thailand

What is a Bar Fine Test?

If your girlfriend is working in a bar in Thailand and you're concerned about her faithfulness, a "bar fine test" could be the quickest and most effective way to find answers. A bar fine is essentially the fee paid to the bar, allowing a customer to take one of their staff members (often a bar girl) out for the evening or night. The test involves an investigator posing as a customer to see if your girlfriend is willing to leave with them, effectively revealing her loyalty. These tests are often called a "honeytrap investigation" or a "decoy service".

Signs of Suspicion

Is your girlfriend working at a bar? Does she still accept 'bar fines' from customers? Does she tell customers that she has a boyfriend? Does she even give her phone number out to customers perhaps? If you would like to have these questions answered, then performing a bar fine test might be the simplest route to uncovering the truth.

Key Factors to Consider

Before hiring a private investigator for a bar fine test, there are several factors to consider:

  • The age of the investigator/subject: The popularity of bar girls often allows them to be selective. Hiring an older or scruffy investigator might yield different results than using a younger, smartly dressed man. At PattayaPI, we use investigators who are well-presented and polite to ensure the accuracy of the test.
  • Evidence gathering: Capturing reliable evidence in dimly lit bars with loud music can be challenging. Hidden cameras can struggle with the lighting and noise, so we use state-of-the-art technology and specialised techniques to provide you with clear and indisputable results.

How a Bar Fine Test Works

The test is simple: our investigator will attempt to bar fine your girlfriend and report back on whether she agrees to leave with him. The test is discreet, and the results are usually clear. If we manage to secure photographic or video evidence, it will provide you with proof that cannot be disputed.

We can also check her lifestyle/activities by placing her under surveillance or performing a background check.

Contact us today for a free quote, and we can discuss the best way to proceed with your specific situation.

What If the Results Aren’t What You Expected?

Whether the results of the bar fine test show that your girlfriend is loyal or not, it’s important to be prepared for any outcome. At PattayaPI, we don’t just leave you with the results – we offer advice and support based on years of experience. We can help guide you on what steps to take next.

Why Choose PattayaPI?

We are the leading private investigators for determining whether your girlfriend or wife is being faithful in Thailand, specialising in bar fine tests and other investigation techniques. Every case is handled with complete discretion, and we provide free, no-obligation quotes. Our services cover Pattaya, Bangkok, Patong, and beyond. Get in touch for confidential advice and assistance today, or visit the PattayaPI homepage for more information about us.

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Thai Women With Tattoos

Published: December 13, 2017 - Reading time: 9 minutes
» Updated: January 21, 2025

Tattoos in Thailand have long been associated with stigma, especially in relation to women. Historically, they were seen as an indicator that a woman might be involved in the sex industry. However, in recent years, due to the influence of Western media, music, movies, and the internet, the cultural attitude towards tattoos in Thailand has changed drastically. While tattoos were once a marker of a woman’s involvement in the adult entertainment industry, this is no longer the case for many women today. Although tattoos on women can still carry some associations with the sex industry, it's important to recognise that the meaning of tattoos in Thailand has evolved, and they are now far more widely accepted and worn by people from all walks of life.

Thai women with tattoos

Tattoos in Western countries have become firmly embedded in pop culture. They are no longer only seen on bikers, sailors, or criminals but have expanded to individuals from all walks of life, including high-profile celebrities and respected professionals. This cultural shift has been mirrored in Thailand, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. While some conservative or older communities in Thailand still hold onto the old stigma, the influence of global trends, especially those from Western cultures, has made tattoos far more mainstream in Thailand. They are now a popular form of self-expression, with many Thai people no longer viewing them with suspicion.

Sak Yant Tattoos

Sak Yant Tattoo

Sak Yant tattoo: These are sacred, traditional tattoos that carry spiritual significance. The designs often represent protection, good fortune, and spiritual guidance. One example is the Paed Tidt Yant, which is believed to provide protection in all directions. The text used in these tattoos is ancient Khmer script known as Khom. Sak yant tattoos are typically performed by a monk and are often blessed to offer the wearer blessings and spiritual protection. While these tattoos are popular among both locals and tourists, they are predominantly associated with Thai men, particularly in rural areas. However, they are also sought after by tourists and foreign nationals visiting Thailand.

Man covered in sak yant tattoos

It’s worth noting that while sak yant tattoos are associated with spirituality and protection, they are often linked to traditional Thai men, especially in rural areas. However, many women, particularly in nightlife areas like Pattaya and Phuket, also choose to get these tattoos, sometimes as a personal or spiritual choice, and sometimes for aesthetic reasons. The popularity of these tattoos among foreigners has also grown, with many visitors seeking out authentic sak yant tattoos during their stay in Thailand.

Sak yant designs can be applied using an electric tattoo machine, or using traditional bamboo instead, as depicted above.

Though sak yant tattoos are spiritual, tattoos that lack religious significance are sometimes viewed more critically, particularly by older generations. Many younger people, however, wear tattoos freely as a form of personal expression, without any specific spiritual connotations.

Fashionable Tattoos in Thailand

Fashionable tattoos are those that are typically influenced by Western trends, and these types of tattoos are seen on many people in Thailand today. Tattoos of this kind may include designs that are common in Europe or the USA but carry no special spiritual or traditional significance. In Thailand, they are seen as a form of self-expression or art, rather than symbols of involvement in any particular lifestyle or profession.

It’s important to understand that while tattoos were once associated with the sex industry in Thailand, the younger generations of Thai people are increasingly viewing them as an art form. In many ways, tattoos are now as common in Thai society as they are in the West, especially among people in urban areas who are exposed to global trends.

Tattoos and the Sex Industry

There is still a lingering association between tattoos and the sex industry, particularly in tourist hotspots like Pattaya, Patong and Bangkok. Many women who have tattoos, especially those with large or visible tattoos, are often assumed to be involved in the nightlife scene. However, this assumption is increasingly inaccurate. The reality is that while many women working in bars or nightclubs in Thailand do have tattoos, this is no longer a reliable indicator of a woman's profession. Tattoos are now commonplace in many walks of life, and their presence alone should not be used to judge someone's career or lifestyle.

In fact, tattoos have become much more mainstream across Thai society, with many women choosing to get tattoos for personal, aesthetic reasons rather than to mark their involvement in any specific profession. Tattoos in Thailand are now worn by a variety of people, including office workers, students, and even the elderly. While tattoos on the neck, face, or hands may make it difficult for someone to secure traditional employment in fields that require a conservative appearance, they are more accepted in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.

The Myth of Butterfly Tattoos

There is a myth in Thailand that butterfly tattoos are linked to the sex industry, specifically to women who are referred to as “butterflies” in the context of the nightlife industry. The term “butterfly” is often used to describe men who flit from one woman to another, and it has sometimes been suggested that women who have butterfly tattoos are part of this lifestyle. However, this is not true. The vast majority of women who get butterfly tattoos do so simply because they like the design and find it aesthetically pleasing. The idea that a butterfly tattoo has any deeper meaning related to the sex industry is a myth, and should not be assumed to indicate a woman's profession or lifestyle.

Are Tattoos a Sign of a Woman’s Past in the Sex Industry?

While tattoos may still be seen as an indicator of a woman's involvement in the sex industry in certain parts of Thailand, this is an outdated view. In modern Thai society, tattoos are now seen as a normal form of self-expression. Many women with tattoos have never worked in the sex industry, and there are no specific designs that definitively signify that a woman is involved in the nightlife scene. However, it is still possible that tattoos in certain visible areas (such as the face, neck, or hands) may suggest a woman has worked in the nightlife sector, as these tattoos are more common in those industries. But it’s equally possible that a woman simply enjoys tattoos for personal reasons and is not involved in any such activities.

If you're concerned about someone's background or if you want to know more about their past, it’s always possible to conduct a background check on them. Having tattoos alone is not enough to definitively determine someone's past or profession. Tattoos are a personal choice and can mean many different things depending on the individual.

Are Attitudes Towards Tattoos Changing in Thailand?

Yes, attitudes towards tattoos in Thailand are changing. Younger generations are increasingly embracing tattoos as a form of art, influenced by global trends from the West. This shift has made tattoos much more common and accepted in Thai society. While tattoos may still carry some stigma among older generations, the overall trend is towards greater acceptance. Tattoos are no longer reserved for those involved in the sex industry; they are now worn by people from all walks of life.

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Learn more about Pattaya Private Investigators.

If you're starting to get involved with a Thai lady and have concerns about her background, it’s important to remember that tattoos alone are not a reliable indicator of her past. If you have suspicions about her involvement in other relationships or activities, you can contact us to conduct a background check. This could help clarify the situation and give you peace of mind. To learn more, simply send us a message with the details of your situation and we'll reply to you with a free, no obligation quote.

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