“Why Are There So Many Prostitutes in Thailand?”
Published: June 2, 2017 - Reading time: 6 minutes
» Updated: October 16, 2024
The simple answer to why prostitution is prevalent in Thailand is, as with many other places, “money.” However, it’s important to consider the broader cultural and economic context that contributes to this situation. Contrary to popular belief, Thai women do not enjoy selling themselves any more than women of any other nationality. The underlying reasons are far more complex.
Many foreigners arrive in Thailand with misconceptions about Thai women, believing they are promiscuous or "easy." This stereotype is largely shaped by the nightlife and red-light districts, which are highly visible to tourists. Outside of these areas, however, Thai culture is quite reserved, and many Thai women adhere to traditional values, including a strong emphasis on family and reputation.
Cultural Pressures and Relationships in Thailand
In traditional Thai culture, preserving "face"—both for oneself and one's family—is paramount. Children are raised with the understanding that they should avoid behaviours that could bring shame to their family. This extends into romantic relationships as well. It is generally unacceptable for unmarried Thai couples to live together, let alone have a sexual relationship before marriage. Marriage, in many cases, legitimises the relationship and makes it socially acceptable for a couple to cohabitate.
However, this cultural expectation can lead to rushed marriages, especially among young couples. In many Western countries, young relationships often fizzle out naturally, but in Thailand, the pressure to marry can prevent this. Once married, the couple can live together, but they often do so under significant financial strain. Thai weddings are expensive, and it’s common for the groom’s family to take out loans to cover the dowry (sin sod) and the ceremony. A typical dowry payment can range between 500,000 to 1,000,000 THB.
Economic Pressures and Single Mothers
Unfortunately, many young marriages do not last. Divorce or separation may follow after a few years, especially when couples realise that their relationship is not working. In many cases, children from these marriages are sent to live with their grandparents while the parents continue to work. In traditional Thai culture, child support is rare, and many women refuse financial assistance from their ex-husbands to avoid losing face.
This creates a challenging financial burden for many Thai women, especially single mothers. In Thai society, women often bear the responsibility of supporting not only their children but also their parents. Even in families with multiple sons, it is usually the daughter who is expected to send money home. With wages in Thailand being notoriously low (the minimum wage is around 350 THB per day), many women find it nearly impossible to support their families through regular jobs.
Without access to the capital needed for higher education or qualifications, achieving a career with a decent salary can be very difficult. It is not uncommon for ladies to borrow money in order for them to buy a bus ticket to Pattaya, rent a room, and begin working in a bar.
For some women, entering the nightlife industry becomes a means of survival. The financial rewards are often significantly higher than what they could earn through traditional employment, making it one of the few viable options for women under economic pressure. However, this is not the case for all Thai women, and it’s important to remember that each person’s situation is different... Some may choose to work in a bar for the main reason that they enjoy the lifestyle of drinking and partying with their friends and foreign men.
Suspicions About a Thai Girlfriend?
If you are involved in a relationship with a Thai woman and have concerns about her involvement in the nightlife scene or suspect infidelity, it's understandable to seek clarity. Many foreign men become romantically involved with Thai women, unaware of their financial responsibilities or past. In such cases, hiring a private investigator in Pattaya can provide peace of mind. These professionals can discreetly investigate whether your Thai girlfriend is involved in prostitution, working in the nightlife scene, or potentially being unfaithful. This step can help you gain a clearer understanding of her situation and motivations, especially if you’re considering a long-term relationship.
In summary, the prevalence of prostitution in Thailand is influenced by a combination of cultural pressures, economic hardship, and family responsibilities. For some women, it becomes a necessary way to provide for themselves and their loved ones. However, each individual’s story is unique, and assumptions should not be made without understanding the full context.
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Thai Bar Girl as your Girlfriend, Can it Work?
Published: May 31, 2017 - Reading time: 9 minutes
» Updated: October 19, 2024
A lot of talk happens online in the expat community surrounding bar girls, go-go dancers, and other so-called ladies of the night who work in Thailand’s nightlife areas. Most people recommend avoiding Thai bar girls for any type of serious relationship and highlight the pitfalls, or stories of themselves or their friends losing vast amounts of money to bar girls.
On the other hand, in some cases, men do visit Thailand, become involved with bar girls, and end up getting married, having children, and leading happy lives together... To understand this issue, you really need to look into the cause of prostitution in Thailand.
Why is she working in the bar?
Often, women in Thailand are pushed into bar work by economic pressure. The minimum wage in Thailand is around 300–400 baht per day, and the conversion to US dollars varies depending on the exchange rate. While life in Thailand is cheaper compared to Western countries, supporting an entire family on minimum wage is extremely difficult. Bar girls need more money than this to support themselves and their families.
For a detailed look into the Thai nightlife scene, including the realities of working girls, bar girls, and what motivates them, read our free bar girl guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about bar girls.
Thai bar girl as your girlfriend, can it work?
Thousands of foreigners visit Thailand every year and develop romances with Thai bar girls. If you fit into this category, then you are following in the footsteps of countless other men. Some bar girls that are dating foreign men are faithful while their boyfriends are not in the country, but most of the bar girl investigations that our agency has handled have not fallen into this category. Many bar girls are found to continue leaving the bar with new men on a regular basis. If their boyfriends had not contacted us and started an investigation, they never would have known what was really going on.
Over time, many bar girls become very proficient liars. They understand how foreign men think and know exactly what to say to convince their boyfriends of their loyalty. Sometimes, bar girls will help each other write messages in English, making them even more convincing. Whether or not their partner suspects anything, these ladies can be very good at maintaining their stories.
Most of the bar girls that we check are found to be leaving the bar with customers while their foreign boyfriends are on the other end of the phone, sending them messages from home. Unless you are sending a bar girl significant amounts of money each month, it is likely that she is still leaving the bar with other customers. Of course, even if you are sending her money, there’s still a risk that she’ll continue her activities. Some women simply won’t stop and can tell elaborate lies to reassure their sponsors.
Thai bar girls support their families
It’s possible to survive in Thailand on minimum wage, but it’s not easy. Traditionally, in Thai culture, sons are expected to support their parents until they have their own family. Daughters, on the other hand, often carry the burden of supporting their family forever, even after they have children. This means that many bar girls are not just feeding themselves, but also their parents, children, and possibly other relatives. Many, if not most, bar girls in Thailand have children, but they will likely deny this if asked. "You have children?" "No, no!". They are used to saying this because they know it may put off potential customers or boyfriends.
Once a Thai lady has a child, it can become difficult for her to find a relationship with another man that will provide for her and her family financially. While it may be cheaper to live in Thailand than in the West, the cost of supporting a family, sending children to school, and managing a household can become overwhelming. For women with limited education, bar work often appears as a viable solution to their financial problems.
Supporting a Thai bar girl financially
By supporting a Thai bar girl, you are responsible for ensuring her financial stability as well as that of her family and dependents. If her family struggles with debt, illness, or needs help rebuilding their home, the responsibility falls on you. Stories of needing money for a sick buffalo, medical bills, or family emergencies are common, and bar girls often present plausible reasons for needing extra cash. High-earning bar girls may even have several “boyfriends,” some sending money regularly, others only during visits. We recommend checking your Thai girlfriend to ensure you are her only boyfriend.
Thai bar girl as a girlfriend
Generally, there are two types of bar girls. Some will leave the bar and the industry altogether if their financial burden is lifted by a foreign sponsor. These women might be eager to stop working and start a new life if they find the right partner. On the other hand, some bar girls see foreign men as ATM machines, keeping several boyfriends while continuing their bar work to maximise income. For these women, sending money to start a legitimate business or attend university often leads to nothing but lies. These are the women involved in the infamous "Thai bar girl scam".
Whether your relationship with a Thai bar girl turns out well or not depends on the individual. As a leading detective agency, we’ve seen both outcomes. If your girlfriend works in a bar, we can help you by conducting a bar girl investigation. Sometimes these relationships work out, but often, they don’t. It really depends on the girl. It is also advisable to hire a private investigator if you suspect your Thai girlfriend is still working in the nightlife scene or maintaining multiple relationships behind your back. Having an investigation will give you peace of mind and prevent costly mistakes.
Learn more about bar girl investigations.
Marrying a Thai bar girl
Marriage is an important institution in Thai culture, and most Thai people value it highly. To legitimise a relationship, a marriage will often need to take place. Depending on your girlfriend and her family’s preferences, Thai weddings can be expensive or relatively cheap. The tradition of paying a dowry, or “sin sod,” remains common in Thailand. You may be expected to give cash, gold, or even a house or car as part of this.
If you’re planning to marry a Thai lady, it’s important to understand these traditions and the financial implications. Before making a large financial commitment, we can help you gather information about her through background checks or bar girl investigations.
At PattayaPI, we understand the challenges involved in these relationships. If you’ve chosen the wrong woman, she might be a professional liar, excellent at manipulating situations to her advantage. We’ve seen it all and are here to help you uncover the truth. Before investing emotionally or financially, let us assist you with an investigation. In the long run, hiring a private investigator can save you thousands and give you peace of mind. Whether she’s lying or being honest, we’ll uncover the facts, and your partner will never know she’s been investigated. Contact us for a free quote.
Learn more about Pattaya Private Investigators on our homepage.
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