Giving Money to Your Thai Girlfriend and Her Family
Published: November 27, 2020 - Reading time: 7 minutes
» Updated: October 15, 2024
Thai women and money are sensitive topics for many foreigners and are often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with Thai culture or life in Thailand. This article provides guidance to help you understand the cultural expectations and avoid common pitfalls when supporting a Thai girlfriend financially.
Understanding Thai Culture and Financial Responsibilities
In traditional Thai culture, a husband is expected to support his wife and her family, including parents and children. Thai men carry the same obligations, and this is not an attempt to exploit foreigners. It’s simply how Thai relationships work. In contrast, the man’s own parents are usually cared for by his sisters, as women are traditionally responsible for looking after their parents in old age.
If you enter a serious relationship with a Thai woman, especially from a rural or less affluent background, you’ll likely be expected to help support her family. This might involve providing regular financial assistance. Thai people see this as a natural part of family duty, not a demand for charity.
Getting to Know Your Thai Girlfriend’s Family
Meeting your Thai girlfriend’s family is an important step in understanding their financial situation. If her family is financially stable, you may not be expected to contribute. However, if she comes from a poorer background, especially rural farming communities in Northern Thailand, you might be asked to help out more.
We recommend visiting her family’s home to see their living conditions and understand their way of life. This gives you an opportunity to ask her parents about their expectations and assess their financial situation. While there are stories of Thai families taking advantage of foreigners, most are reasonable and won’t make unreasonable demands.
How Much Money Should I Give My Thai Girlfriend?
The amount you give your Thai girlfriend largely depends on her personal and family circumstances. If she is well-educated and financially independent, she may not need regular support. However, many foreigners do provide their girlfriends with a monthly allowance, typically between 10,000 to 50,000 THB.
If your girlfriend is supporting her parents or children, her financial needs will naturally be higher. Some foreigners have even reported giving upwards of 100,000 THB per month, though this is less common. Before giving money, consider her lifestyle, expenses, and the number of people she supports.
Be cautious if your Thai girlfriend works in bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, or similar venues. Unfortunately, it’s common for women in these professions to continue seeing other men while receiving money from you.
Debt and Financial Pressures in Thailand
Household debt is a major issue in Thailand, with many families owing large sums of money. According to recent statistics, household debt accounted for 83.8% of Thailand's GDP in June 2020. If your Thai girlfriend’s family has debts—such as vehicle loans, mortgages, or personal loans—it’s important to know this early on.
Unfortunately, your girlfriend may not be upfront about her family’s financial difficulties. Due to the Thai concept of “saving face,” she might fear you’ll leave if she reveals her family’s debts. Some women may use other excuses, like a family member’s illness, to explain their need for money. We can perform a background check to learn more about her circumstances.
The Risk of Scams: Fake University Students and Bar Girls
It’s not uncommon for Thai women to lie about their job or educational background. Some may claim to be university students when they are actually working in bars or other entertainment venues. They might even show you photos taken at a university to make their story more convincing.
We’ve seen cases where women pretend to work in respectable jobs while continuing to sleep with other men for money. These are often professional scammers who juggle multiple foreign boyfriends. If you suspect something is wrong, consider hiring a private investigator to check her background and employment status.
Protecting Yourself Financially: How to Avoid Being Scammed
Before you invest large amounts of money in your relationship, it’s important to verify your Thai girlfriend’s claims. Just as you would perform due diligence before entering a business deal, you should do the same when considering significant financial commitments in a relationship.
At PattayaPI, we offer various services to help you protect yourself. From background checks to personal surveillance, we can help ensure your relationship is based on honesty.
Refusing to Support Your Thai Girlfriend’s Family
If you don’t want to financially support your girlfriend’s family, be aware that this could strain your relationship. It’s a deeply ingrained cultural expectation for Thai women, especially those from poorer backgrounds, to receive financial help from their partner.
While some foreigners set boundaries, like refusing to help their girlfriend’s parents, this may lead to the breakdown of the relationship. If you’re not willing to help support her family, it may be better to avoid dating women from impoverished backgrounds in Thailand altogether.
Helping Your Thai Girlfriend Become Financially Independent
Rather than providing direct financial support indefinitely, some foreigners choose to help their Thai girlfriends become self-sufficient. This might involve paying for her education, helping her start a business, or investing in a farm or livestock. In many cases, even a relatively small investment can make a significant difference in Thailand.
Conclusion: Protect Your Heart and Wallet
Relationships with Thai women, especially those involving financial support, can be complex. It’s important to understand cultural expectations and make informed decisions. If you’re concerned about being scammed or taken advantage of, consider a background check or private investigation to verify your girlfriend’s story. Contact us today for professional advice and services.
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