How Much Does It Cost to Support a Thai Girlfriend?
Published: November 30, 2020 - Reading time: 5 minutes
» Updated: October 16, 2024
Wondering how much it costs to support a Thai girlfriend? The answer varies depending on her lifestyle and financial needs. Financial support for a Thai girlfriend can range from 10,000 – 50,000 THB per month, with some men sending even more. According to a survey conducted by Kasikorn Research Centre, Thai household debt in 2023 was at an all-time high, affecting many Thai families and influencing the amount of financial assistance some girlfriends request.
What it costs to help your girlfriend depends on her specific circumstances. Many Thai women hold university degrees and have careers, making them self-sufficient. However, if your girlfriend works in a beer bar, go-go club, or other entertainment venues, there's a chance she may continue seeing clients while receiving money from you. It's vital to be aware of the "Thai girlfriend scam," a common pitfall where women have multiple foreign boyfriends sending them money.
Understanding Her Lifestyle
If your Thai girlfriend lives a high-end lifestyle, rent for a decent property can easily exceed 10,000 – 50,000 THB per month, which will add to the amount she may ask for. Meanwhile, those working lower-wage jobs might require less support, but even small amounts can significantly improve their living conditions in Thailand.
Investing in Her Future
Instead of merely supplementing a low-wage salary, consider helping her invest in her future. Whether through higher education or starting a business, the costs in Thailand are often much lower than in Western countries. For example, you could help her attend university, where tuition fees are affordable compared to the West, or start a small business with a modest investment.
Building a house on her land could cost around 1,000,000 THB, far less than in many other countries. By investing in her future, you could improve her financial stability and create a more sustainable partnership.
Debt and Financial Transparency
Debt is a major concern in Thailand. According to the Bank of Thailand, household debt was around 90% of the GDP in 2022, with many Thai women affected. It’s essential to ask about her financial state early in the relationship, as "saving face" is an important cultural value in Thailand. Your girlfriend may be reluctant to admit if she’s in debt, or if her family is facing financial difficulties, until you’ve been in the relationship for some time.
Does She Have Children?
Many Thai women working in tourist hotspots like Bangkok or Pattaya have children from previous relationships. Thai culture around child support is different from Western norms, and it’s not uncommon for Thai fathers to avoid paying support, leaving the mother to handle everything. As a result, many women work in bars or similar establishments to provide for their children and parents.
Is She Honest With You?
If you’re sending money to your Thai girlfriend, it's crucial to ensure she’s not seeing other men. The "Thai girlfriend scam" often involves multiple foreign men unknowingly supporting the same woman, who might be dishonest about her personal life. Unfortunately, this type of romance scam is widespread in areas like Pattaya, where women seek financial support from tourists. Catching a professional scammer is difficult without proper help.
Meet Her Family
To assess the seriousness of your relationship, meeting her family is a key step. Thai women are expected to support their parents, and once you’re in a committed relationship, that responsibility often extends to you. Meeting her parents also shows that you’re serious about the relationship and helps establish transparency.
Need Help Investigating?
If you're unsure whether your Thai girlfriend is being honest, we can help. Our agents work across Thailand to provide background checks and ensure that your relationship is built on trust. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
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