"I Don't Send Money to my Thai Girlfriend!"
Published: February 20, 2019 - Reading time: 10 minutes
» Updated: September 2, 2024
Are you involved with a Thai lady that doesn't ask you to send her money? Some men see this as a positive trait in their girlfriends, however, many Thai ladies understand that asking for money from their foreign boyfriend could be seen as a red flag. Whether or not your Thai girlfriend even needs you to send her money will of course depend on her individual circumstances.
Does your Thai girlfriend need money from you?
Without a university degree, or the capital to start a business, it can be very difficult to earn more than the minimum wage in Thailand. If your Thai girlfriend has a good education then she might be able to enter a decent career and earn a good salary.
Does your Thai girlfriend need money from you? The answer to this question will depend on how much money she earns, her lifestyle, whether she has debts or other financial problems, and how many dependants rely on her for support... If a Thai lady has a good education and career, or simply a low-cost lifestyle, then she might not need financial support from you.
At the time of writing, the Thai minimum wage is around 330 THB per day. It can be a struggle to live on such a small amount of money, and especially without support from a spouse. Think about it... Could you live on just 10,000 THB per month (approx.) in a major city? For most of us it would be a real struggle to survive.
Thai women are usually expected to provide for their families, and especially so if they have children that are being raised by their parents. If the lady is earning minimum wage or not much more than minimum wage, it will be difficult to sustain a life for herself, as well as her parents and children.
Of course, many Thai ladies are university educated or entrepreneurial and able to earn excellent salaries. In our experience, it is generally less common for financially well off or 'middle class' ladies to form romantic relationships with foreign men, though it can happen. Some of the Thai ladies most keen to find foreign boyfriends might not be doing so well financially and could benefit from extra support.
My Thai girlfriend doesn’t ask for money
Ladies in Thailand aren't stupid, and many of them understand that asking their newly minted Western boyfriend for money will be seen as a red flag by them. If she is not asking you for money, you need to deeply examine her circumstances and question how she is able to support herself, rather than assume that she will never need support from you. After all, one of the major perks of being with a foreign guy is their ability to help out with money... This is, of course, why a lot of Thai ladies seek out Western men.
If your Thai girlfriend earns enough money to support herself and her family, then there is no reason that she should ask you to help out. However, you will need to really examine your girlfriend’s finances in order to understand exactly how much money she takes home and how much it costs to support herself as well as any of her dependants.
If your Thai girlfriend lives in a city such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Patong, etc, then there is the danger that she could be earning cash on the side through work in the adult entertainment industry. Many women that have regular jobs also “freelance” during the weekends and evenings in order to earn more money. This turns out to be true for many of the Thai women in Pattaya which we investigate for our clients. Without hiring a detective to check the movements of your girlfriend it can be extremely difficult, or impossible in most cases, to find out what she is truly doing when you are not around.
Supporting a Thai girlfriend long term
If your Thai girlfriend is able to get a good education and achieve a university degree for example, then she will have the potential to earn more money than with a basic high school education. Many white-collar jobs in Thailand will require the candidate to have a university degree, or relevant training.
If your Thai partner does not have a career or an education which could lead them to a career, then you might choose to support them through education with the hopes that they can earn more money later on down the line.
A popular alternative amongst foreigners is to help their Thai girlfriends setup a business, with the hope that this could lead to them making more money. Whether or not this path is likely to be successful will depend on the type of business that you decide to pursue, and whether your partner is hard working and skilled enough to get a business of the ground. There are indeed many horror stories which you can find online, but there are also plenty examples of Thai ladies setting up successful businesses with their boyfriends or husband’s support and backing.
Thai girlfriend working in a bar
If your girlfriend works at a bar and you're not sending her money, then it's almost certain she is leaving the bar with customers in order to support herself. Don't kid yourself on this... A bargirl's wage is designed to be propped up by accepting bar fines and regularly leaving the bar with customers. In fact, many bars require a minimum amount of 'bar fines' in order for the lady to receive a base salary.
Most of the time when we are asked to check bar girls in this way for our clients, we discover that the lady is keen to leave the bar and earn money. During other investigations we will observe the lady and find out how many customers she is leaving the bar with during an average night or week. The results are often shocking.
Whether or not you are sending your girlfriend money; if she works at a beer bar in Thailand then she is most certainly still accepting ‘bar fines’, and still going with customers to their hotel rooms. Please, don’t delude yourself into believing that she is different. We have been conducting this type of investigation for many years and can say from experience that the vast majority of ladies who work in beer bars continue their activity despite having boyfriends.
This also applies to women working in go-gos, massage parlours in Thailand, night clubs, karaoke bars, and other roles dealing with the public... However, if your girlfriend works a different job, don't think that you're safe either.
Many women in Pattaya who work regular jobs often turn to freelancing in nightclubs to meet with customers in the evening or night time. Other ladies prefer to meet men using hookup apps or online dating, to earn more money and subsidise their incomes from regular jobs. Other women might already be receiving plenty of money from other boyfriends abroad.
Photo: If your girlfriend works at an a go-go bar or a beer bar then you aren't the only gentleman enjoying her company!
Sending money to a Thai bar girl is not a good idea as you may find yourself falling victim to the classic bar girl scam, where a lady has several men sending her cash on a regular basis… Each of the guys will believe that they are the only man in her life, but the reality is very different. You may read about this scam and think that it could never happen to you – this is exactly what everyone thinks when they are falling victim to a romance scam.
If you decide to support a bar girl, then you should make sure that she stops working in the bar immediately. The claim that "I will work in the bar but not leave with customers" is almost always false.
Ladies perpetrating romance scams might also convince their overseas boyfriend that they are a university student, while in reality they are working in a beer bar or getting wasted every night in a nightclub. Because fraudsters are excellent liars, most victims of the romance scam will never find out what is going on unless they decide to investigate the lady's activities.
Essentially, it should be a cause for concern if your girlfriend doesn't ask for money, unless her finances truly add up. (I.e. she has no dependants, or is able to support her dependents by earning a decent wage). It would be wise to deeply examine your partner's income and cost of living before declaring this to be a positive trait, as she may be concealing other income streams from you. You will need to check whether her story adds up (literally).
Want to learn more about your partner's circumstances and history? We can help to check your Thai girlfriend by running a background check or checking her claims through personal surveillance or our decoy service. Please contact us for a free quote, or continue browsing our website for more free information and insights.
Learn more about Pattaya Private Investigators on our homepage.
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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.
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: October 15, 2024
On our website we list tattoos as a warning sign when getting involved with a Thai lady. On the face of it this may seem judgmental, but it is not without very good reason. Tattoos are seen differently in Thailand as they are in other parts of the world.
Tattoos in western countries are now firmly a part of pop culture. The days when tattoos were only seen on bikers, sailors and criminals are now long gone. In the west, tattoos are no longer a cause of stigma, they can be found on people from all walks of life and positions in society. Many high-profile celebrities wear tattoos, and it’s not uncommon for those in respected positions to have tattoos in the USA and Europe.
In Thailand the situation is quite different. Traditional Thai culture is reserved and conservative, though we would forgive you for assuming otherwise after spending a few nights drinking in Pattaya or any other night life area of Thailand. Many of the older generations in Thailand frown upon tattoos. The exception to this being sak yant, also known as “magic tattoos”, which are believed to offer the wearer protection and good fortune. These are seen differently than images which have no religious significance.
Sak yant tattoos
Sak yant tattoo: This design represents the The Paed Tidt Yant, which is said to give its wearer protection in any direction which they travel. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits. The text contained on this design is ancient Khmer text known as Khom. Sak yant is believed by many Thai people, and especially those in rural areas, to provide protection and good fortune. After a sak yant tattoo has been completed it is typically blessed by a monk.
Full coverage: This man has an impressive collection of traditional Thai sak yant tattoos.
However, sak yant tattoos are traditionally seen on Thai men. You will struggle to find sak yant, or any type of tattoo on an elderly Thai woman in the massive rural areas of Thailand. The designs are often popular with bar girls working in Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, and similar places, and many foreigners also get sak yant tattoos during their time in Thailand.
Thousands of foreigners travel to Thailand every year and get sak yant tattoos themselves. Many people seek out tattoos which are poked by hand using bamboo and blessed by a monk afterwards. Many tattooists prefer to use tattoo machines as it is faster and easier; and some foreigners even get sak yant tattoos from tattoo shops in Thailand, which is a less authentic experience. If you decide to get any tattoo in Thailand we recommend that you examine the hygiene standards and judge for yourself whether they are adequate - specifically, make sure that a fresh needle (or bamboo) is being used.
Fashion tattoos in Thailand
‘Fashionable’ tattoos, or any imagery aside from sak yant, tend to be frowned on by many elderly people in Thailand. If you’re talking about a young Thai girl, this will possibly include her parents, grandparents and extended family. She may have actually isolated members of her family by getting tattooed.
Ordinary tattoos in Thailand are often influenced by Western culture, and many of the designs that you would find in north America or Europe (besides sak yant designs) can be seen on Thai people.
Tattoos worn by 'ladies of the night' in Thailand
Whilst we can’t demonstrate this statistically, we know from experience that a huge bulk of women with ink have previously been involved in the adult entertainment industry. Tattoos and women working in this industry in Thailand tend to go hand in hand. Some people have even described tattoos as being indicative of a Thai lady that has previously worked in bars.
Tattoos on the chest area above the lady’s breasts are common, as well as wrist, arms, and back tattoos. Many bar girls and dancers spend a lot of money and effort on their tattoos, and anyone that spends time in the night life areas of Pattaya is likely to notice this at some point.
While there are no set designs which are associated with the industry, if your Thai girlfriend has tattoos which contain profanity (swear words), or references to sex, this would be a red flag that she may have a background of working in the nightlife scene.
Learn more about bar girl investigations.
If your Thai girlfriend has tattoos of other men’s names, then this would be a clear sign that she has a history of romantic relationships with foreigners.
Thai girl butterfly tattoos
The word “butterfly” in the Thai nightlife scene is often used to describe a man that spends time with multiple different Thai ladies, without committing to any one specifically. A “butterfly” might only spend one night with a Thai lady before moving on to another.
We have seen many people draw a link between this word and Thai women having tattoos of butterflies… We do not believe that most women sporting butterflies have these tattoos for any deeper meaning. “Fashion tattoos” are just that, and usually exist for their design rather than any significant or deep meaning.
Are attitudes changing towards tattoos?
As time goes on, we believe that attitudes towards tattoos in Thai culture are gradually shifting. We are slowly seeing more and more young Thai women (and men) decide to decorate their bodies with tattoos. Whether these Thai people are influenced by Western culture and seeing tattoos on movies or TV, we don’t know, however there is definitely a growing attraction to tattoos for many Thai people, and many Thai people do not regard tattoos with negativity or stigma – some people don’t care. Whether or not this trend will be continued into the future remains to be seen.
Tattoo stigma in Thailand
The sex industry is stigmatized in Thai culture. It is not an acceptable occupation in Thailand and the lowest possible step of the social class ladder. Ask yourself, why would a Thai lady tattoo herself, when in doing so she marks a potential involvement with the sex industry?
The attitude towards non-religious tattoos in Thailand is gradually shifting. Younger generations are becoming more and more tolerant of the practice as they’re exposed to it through western media, the internet, and meeting tattooed foreigners in person. There are Thai ladies with ink out there that have never been involved with the sex trade and simply enjoy this style of art work. However, this type of woman is generally in the minority.
For the time being at least, tattoos are largely stigmatized by older generations of Thais. While we wouldn’t suggest condemning someone based solely on their appearance, the presence of tattoos can be a contributing factor when judging the character of a Thai lady. It may act as a sign that the lady has a history working in nightlife areas or breaking social norms.
If you're starting to get involved with a Thai lady, all is not lost. If you have suspicions that she may be sleeping with other men while you're out of the country, or that she is already in another relationship, get in touch with us. We can put your mind at ease and probably for cheaper than you might think. Simply send us a message with the details of your situation and we'll reply to you with a free, no obligation quote. Please be sure to mention the area where you require us to work and any other relevant details.
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“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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