Thai Dating – 4 Reasons Why Thai Men Date and Marry Foreign Women Less Than Thai Women Date and Marry Foreign Men

 

In Thai dating and marriage society, when it comes to the topic of marriage and registering marriage with foreigners, if we take a cursory glance around, we must admit that generally, we see a greater prevalence of Thai women marrying foreign men compared to Thai men marrying foreign women. It’s a common occurrence that we know why foreign men are attracted to Thai women, whether it’s due to their open-mindedness, caring nature, enjoyable conversations with humor, or their physical appearance meeting expectations.

 

However, whenever we see a couple consisting of a Thai man dating and/or marrying a foreign woman, people often have different feelings because it’s something less commonly encountered. Many feel it’s a rare occurrence. Even I myself have seen numerous online posts and discussions about love and relationships, with people often asking, “Why don’t we see Thai men with foreign wives very often?” or even in everyday life, when people see a Thai man with a foreign woman as husband and wife, they mostly want to know. They want to ask where they met and how they managed to get a foreign wife. But asking directly seems impolite, leading to a lingering curiosity that becomes a heart-straining problem for many, wondering why Thai men have fewer foreign girlfriends compared to Thai women having foreign boyfriends. In reality, if we look at statistics, Thai men indeed have a lower rate of registering marriages with foreign women than Thai women have with foreign men.

 

Based on statistics collected by the Department of Provincial Administration during the period from the year 2021 to 2023, it has been revealed that the number of registered marriages between Thai men and foreign women is lower than the number of registered marriages between Thai women and foreign men during the same period, with a difference of up to 6,415 couples, or 2.3 times less.

 

 

The trend of marriage between Thai men and foreign women over the past 3 years in Thailand

 

Regarding the trend of marriage and registration of marriages between Thai men and foreign women, although there has been an increasing trend each year, the past 3 years from 2021 to 2023 have seen Thai men registering marriages with foreigners totaling 4,841 couples. This may seem like a high number, doesn’t it? However, when comparing the figures, it still falls significantly short of the statistics for Thai women registering marriages with foreign men, which is nearly three times as many.

 

Over the past 3 years, statistics on marriage between Thai men and foreign women in Thailand from the Department of Provincial Administration reveal:

 

• In the year 2021, Thai men registered marriages with foreign women totaling 705 couples.
• In the year 2022, Thai men registered marriages with foreign women totaling 1,525 couples.
• In the year 2023, Thai men registered marriages with foreign women totaling 2,611 couples.

 

Undoubtedly, Bangkok, the capital city, has consistently been the leading province each year, with a total of 1,734 couples registered, accounting for 35.8% of the total number over the 3-year period. This is expected due to the high population and diverse demographics of the province. Additionally, premium matchmaking and dating companies like Bangkok Matching anticipate a continuous increase in the number of marriages between Thai men and foreign women in the foreseeable future due to the openness of society, a borderless world, and the ease of Long-Distance Relationships facilitated by the internet.

 

4 Reasons Why Thai Men Marry Foreign Women Less

 

1  Compatibility with Thai Women’s Preferences: The typical profile of Thai men is more suited to Thai women. Even in high-end matchmaking services like Bangkok Matching, trends in partner preferences for singles in 2023 reveal that the specifications for Thai men haven’t significantly changed. The ideal image still revolves around fair, beautiful, petite, cute, and physically well-proportioned women, approximately 165 cm tall, which are attributes perceived as suitable for Thai women. This preference in partner selection varies from region to region and might not align with the beauty standards of other cultures. Additionally, over 80% of Thai men emphasize the importance of education, preferring women with at least a bachelor’s degree, while foreign men place less emphasis on education and focus more on compatibility in attitude and appearance.

 

2  Mismatch in Thoughts and Attitudes: Differences in values, thoughts, and attitudes between Thai and foreign individuals often lead to conflicting views on life and desires. Thai men are typically raised in families and societies where men are perceived as the head of the household and women as assets for nurturing. Marriage to a Thai woman is often associated with qualities such as being a good homemaker, proficient in household chores, and having a nurturing attitude. These expectations may not align with those of foreign women who advocate for gender equality, fairness, and individuality, often being more confident and assertive than Thai women. Consequently, Thai men’s preferences tend to favor Thai women more.

 

3  Language Barrier and Communication Inhibition: Language barriers hinder communication and diminish opportunities for getting acquainted. Even if there is an initial interest in establishing relationships, the inability to effectively communicate, or having to maintain a long-distance relationship, can deter many from pursuing such connections.

 

4  Cultural Differences in Lifestyle: Apart from language barriers, differences in cultural norms also pose challenges to relationships. Adjusting to unfamiliar cultural practices and accepting differing perspectives can be daunting. In Thai culture, familial ties are strong, and families often see their relatives’ spouses as part of their own family. However, foreign families may have different customs, which may require compromise and understanding to maintain harmonious relationships.

 

In conclusion, Thai men’s preference for dating and marrying foreign women is relatively low due to factors such as compatibility with Thai women’s preferences, mismatched thoughts and attitudes, language barriers, communication inhibition, and cultural differences in lifestyle. Therefore, for those wishing to explore relationships with individuals from different cultures, it’s essential to adopt a more open and global mindset, understanding the perspectives and lifestyles of individuals from other countries.

 

4 Recommendations to Adjust Mindset and Embrace Dating with Foreign Partners

 

1  Stop Focusing on Differences and Look for Common Grounds: When it comes to dating someone from another country, we tend to focus on our differences first, which can undermine our confidence. For instance, we may think that language barriers will make communication difficult, or that our backgrounds and cultures are too different and require significant adjustment. Instead, try to shift your perspective and look for common interests or shared life goals. Finding common ground, such as shared interests or similar life aspirations despite cultural differences, can foster better emotional connections. Simply changing our mindset and perspective can make a significant difference.

 

2  Don’t Let Old Norms Constrain You: Traditional dating norms in Thai society often dictate that men should seek wives who fulfill certain criteria, such as being able to cook at least rice, which may limit their choices to conform to societal expectations. However, clinging to these outdated norms can narrow our views and limit our options. If we understand that everyone, regardless of gender, has different interests and strengths, we can break free from these constraints. By embracing equality and sharing responsibilities equally within relationships, we can expand our dating horizons without difficulty.

 

3  Language and Culture Are Not Barriers but Opportunities for Learning: Overcoming the fear of language differences is essential. Many people are reluctant to date foreigners because they fear not being able to communicate effectively. However, love and affection transcend language barriers. Embrace the opportunity to learn and build relationships with those who truly connect with you, regardless of language. Every experience, even if it doesn’t lead to a successful relationship, is a valuable learning opportunity that can boost your confidence and alleviate fears and pressures.

 

4  Approach Dating as an Enjoyable Experience: Whether dating Thai or foreign individuals, view it as a moment of joy in life. Don’t take it too seriously or put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy the conversations and exchanges as opportunities to learn and connect with new people. Dating is about getting to know new individuals and exploring new experiences, not about winning championships. Remember, every relationship, whether with a Thai or foreign partner, requires understanding and compromise. By adjusting your mindset and being confident in yourself, you can build meaningful connections regardless of cultural backgrounds.

 

In conclusion, Thai men have much to offer and are capable of captivating foreign women’s hearts. It’s essential to adjust perspectives, break free from old norms, overcome language barriers, and approach dating with an open mind and a sense of enjoyment. Bangkok Matching believes that Thai men possess qualities that can win over the hearts of foreign women. By embracing change and having the courage to step out of comfort zones, meaningful relationships can blossom, whether with Thai or foreign partners.