10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bangkok Dating Scene

The Bangkok dating scene is mired by misconceptions and stereotypes, many of which are blatantly untrue. That might be something that’s keeping you away from trying to match with Thai singles, but we’re here to reassure you that online dating in Thailand is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your love life.

To learn the truth about the Bangkok dating scene, you can either go there yourself or you can keep reading to learn more about what you can expect in this thorough guide from the TrulyThai team!

What You Should Know About the Bangkok Dating Scene

1. Dating online is as good as dating in real life

Dating apps and websites are incredibly popular in Bangkok. Research shows that about 40% of Thai people have used them. There are thousands of like-minded individuals looking for companionship.

If you are hesitant to go out there, online is a good way to start. Apps and sites like TrulyThai often operate by having users create their profiles that filter demographic data. This makes it easy for the customers to comb through profiles much like looking through a crowd at a bar. 

Chat, with auto-translate capability, and video chat are generic features of apps and sites. Bypass the awkward stage by communicating online before the date. 

You can conveniently plan a promising night with a girl matching your profile. 

2. Not all dating sites are created equal

There are countless websites and applications online for Thai dating. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses depending on the user’s characteristics.

For example, TrulyThai is the easiest to use and navigate. The interface is modern and direct. This is best for those who are new to using dating applications and websites.

Because it is free to sign up, it is an outstanding choice if you are just trying out and do not want to incur fees. So if you’re just starting out, remember that while there are many options online, you want to choose a platform you feel comfortable on.

Read more: The 10 Best Restaurants In Bangkok for a Romantic Date

3. The Bangkok dating scene is diverse

Bangkok is the best place for those who are still discovering their tastes and preferences. Casual dates are common and widely accepted in Bangkok’s society. In any case, casual dating will get you primed for when you are ready to date earnestly.

The Bangkok dating scene is vast and fun to explore. If you are open to surveying it first before going exclusive, you will meet plenty of different people. You will meet some who are gruff and vulgar, and you will also meet polished and refined individuals.

Minimize your risks by opting to go online first. This way, you are free to inspect basic information about a person. You can maybe do a little research and check their social media. It might sound judgemental but it is a great help in deciding who to spend your time with.

4. Dating in Thailand can be traditional sometimes

To get into the Bangkok dating scene and find a sincere connection, it is imperative to learn the critical facts about Thailand’s rich history and culture. The enduring concept of love, romance, and marriage in Thailand has been shaped by its antiquity. Though influenced, the country’s unique heritage and values have been well passed on through generations.

Spirituality plays a big role in Thai culture. It is expressed in all their ways especially in their relationships. Buddhism, which comprises 95% of the Thai population, glorifies “khuaam ruk” or love while discourages “khuaam khrai”  or lust. 

If you want serious dating, build a relationship with a strong emotional connection. Love her character more than her physical traits.

5. The Bangkok dating scene is fickle at times

To some degree, western culture has been adapted into the Bangkok dating scene.  Commercial sex has boomed and is still tolerated. Hookups are somewhat acceptable among the younger generation. But, Bangkok is also home to the most religious and conservative. 

The same city accommodates both go-go bars and wats. Fortunately, the opposing populace is at peace with diversity. To those who are looking to meet different people, it means freedom to explore.

Appreciate this opportunity by learning the dating landscape and achieving the best experience.

6. Every girl in Bangkok is unique

Although the city has largely been modernized, the majority of girls in Bangkok are still reserved and diffident. Thai girls are generally prim and most have retained the distinguished feminine Thai characteristics that the world reveres. This type of girls in Bangkok, commonly socialize during ceremonies in wats or similar religious activities. 

On the other hand, some girls in Bangkok have conformed to the impassioned ways of the west. Frequenting bars and nightclubs, these women are adventurous, aggressive, and prefer brief, intense affairs.

To meet your future beau, you just simply visit places where your preferred kind of girl would probably be and participate in the appropriate social activities. 

7. Dating in Thailand is still conservative and chivalrous

The boys are customarily the ones who pursue the girls in Bangkok. It is usually the men who approach women first. Girls in Thailand are unassuming and will want to be clear with your intent. While some might appreciate an honest answer, it is best to announce yourself first as a chummy. Most would want to start cordially to be comfortable. This can be good for you. It will allow both of you to see if you are compatible.

First dates are usually with an accompanying friend. This is for safety purposes and you should be able to understand that this is the normal getting-to-know-you phase of dating in Thailand.

The man pays for the dates but is welcome to allow the girl to contribute should she offer to do so.

8. Physical attraction is secondary

In Thailand, love is described as unearthly and grandiose. Romance is perceived as deep and philosophical. To girls in Bangkok, falling in love is more spiritual than physical. They envision themselves and their partners to be deeply attached. This is why serious relationships must be built on emotional connection first rather than physical attraction. 

During the courting phase, it is important to be familiar with social cues and let the norm guide you on how to behave.  Public display of intimacy is still frowned upon in Bangkok. 

Small gestures are all right. It is acceptable for the suitor to try to hold hands or embrace but is expected to be the perfect gentleman. Women express their affection through body language and nonverbal communication. Sexual intercourse usually happens nearing or after marriage.

9. Thai people still live with conventional gender roles

The image of a sweet-natured, demure, subservient Asian girl is a standard that must be corrected. Thai families, however, still comply with some stereotypical roles.

The men are expected to be financially stable, able to support the women and their future family. They are anticipated to be aggressive decision-makers.

Women are still pressured to conform to the traditional role of carers and homemakers. The girls in Bangkok are expected to be skilled in domestic activities. They are anticipated to be in charge of child-rearing and other domiciliary chores.

You must be able to understand this so assumptions do not spoil your dating experience. Right expectations should be established early in the dating relationship.

10. Families are always involved in dating

Although arranged marriages and polygamy does not happen anymore, Thai parents stay fairly involved when it comes to their daughters’ relationships.

Before you start dating in Thailand, know that some Thai families might participate even in the early stages of courting.

Thai women who work in the adult entertainment industry or the tourism industry are more inclined to date farangs or other individuals with a different sociodemographic as them.

However, most girls in Bangkok still date within their social class. This is because, if they choose to end in marriage, some families still set dowries. Sin Sod or dowry is given to the bride’s family to repay and to show gratitude for the upbringing of the girl.

The Bangkok dating scene may be filled with modernized girls who do not follow tradition anymore. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that certain practices are still being observed by numerous Thai dating girls. I speculate it isn’t fun to date a girl you can’t marry.

Conclusion

Thai dating is not foolish or pointless.

Whether you start dating in Thailand virtually or in person, do not ever think of the people in the scene as if they are in it for superficial reasons. It may seem to be that way as people (dating in Thailand) may treat each other demeaningly. Just like any community, there are rotten apples in the bunch. That is okay.

Be open to new people and experiences. There will surely be some bumps along the way, but the good ones always make it all worth it.

Still and all, remember that great things often start small. You might surprise yourself and realize you can be happier.