Everything You Need to Know About Thai Dating Customs
Thailand is undeniably a beautiful country to explore. You won’t be able to get enough of the lovely beaches and the fascinating temples. However, the country’s gem is the people and how they value their traditions and customs. But to jump into that scene, you’ll need a crash course on Thai dating customs.
Traditional Thai Dating Culture
Dating in Thailand has changed over the years; however, there are a lot of things that most Thai people are still practicing in the current age. One of the biggest influences of the change in Thai dating is western culture. Nevertheless, you’ll find that the majority of Thai people are conservative and still follow the traditional dating customs.
Quite a few people in Thailand have adopted a more lax dating life and have opened their minds to the western dating culture. The more current approaches are adapted from Western culture, which is undeniably a more widespread way of dating.
There are many traditions and customs of dating in Thailand that many of the country’s people are still practicing, culminating in a set of complex Thai dating customs. Here are dating practices that you must know about when dating a Thai:
Men – make the first move
Traditionally in the olden times, men always make the first move to get a woman. In Thailand, a lot of Thai people still do and honor this practice. Men play a crucial role in creating romantic relationships in Thai culture.
How do Thais do it?
In the traditional Thai dating culture, the guy approaches the girl he likes in a subtle and friendly way. Courtship is very important in the process of getting a relationship with a Thai woman.
They do it by asking a Thai girl if she is open to a relationship. Then, stating all the clear intentions to her is a must. Lastly, properly asking how you want her to be your girlfriend. And if she agrees with you, you can officially call each other boyfriend and girlfriend.
Why should you do it?
Thai women are instantly attracted to men who dare to make a move and go after what they want. If a man makes the first move by walking up and starting a conversation with a Thai woman, it is a sign of a masculine man. It makes a Thai woman feel loved and more feminine when a guy does it.
Don’t flirt too much
People in Thailand, especially Thai women, hate it when a guy is too aggressive. You might be seen as disrespectful in the Thai dating culture. More than that, Thais consider it as an ineffective way to impress Thai women and a display of ignorance.
How do Thais do it?
Thai people use restraint when dating women. They learn self-control and discipline not to offend the person they like. Men in Thailand always go for a more friendly and gentle approach when flirting with Thai women.
Why should you do it?
When you try to give bold and suggestive comments to Thai women, it can make them feel uncomfortable. Always remember that an aggressive action can block her interest. It would be best to let things flow naturally with the right composure to impress a Thai girl.
Go for a traditional courtship
Thailand is big on beliefs and superstitions, which is one thing that you should have an open mind about. One of the traditions of Thai dating is courtship. It is pretty crucial when you want your relationship to end right. In serious relationships and ones that are headed for marriage, a long period of courting is needed.
How do Thais do it?
Thais have rituals for courting and when you are about to get married to a Thai. A male suitor has to follow a specific procedure known as “khaw taam trook ook taam pra-tuu” (Entering through a right alley and exiting through the right door.) This phrase metaphorically means a man should pay respect to the woman’s family by visiting her house.
Why should you do it?
Performing rituals in courting is a way to express your respect to the woman you love and her parents. You must follow the things that Thai people believe in when you are dating someone from Thailand. It is how you show your commitment and love.
Don’t rush things
Thais are known to be more conservative than the westerners. With Thailand’s rich culture and more profound religious beliefs, it is not a surprise to foreigners that Thai people are more modest and reserved. Also, they have a traditional culture that says sex is only acceptable after marriage.
How do Thais do it?
Thai guys never talk about sex, especially if they are still getting to know a woman. Avoiding sexual topics and dirty jokes is one of the dating etiquettes for Thai women.
Why should you do it?
Thai women may feel embarrassed to talk about sex and intimacy, particularly when their relationship has just started. Steer clear from inappropriate topics can help you get a more extensive conversation with your Thai partner. Also, doing it can help your relationship in the long run.
Avoid public displays of affection
Showing affection to your partner is generally alright. However, if you are dating a Thai, you must consider their feelings first before showing too much of your relationship in a public place.
How do Thais do it?
Thai guys are not allowed to hold the hand, kiss, or hug his girlfriend in public if she doesn’t feel okay about it. So a Thai good man should have enough patience and respect.
Additionally, Thais greet each other by doing “wai.” They do it by slightly bowing with their hands in prayer position. However, if you want to hug, doing it quick is fine in Thai culture.
Cuddling on the beach or mall is not accepted in Thailand. If you do it, many people will give you disapproving looks. The same thing will happen if you have a prolonged hug and kiss in public.
Why should you do it?
If you genuinely want to show your Thai partner that you have high respect for them, you must avoid PDA. Plus, doing the “wai” in your date or your first meeting will indeed impress your Thai date.
Ask permission from their parents
Having a relationship with a Thai means that you are open to serve her family too. In Thailand, children have obligations to take care of their families, most especially to their parents. They have the highest respect for their parents by listening to their opinions regarding big decisions in life. Thai dating customs dictate that people should treat their partner’s parents as if they were their own.
How do Thais do it?
When dating a Thai woman, a Thai man should go out of his way to impress and get her parents’ approval. It is part of courtship where they visit the house and formally introduce themselves and talk about their daughter. Broadly, it is like meeting the parents, but in Thailand, it is an important thing to do whenever people are in a more serious relationship.
Why should you do it?
It has been a long tradition for Thai dating to be approved by both families. Asking the blessing from the parents for your relationship will make your Thai partner happy and secure.
Pick up the bill (if you’re a man)
Besides making the first move, the other big responsibility of being a man in a Thai relationship is to handle the financials. Though many things have changed in the modern era, such as both husband and wife can work. In the past, Thai men used to hand over their full salary to their wives.
How do Thais do it?
In the current age of Thai society, the man still pays and is responsible for most things. He handles and takes care of the most finances in the family, and the wife can support.
On first dates, men who take out a Thai woman should clarify that he has everything under control from the date venue to the bills.
Why should you do it?
In Thailand, it is expected that the man should pick up the tab when they are on dates with a Thai girl. It is another dating etiquette to handle the bill. However, it doesn’t mean that she cannot make some contributions financially.
Moreover, being financially stable is one of the factors that Thais consider when settling. A Thai woman’s parents see it through if the man who marries their daughter can support their financial needs.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Thais’ Beliefs and Tradition plays a significant role in Thai dating customs. It also boils down to how much respect you have for your Thai partner and how you will cope with their traditional dating culture with an open mind.
You only need to be culturally sensitive when dating a Thai woman or man to avoid offending them. Do more research about Buddhism since it is the most practiced religion in Thailand.
Do you want more tips on Thai dating? Or are you looking for a Thai partner? There are a lot of Thai singles out in the dating scene who are adventurous and ready to meet new people.
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