Foreign Son-in-Law in Thailand
Recently I visited to Udon Thani. Udon Thani, or
Udon for short, is an important regional hub that connects northeastern
Thailand with the rest of the country as well as neighbouring Laos. I was there
to attend a regional expert meeting organized by Thamassat University and
partners. I was there for a week around and that is enough time to know more
about the city and people.
While my stay I get to know a very interesting
thing about Udon Thani that a lot of European and American men come here to
marry Thai women. Mixed couples are common on the streets and in the markets of
Udon Thani. One street where Western men gather to eat and drink is popularly
known as “Foreign Son-in-Law Street.” Due to hectic meeting schedule I could
not get time to visit that street but I am very much curious person by nature.
I started interacting local students and other people to know more about this
culture.
During discussions I found that it is very much
acceptable here to get marry with foreigner men. In fact young girl start
dreaming from their childhood to get marry with foreigner husband so that they
can have all kind of comforts in their life. This type of marriage is good for
both ; a poor Thai woman get good earning and finically supporting husband
whereas men gets beautiful Thai girls who listen to them and believe in
marriages.
It is also interesting to note that most of men get
settled here in Udon Thani, only few goes back to their country back with Thai
wife. The reasons are; cost of living in Thailand (Udon Thani) is quite
inexpensive and comfortable as compare to their country.
I was excited to listen and read all the stories
and wanted to meet few couples. God heard me, when I was travelling back to
Bangkok met such couple at Udon Thani airport. Man was from Netherland and his
wife from a village from Udon. Initially
they were reluctant to speak about their relationship. I promised to keep their
anonymity than they told their story. Man was retired from Government job, got
marry to Thai girl and have 5 years old son. Man told that although they have
almost 20 years of age difference but it doesn’t matter. Both are happy with
life and raising son. Man is having enough money to support the family.
Initially, girl was unable to speak English but after marriage she learnt
English and speak fluently now. He is
part of an expanding population of nearly 11,000 foreign husbands in the
region, drawn by the low cost of living, slow pace of life and the exotic
reputation of Thai women — something like a brand name for Western men seeking
Asian partners.
Family boarded same flight with me
for Bangkok.
After reaching Bangkok I met another couple. Now man was from Germany and married to Thai girl and after marriage they settled near Udon Thani and he does farming while wife runs a beauty parlor.
In
Bangkok our tour guide/driver told that her friend is married to a man from Sweden
but he did not settled in Thailand. They often visit Thailand and Sweden.
Previously girl was unable to understand any other language beside Thai, now
she can communicate in English and Swedish both.
Later
I saw few couples in Krabi Island as well. It is an interesting topic and would
love to read, write more on this….....soon 😊
