Foreign Son-in-Law in Thailand

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 😊