Thinking of marrying a Thai lady? What to check first

January 21, 2023 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated: May 29, 2025

'Due diligence' is a term usually associated with business deals and high-value transactions. Naturally, a smart investor wouldn’t part with their money or enter into a binding agreement without first verifying the facts. The same mindset should be applied to something equally serious — marriage.

Marriage brings significant emotional and financial responsibilities. While it's not technically a business deal, it can involve your life savings, property, vehicles, and long-term financial commitments — particularly if you're marrying someone from a different culture with unfamiliar legal and social expectations.

Asian lady holding a flower

Marrying a Thai woman often involves a significant gift or 'dowry' to her parents, typically money, gold, and sometimes property or vehicles. Known as a ‘sin sod’, this traditional payment is usually displayed during the ceremony for guests to see.

Whether your Thai wedding includes a dowry or not, it’s wise to protect yourself by verifying your partner’s background before making such a life-altering commitment. Conducting due diligence before marriage in Thailand is not only smart — it could save you from financial loss or emotional distress down the line.

Thai girlfriend background checks

Background checks are essential if you're planning to marry a Thai lady or take the relationship to the next level. These checks can uncover crucial facts about your partner that might otherwise remain hidden.

As a trusted detective agency in Thailand, we’ve helped hundreds of clients uncover the truth about their Thai fiancées or girlfriends. In many cases, background checks revealed serious lies or omissions that would have been devastating to discover later.

Common issues include women lying about their age — sometimes reducing it by five or ten years. In rarer cases, we’ve uncovered individuals who were born male but had transitioned to female, without disclosing this to their partner. Many Thai ladyboys are extremely convincing, and gender reassignment surgery can further obscure the truth. Think it can’t happen to you? Think again.

Background check investigation elements on a touch screen

Background checks can include verification of marriage and divorce records, employment history, criminal background, financial status, family ties, social media activity and more. Our Thai partner background screening services are designed to give you peace of mind before making major life decisions.

Criminal record checks are particularly important. If your partner has a past involving fraud, theft, or solicitation, this can not only raise red flags about trustworthiness but may also affect visa applications to Western countries.

📌 Did you know?

If you're romantically involved with a Thai woman who is still legally married, you could be sued by her husband under Thai law. Social media posts, private messages, and even photos can be used as evidence in court.

For this reason, we strongly recommend conducting at least a marital status check — or better still, a full Thai girlfriend background check — before making a serious commitment.

Visit our background check page for more details, or contact us for a free, confidential quote.

Thai prenuptial agreements

Depending on your financial situation, it may make sense to draw up a prenuptial agreement before the marriage takes place. These agreements outline how assets and property will be divided in the event of a divorce — a useful tool for protecting your interests.

Under Thai law, your spouse may be entitled to claim 50% of any assets acquired during the marriage. If you have assets in your home country, the division of those can become even more complex.

Whether a prenup is right for you depends on your personal situation — including the value and location of your assets. We recommend consulting a qualified solicitor who understands both Thai and international family law.

The dowry tradition in Thailand ('sin sod')

Dowry payments — or ‘sin sod’ — are a long-standing Thai wedding tradition. The groom typically gives a large gift to his bride’s family, which can range from 300,000 to over 1,000,000 THB. Gold, property, and vehicles may also be included.

Gold bars

While the dowry tradition has faded in the West, it remains common in Thailand. That said, some families may agree to a ‘fake dowry’ where the money is returned to the groom after the ceremony — allowing them to save face in front of guests without accepting the payment.

Families in rural farming areas may expect genuine support. In these cases, a practical dowry — such as a tractor or farming equipment — might be seen as a valuable investment in their long-term livelihood. Understanding these expectations before marriage is key to avoiding future conflicts.

Also consider that in traditional Thai culture, daughters are often expected to care for their parents in old age. As her husband, you may inherit some of this responsibility. Financial planning for your Thai marriage should account for both short-term and long-term commitments to her and possibly her family.

Doubts before marrying a Thai lady?

It's completely normal to have second thoughts or concerns before entering into a marriage — especially if you're marrying someone from a different country and culture. If you’ve noticed things that don’t quite add up, or you’re unsure whether your Thai partner is being completely honest with you, then it’s worth taking a step back.

Many of our clients come to us with similar worries: “Is she really single?”, “Has she told me the truth about her past?”, “Is she just using me for money?”, or even “How do I know if she’s genuine?”.

Our background check service for Thai girlfriends is specifically designed to help you find clarity before making a long-term commitment. We can discreetly verify her relationship history, marriage or divorce status, criminal record, employment, and more — so you can make your decision with confidence.

Don’t ignore your gut feeling. If something seems off, it’s better to get the facts now — before tying the knot.

About Bangkok Private Investigators

We are a leading private investigation agency based in Bangkok, serving clients across all regions of Thailand. If you’re unsure about your Thai partner or need to verify key facts, we can help uncover the truth discreetly and efficiently.

Bangkok private investigators logo

All communication with us is 100% confidential. We offer free quotes and fast responses. Visit our homepage to learn more or get in touch today.

Related articles


The Reality of Dating a Thai Bar Girl: What You Need to Know

July 22, 2022 - Reading time: 13 minutes
Updated: March 8, 2025

Bar girls wearing tank tops working at a bar in Thailand

Dating a Thai bar girl is an experience that many foreigners encounter when visiting Thailand’s nightlife hotspots, such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. While some relationships evolve into genuine romantic partnerships, others are purely transactional or come with complications that many fail to anticipate. Understanding the nuances of these relationships—both the positive aspects and the challenges—is essential before getting involved. However, if you are in a relationship with a Thai bar girl and suspect that things might not be as they seem, it’s important to approach the situation with caution and awareness. At Bangkok Investigators, we offer various services that can help you uncover the truth about your partner's loyalty and background.

The Appeal of Thai Bar Girls

Thailand is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and many foreigners come here looking for excitement and companionship. Thai bar girls are often seen as friendly, approachable, and open to the idea of meeting foreigners. They work in beer bars, go-go bars, and nightclubs, where their job is to engage with customers, offering conversation, drinks, and often more intimate interactions. Many foreign men find these women attractive, and some may feel a genuine emotional connection.

The attraction to Thai bar girls can be rooted in a variety of factors. For some men, it’s the allure of a foreign culture, the excitement of new experiences, or the desire to engage with someone who seems more approachable than what they’re used to back home. For others, it may be a way to seek companionship or love in a place where they feel disconnected from their usual social circles.

The Challenges of Dating a Thai Bar Girl

While it might seem like an ideal situation to many, there are significant challenges involved in dating a Thai bar girl. It's important to consider the cultural differences and the nature of her job. Often, these women are working in a transactional environment, which can create a blurred line between genuine affection and the expectations that come with the profession.

Bar girls typically have dependants—their parents, and perhaps one or two children from a previous relationship. Child support is rare once a couple have separated, and many women find themselves in a situation where they are trying to earn as much cash as possible in order to support their families. For some, working in a bar and developing relationships with foreign men is seen as a path to potential riches.

One of the main challenges is that many Thai bar girls may be interested in a relationship for the financial benefits it brings. This isn’t always the case, but it’s important to understand that in some cases, these women may be seeking financial support more than a genuine emotional connection. Foreign men who fall in love too quickly may end up hurt when the relationship turns out to be more about money than affection.

Additionally, many Thai bar girls may have multiple boyfriends or “sugar daddies,” or they may have other men who offer them financial support, even if they are romantically involved with someone else. Their phones are typically filled with contacts for foreign men that they've previously met while drinking in the bar, and those men will also have the lady's phone number and be able to send her a message or call at any time.

Thai woman standing in a bar

The Influence of Cultural Expectations

Thai culture has its own unique set of social norms, and these may differ significantly from those of a foreigner. In Thai society, relationships and family are incredibly important, but the way these are navigated can vary from person to person. For many Thai bar girls, their family may depend on the financial support they send back home. They may feel pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle and to support their loved ones, which could be a major motivation for their work in the bars.

In terms of romance, Thai women are often raised with traditional views on gender roles, and men may expect them to be submissive or to take on more traditional roles in a relationship. Foreign men who are used to more egalitarian partnerships may struggle to adjust to these differences, which can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.

Furthermore, in order to maintain a successful relationship with a Thai bar girl, you’ll need to start supporting her financially as soon as possible, in order for her to escape the bar and earn a living in a more respectable environment.

For many Thai women, a relationship is not truly serious until a marriage has taken place. You may feel that your relationship with a Thai lady is a serious one, and she might mirror those beliefs. But the fact is, most bar girls will struggle to take a relationship seriously if her boyfriend is not supporting her financially and allows her to continue working in a bar.

Of course, providing financial support is not always a guarantee that the lady will remain loyal to you. As we have seen in previous cases, some women enjoy the thrill of drinking with their friends and going off back to their customer's hotel rooms, even if their boyfriend or husband has given them considerable sums of money. In one case, our client supported the lady for over two years, and even built her a small house back in her village. Once the house was complete, she was simply bored of village life, and returned to working in a bar.

The Emotional Risks

There is an emotional risk when dating a Thai bar girl, especially for foreigners who are emotionally invested in the relationship. While some Thai bar girls may genuinely care for their foreign partners, it’s important to be realistic about the likelihood of the relationship being long-lasting. These women often face pressures from their families, peers, and the expectations of their jobs, which may complicate their ability to form lasting romantic connections.

Moreover, many foreigners may believe that their relationship is unique or special, only to realise later that they are just one of many men providing financial support. This can lead to feelings of betrayal and emotional distress when the relationship inevitably hits a rough patch or comes to an end.

All guys believe that “she is different” and “maybe she really won’t accept bar fines from other men”, however, the reality of the situation is that most bar girls are trying to earn as much money as possible for their families. As the old adage goes, they “can’t eat love”.

The Financial Dynamics

Finances are a huge part of the dating dynamic when it comes to Thai bar girls. The idea of “paying for companionship” is not necessarily viewed in the same way in Thailand as it might be in the West. While some men may willingly provide financial support as part of a romantic relationship, it’s important to understand the nature of these transactions. Some Thai women may view a foreigner’s money as a primary motivation for staying in the relationship, and the expectations for financial support can create imbalances in the relationship.

Thai lady holding money

For many Thai bar girls, sending money back to their families is a significant part of their financial obligations. Foreigners may find themselves being asked for money regularly, whether for rent, food, or family emergencies. It’s crucial to assess whether you are comfortable with this dynamic before getting involved in a deeper relationship.

Additionally, many bar girls will owe money—whether they’ve borrowed cash from loan sharks, or taken out loans out from the bank against land or property which is owned by their family in the village... If you think that a bar girl is in love with you, and that she will be fully honest with you about all of the money that she owes, then think again.

Bar girls are not stupid. Most understand that being honest about having mountains of debt will not please their new farang boyfriend. Indeed, if she is truly in love with you, then she might be more inclined to lie about her true financial situation. This again relates to the Thai concept of “saving face.”

Instead of explaining that she owes money to the bank, the lady might instead claim that one of her family members is sick in hospital, or that she needs money to care for a sick buffalo. We have seen this type of tactic used over and over again. We also see a surprising number of cases where a lady will claim to be in prison or jail and need money for fines or to post bail.

How to Navigate the Relationship

If you do decide to pursue a relationship with a Thai bar girl, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, ensure that you have clear communication about expectations. Discuss the nature of your relationship, whether it’s transactional or romantic, and what both of you expect from it. Understanding each other’s perspectives and motivations can help avoid confusion and disappointment down the road.

It’s also important to maintain realistic expectations. While it’s possible to form a meaningful relationship with a Thai bar girl, it’s equally likely that the relationship will be more about companionship or a temporary connection. Be prepared for the possibility that the relationship may not last, and that your partner’s priorities may shift as circumstances change.

If your girlfriend works in a Thai bar and claims that she doesn’t leave with customers, then beware that in the majority of cases handled by us, this claim is found to be a lie. Most bar girls would jump at the chance to earn some cash by spending time with a clean, well dressed foreigner—this is a fact demonstrated by us statistically.

Private Investigation Services: Getting to the Truth

If you're dating a Thai bar girl and want to know more about her true intentions or background, we offer a range of investigative services that can help you make an informed decision. At Bangkok Investigators, we specialise in:

  • Background Checks – We can investigate your partner’s history to see if she has been involved in past relationships with other foreigners. We can check her employment history, and perform OSINT checks to confirm whether she features in adult videos, which is common for former bar girls.
  • Decoy and Honey Trap Services – Our team of bar girl investigators can send a decoy to approach your partner to assess her loyalty and whether she is still leaving the bar with customers. We can find out if she still gives her phone number out to customers in the bar, or whether she claims to have a boyfriend.
  • Surveillance Services – We can monitor her movements, track her behaviour, and gather evidence to see how many customers she interacts with at night and her general lifestyle. Does she leave with customers? How many customers does she average per week? Discreet surveillance would be required in order to answer these type of questions.

Bar girl investigations

Learn more about bar girl investigations.

These services can provide you with the peace of mind and clarity you need, ensuring that you’re not being misled or taken advantage of in a relationship. Please note that our fees typically depend on the location of the case, so please specify where exactly the lady works when reaching out to us for a free quote.

Making Informed Decisions

In conclusion, dating a Thai bar girl can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. By understanding the cultural differences, the potential for financial expectations, and the emotional risks involved, you can make more informed decisions about whether pursuing such a relationship is right for you.

It’s essential to approach the relationship with respect, openness, and clear communication. Don’t forget to manage your own expectations and be realistic about the nature of the relationship. Whether you’re looking for a fun, short-term connection or a more serious, long-term commitment, being aware of the complexities can help ensure that the experience is more positive and fulfilling.

Related articles

Is adultery acceptable in Thailand?

July 16, 2022 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated: November 1, 2024

For our foreign clients that are involved in romantic relationships with Thai people, we would recommend that they perform some basic research on Thai culture, traditions, and etiquette, if they have not already done so. Understanding certain details about your partner's culture can help you to better understand their mindset and expectations for your relationship. As a leading detective agency based in Thailand, we are often asked about infidelity and whether it is accepted in Thailand.

No, adultery is not generally acceptable in Thailand, and there are stiff penalties in place for those that are caught. However, this is not to say that adultery does not occur in Thailand and attitudes towards adultery can vary depending upon who you speak to.

Some men will knowingly cheat on their wives with what they call 'mia noi's, for example. Loosely translated to "minor wife", a "mia noi" will be a lady that the man maintains a romantic relationship with in addition to his wife, for a prolonged period. While some men might find it acceptable to cheat on their partner in this way through having a long term affair, that is not to say that their actions are not without consequence if they are caught.

An Asian lady wearing a wedding dress and holding a bouquet of flowers while smiling

For Thai ladies that are involved in romantic relationships with foreigners, the motivation for them to commit infidelity is more likely to be financially related. The so-called 'Thai girlfriend scam', as it is known, typically involves a lady forging romantic ties with multiple different guys, who all believe that they are the only woman in her life. Some boyfriends might send money to the lady, others will only treat her to gifts or during vacations to Thailand. Of course, if you are not married to your partner then while it might be immoral for them to cheat on you, their infidelity will not be classed as adultery.

Is adultery illegal in Thailand?

Thai law protects the sanctity of wedding vows, and adultery can carry harsh penalties in some cases.

Hammer and gavel

According to legal experts, if you are involved in a romantic relationship with a person that is married, then you could be sued by their husband or wife. Romantic messages and photos can be used as evidence of the relationship, and if a case is backed by solid proof then the third party can be ordered to pay financial compensation to the husband or wife that was cheated on.

The plaintiff can seek compensation by suing the other person without divorcing their partner, and then sue them again for a second time if the affair continues.

Spouses that are cheated on can also seek to be awarded child support which is deducted directly from their ex-partner's salary.

If you are concerned that your Thai partner might be currently married and would like to check their marital status, then we can help by performing a background check for you.

Is adultery common in Thailand?

According to surveys which were conducted in 2012 by dating site Match.com and condom manufacturer Durex, 56% of the Thai respondents admitted to having an affair on their married partner. This statistic ranks Thailand as one of the most adulterous nations surveyed, with Denmark and Italy coming in second and third places respectively.

Our infographic for Thailand cheating partner statistics

Is polygamy allowed in Thailand?

No, polygamy is not allowed in Thailand. It is reported that polygamy was an acceptable practice in Thailand for centuries until it was banned in 1935, just three years after the Siamese Revolution.

Is marriage important in Thailand?

Yes. Marriage is important in Thailand and in Thai culture. Traditionally, some Thais are thought to believe that a romantic relationship does not truly exist until it has been denoted by marriage (or a wedding ceremony).

While many Thais favour an extravagant wedding ceremony with music and food for their friends/family, not all decide to follow up their ceremony by visiting their district registrar and officially registering their marriage. While those getting married in Western countries tend to always register their marriages, this is not always the case in Thailand and some are happy to forego registration of their marriage after holding a wedding ceremony.

Is marriage important to my Thai girlfriend?

Of course, the answer to this question will vary depending on your girlfriend and her own personal beliefs. In the past, we have heard the excuse from cheating Thai ladies that "we weren't even married, so the relationship was not serious". Some Thais do believe that a romantic relationship is not 'bona fide' until a wedding ceremony has taken place.

As in many other countries, marriage (or a wedding ceremony) can be used to share the news to the lady's community that she is now committed to a serious relationship.

Often a 'dowry' or 'sin sod' will be paid to the bride's family by the groom during their wedding ceremony. A dowry payment will typically consist of a pile of cash and gold, property/land deeds can also be included as part of a dowry payment or even an expensive vehicle. The dowry will be displayed for all to see during the wedding ceremony, which can help to increase the lady's 'face' and make the couple appear to be prosperous. The payment has been described as compensation to the bride's family for taking their daughter out of their household. Once this payment is made to the bride's family, it is usually not refundable.

How can I tell if my partner is cheating on me in Thailand?

Finding out for sure whether your partner is actively cheating on you in Thailand can be very difficult or impossible in some cases. Especially if you are not currently in Thailand and your partner is; or if you cannot understand the Thai language, then finding out whether infidelity is taking place in your relationship might prove to be a real challenge.

A man with a camera taking photos of a couple that are holding hands

As a leading detective agency based in Bangkok and covering all areas of Thailand, we have often helped our clients to check their partner's activities in Thailand. Whether you need us to perform a Thai lady investigation, a background check, or investigate a cheating husband in Thailand, we can help. Please visit our homepage to learn more about us or contact one of our experienced team members for a free quote - please remember to include the exact location of the assignment and all relevant details when getting in touch with us.

Related articles

Sources: Thai PBS


Do I Need to Send Money to My Thai Girlfriend?

July 7, 2022 - Reading time: 14 minutes
Updated: May 30, 2025

Do I need to send money to my Thai girlfriend? – The answer to this question will of course vary depending upon your girlfriend's circumstances and her financial situation. If your girlfriend comes from a wealthy family, or even a 'middle class' Thai family, then you might find yourself not needing to support her by helping out with money. Indeed, if your girlfriend's family are very wealthy, then they might even decide to help you out with spare cash – however, cases such as this are not seen by us very often.

Asian lady wearing a white dress

In order to understand the concept of providing for a Thai girlfriend (and her family) by giving her a cash allowance or helping out with money, we feel it's important to understand more about Thai culture and the daughter's role within the family. Having a basic understanding of Thai culture in general can only benefit the relationship that you have with your Thai girlfriend, and we would certainly recommend doing some research in order to better understand Thailand culture and customs if you are dating a Thai lady.

Where does your Thai girlfriend come from?

We think it's safe to assume that your Thai girlfriend comes from Thailand. However, Thailand is a big place and things can vary somewhat depending upon the region. Many Thai women that date foreigners come from the North East of Thailand in an area known as Isan. Isan comprises of several different provinces which are largely comprised of rural farming communities.

Often is the case that Thai people from rural areas will travel to large cities (such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, or Chiang Mai) in order to look for work; they will then be responsible for sending money back to their families in the village. Grandparents will often take care of their grandchildren while the child's parents work away in a city. If your girlfriend is in a situation similar to this then you must appreciate her obligation to look after her parents (and/or other family members) by sending money to them on a regular basis.

If your girlfriend's family are based in a more metropolitan area (rather than a rural village which is surrounded by rice fields), then there will be a greater likelihood of them working or being able to earn money.

Is your Thai girlfriend working class or middle class?

Understanding whether your Thai girlfriend is working class or middle class can offer important context about her expectations, lifestyle, and potential financial obligations. In Thailand, socioeconomic background varies widely by region, profession, and family structure.

If your girlfriend's family lives in a rural farming village—perhaps growing rice or working in agriculture—this would typically be considered a working-class background. These families often have limited means, and financial support from children working in cities is very common. In many of these cases, daughters are expected to contribute financially and may rely on their partner’s help.

On the other hand, if her parents live in a major city and both hold stable, salaried jobs—such as teachers, civil servants, business owners, or professionals—they are more likely to be middle class. A middle-class Thai family may have financial obligations like car payments or home loans, but also greater access to credit and income. They may not expect direct financial support from their daughter’s partner—though again, this can depend heavily on the individual family dynamic.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many working-class Thais faced increased financial hardship, especially those in informal or tourism-based jobs. As a result, some women who previously didn’t rely on partner support may now be under pressure to help their families financially. It’s important to evaluate whether these requests are genuine or manipulative. If you're unsure, we can help verify the situation.

Are Thai girlfriends expensive?

The answer to this question can vary hugely depending on the circumstances. Again, if your Thai girlfriend is from a wealthy family or has a stable career, then she may not need any support from you. In order to answer this question you should really take a close look at your girlfriend, her lifestyle, and any financial obligations that she has.

Be cautious if your Thai partner claims to have no debt or financial burdens at all. While it's certainly possible, statistically speaking, it's uncommon. As of late 2024, Thailand's household debt stood at 88.4% of GDP – one of the highest in the region – totalling over 16.4 trillion baht (approximately 484 billion USD). This includes mortgages, credit cards, vehicle loans and personal lending, and affects a huge portion of the Thai middle class.

Even if your girlfriend personally has no debt, there's a very strong chance her family does. Debts related to farming, home loans, motorbikes, education, or business are widespread – particularly in rural areas like Isan. If she claims her entire family is debt-free and financially independent, it may be a sign she’s not being fully transparent. We've seen many cases where men were blindsided by unexpected requests for large sums – often after months of quiet buildup.

If you're unsure about her situation, we can investigate to confirm whether there are genuine financial pressures or if you're being manipulated. For more on this topic, see our article on checking credit scores or debt in Thailand.

Asian lady with a confused expression on her face

If your girlfriend is responsible for supporting her parents or family members that live in rural areas, for example; then the costs associated with living in a rural area are usually quite low, and supporting her family might be relatively cheap in monetary terms.

If your girlfriend is accustomed to an affluent lifestyle on the other hand, and rents a high-end condo or house in the city, enjoys eating at nice restaurants, shopping for brand name clothing, perhaps she also has car payments to make, for example; then a main financial burden for you could be subsidising her lifestyle.

How much does she earn? What are her approximate outgoings? These are the type of questions that you need to answer in order to understand whether your girlfriend is likely to be expensive. Due to the Thai concept of 'saving face', it is unlikely that any Thai person will be candid about their financial situation. Don't expect to be able to answer questions such as these by speaking to a lady over the internet, we suggest meeting her and witnessing her lifestyle first hand in order to gauge it for yourself. Or, we could check her lifestyle by conducting an investigation.

Your Thai girlfriend's role within her family

Pensions for the elderly are often very meagre (or non-existent) in Thailand, and so it is not uncommon for children to support their parents into their old age. In traditional Thai culture this obligation often falls upon the daughter of the family; while sons are left to provide for their own partner/children (and their partner's parents, if necessary), the daughter will need to send money in order to take care of her elderly parents.

Of course, this is not always the case, and sometimes sons will be tasked with supporting their parents instead; however, traditionally the obligation is passed onto the daughter of the family.

If your Thai girlfriend is responsible for supporting her parents or other family members then this burden will ultimately be shared with yourself if you decide to date her or get married.

Is there a large age gap between you and your Thai girlfriend?

If there is a large age gap between you and your Thai girlfriend, then the likelihood that she will expect a cash allowance or lavish gifts is probably going to be increased. Indeed, many ladies prefer mature men as they are thought to be more financially well off and more capable of supporting the lady monetarily.

How much money do I need to give my Thai girlfriend?

Again, the answer to this question is hugely subjective depending on the lady's circumstances. There are cases where ladies do not need any money from their foreign boyfriends or partners. In other cases we have heard of men that send 20,000 THB per month, or 25,000, or 30,000, even 50,000 THB or more. It all depends on yourself, your partner's needs, and how deep your pockets are.

A lady clutching dollar bills

We also see many cases where a lady will claim "not to need any money" from her foreign boyfriend for many months or even years until a large expense needs to be paid for. Many ladies appreciate that foreign men are not keen on sending money to them, and will deliberately not ask for money or talk about money at all for a prolonged period - even if the lady is in dire need of cash in some cases.

Again, the Thai concept of 'saving face' is relevant... Asking for cash may not be perceived as a good trait and some ladies will avoid asking for money in order to build up a serious romantic relationship where money will inevitably become involved at some stage.

Are you her boyfriend or are you her customer?

According to statistics published by Wikipedia, at its peak there are 27,000 active prostitutes working in Pattaya city alone. If you find yourself involved with one of these ladies, then you might find a fine line between dating her and simply being her customer.

This is often a line which can get blurred if you are paying for a lady to spend time with you; the so-called 'girlfriend experience' is designed to blur this line and make you feel although you are in a romantic relationship with the lady. You may indeed be in a romantic relationship with the lady, but in a role as her customer rather than as her boyfriend.

Many of the ladies that work in Thailand's notorious adult entertainment industry use internet dating apps to search for serious romantic relationships. Often these ladies will claim to have legitimate jobs in order for the guys they are speaking with to consider having a serious relationship with them. They can pose wearing uniforms for supermarkets or restaurants, for example, and most men will never question their stories - especially if they have never previously visited Thailand. You may think that 'it could never happen to you', however we have seen numerous cases where our clients had the same belief, and would never have discovered the truth had they not decided to start an investigation.

Is your Thai girlfriend being honest with you?

Finding out about the true financial situation of someone can be difficult. Sometimes couples that are together for years or even decades will conceal financial matters from each other. Due to the Thai concept of saving face, your Thai girlfriend might be more likely to tell you things which she believes will make her seem more desirable to you - and this can make it very difficult to uncover the truth in many cases.

Thai girlfriend works at a bar

We deal with many cases where our clients date Thai ladies that work in bars; whether that is a beer bar, go-go bar, nightclub, gentleman's club, or in any similar type establishment.

Usually when the lady is working at a bar, her boyfriend will provide her with a monthly allowance. In return the lady 'will not leave the bar with other customers', and will 'only earn money through tips or lady drinks'. The lady will usually call her boyfriend at the same time every night in order to prove that she has not left the bar with a customer...

We usually find that the reality of the situation is much different. In the majority of cases the lady will continue to leave her bar and travel with customers to their hotel rooms. She will indeed call her boyfriend at the same time every night, however she might be calling from the toilet or balcony of her client's hotel room; in other cases bar girls will call their boyfriends in front of customers who tend to find the situation amusing.

People drinking in a bar underneath red and blue lights

If you found a Thai lady through internet dating and have never actually met her in real life, then if the lady is working in a bar she will typically claim to have a normal job working in a supermarket or restaurant, for example. Finding the truth of the situation even if you decide to later visit Thailand can often prove to be difficult or impossible.

In such cases we can help our clients to check their Thai girlfriends by conducting an investigation.

Check your Thai girlfriend

Bangkok Investigators logo

If you decide to support your Thai girlfriend by sending her gifts or a monthly allowance, then we think it makes sense to check her circumstances in order to protect your investment and make sure that you aren't being played.

We can use a variety of different techniques during Thai lady investigations, from running a background check or using surveillance in order to verify the lady's circumstances and lifestyle. Our services often save our clients far more than they would have otherwise spent in supporting their Thai girlfriend for even a short period of time.

Please visit the Bangkok Investigators homepage to learn more about us and the different services that we offer.


Bangkok Investigators

Thank you for reading the BPI blog.
Bangkok private investigators logo on a plaque
Discover more about Bangkok Private Investigators on our homepage or by visiting our About Us page.