July 6, 2022 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Updated: March 3, 2025

Many of our clients seek a prematrimonial background check on their Thai girlfriend to verify her identity, check her circumstances, and ultimately protect any financial or emotional investments they may make in her.

There are several reasons why performing a background check on a Thai partner is important. Below, we explore the most common motivations for getting a background check.

1. Check Her Honesty

In Thai culture, the concept of "saving face" is significant, which can sometimes lead Thai girlfriends to withhold information that they fear may make them less desirable to a foreign partner. For example, if you met her in Thailand or through online dating, she might not immediately tell you about children from a previous relationship or her family situation.

Even though children are often cared for by grandparents in rural villages while parents work in the city, the lady may not mention this if you do not meet her family. A background check can help verify the lady's circumstances.

Learn more about our background check service.

Additionally, if the lady has been divorced or is still married, she may not mention this to avoid awkwardness or prevent jeopardising the relationship. A background check can help uncover such facts.

For example, if she works in the adult entertainment industry, she may not disclose her occupation, presenting herself as a student or someone with a regular job. These situations may seem unlikely, but we’ve found that they do occur, and a background check could uncover the truth.

2. Marital Status and Marriage/Divorce History

Did you know that if you're involved with a married woman in Thailand, you could be legally liable? Thai law allows for a husband to sue if he finds evidence of another man in his wife’s life. For this reason, it is crucial to verify her marital status and marriage/divorce history, even if you’re not running a full background check.

3. Applying for a Long-Term Visa

If you're thinking about applying for a long-term visa for your Thai girlfriend, various factors could complicate the process. A criminal background, for example, may prevent her from obtaining a visa to visit your country. If she's been divorced recently or is still married, it might also create issues for your visa application.

Additionally, if she has a history of unstable employment or cannot demonstrate long-term career prospects, it might affect her chances of obtaining a visa. Our background checks can also help verify her employment and educational background.

4. Avoid Falling Victim to Romance Scams

Romance scams are on the rise, with the United States Federal Trade Commission reporting an 80% increase in scams in 2021. Fraudsters prey on people by building an emotional connection and then deceiving them to gain money.

These scams often involve elaborate lies, making even the most unlikely stories seem believable. Fraudsters are highly skilled at manipulating emotions, and victims often become too attached to question the situation. Performing a background check is one way to verify claims and eliminate the risk of falling into a scam.

5. Make an Informed Investment

In many cases, foreign partners may provide financial support to their Thai girlfriend, whether it's through regular assistance or during special occasions. For example, in Thai weddings, a dowry, or sin sod, may be expected, which can involve a significant financial contribution (ranging from 500,000 THB to several million THB). This can include money, gold, or even property.

Even if a formal wedding and dowry are not part of the plan, cross-border relationships often incur travel, visa, and relocation costs. Just as in business, it’s wise to do your due diligence in romantic relationships to protect your investment.

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To learn more about how we can assist you, please visit the Bangkok Investigators homepage or explore our background screening services. We offer free, no-pressure quotes for all services. Contact us today for more information or to request a quotation.

June 23, 2022 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated: June 8, 2024

An article published by the Bangkok Post claims that Thai motorists who refuse to pay their fines will now face more severe enforcement and possible arrest under new measures announced by the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

Those subject to fines will face multiple warnings before police resort to issuing arrest warrants.

First, a subject will be issued with a deadline to pay their fine, whether that fine was issued on the spot or through postal mail, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, who is deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) was quoted as saying in the article.

If the fine is not paid, then a written warning will be sent within 15 days of the deadline. They will then be afforded an additional 15 days to make payment. Multiple payment options are available, from bank transfer to over-the-counter service at convenience stores, by mail, or in person at a police station. Failure to heed the warnings may result in up to two summonses being issued.

The deputy commissioner is reported as saying that if the summonses were ignored then the police will ask the courts to issue arrest warrants. Pol Maj Gen Jirasan continued to say that arrest warrants would be enforceable all over the country and that those attempting to leave the country with outstanding arrest warrants could be apprehended by police.

Furthermore, the offence relating to an unpaid fine would be listed on the subject’s Thai criminal record, which could hinder their chances of finding a job if their employer decides to run a background check on them, or if a background check is necessary for their field of work.

Applying for credit from a bank or other financial institution might also be hindered by the presence of a criminal record caused by unpaid fines.

Bangkok Investigators.com comment that while the failure to pay fines is not itself a serious offence, some employers might view it as a signal of insubordinate behaviour from their candidate. If the candidate is applying for a role which involves trust, handling cash, or providing financial advice to others, for example, then most employers will expect their candidate to have a reasonable grasp of their own financial affairs. We think it's fair to assume that failing to pay fines is not usually a trait which most people (and employers) tend to associate with responsible behaviour.

According to one statistic which was published by Nation Thailand in 2018, out of 13.5 million fines, 83 percent (just over 11 million) were unpaid at the time of the article's publication. Authorities are thought to hope that the new measures will decrease the number of fines which are not paid.

If you are an employer that is looking to recruit people in Thailand then you might choose to perform a preemployment background check on your prospective employees. Not only can such a background check confirm whether the candidates have charges relating to unpaid fines, a standard check would also reveal whether they have other potentially more serious criminal charges on file.

Employment background checks can also help to confirm the subject's identity; they might also encompass reference checks from past employers/educational institutions or checks on the subject's lifestyle. Much can depend on the needs and requirements of our client, with many job roles requiring an understandable level of increased scrutiny concerning the subject's background and their overall integrity.

Background screening in Thailand

We can help to perform background screening in Thailand for a variety of different reasons. Whether you require are an employer looking to perform an employment background check, or would like to perform checks as part of a premarital or romantic background check; checking an individual through background screening can help to confirm that everything is as it should be, and to provide peace of mind.

Our background screening services are completely private and confidential. Whether you need to screen a candidate using an employment background check, or check a romantic partner from Thailand, we can help.

Employment screening in Thailand

We can help whether you are an employer looking to hire people from Thailand, or simply looking to screen domestic workers (such as nannies/housekeepers/maids) in Thailand. Employment background checks can help to mitigate from risk of theft, fraud, or repetitional damage which may result from hiring the wrong person.

We offer an effective and discreet service with the fastest possible turnaround times and our service is strictly private and confidential. Please feel free to get in touch with us for a free quote if you are interested in running a background check, or click through our website for more information about us and the different services that we offer.

Learn more about background screening or visit our homepage.

Sources: Bangkok Post, Nation Thailand

August 31, 2021 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated: April 10, 2025

Thailand has long been a popular destination for foreign investors looking to purchase property. However, with the appeal of a tropical paradise also comes the risk of property scams. Understanding local laws, potential pitfalls, and the tricks used by scammers can help you avoid costly mistakes when buying property in Thailand.

At Bangkok Investigators, we’re focused on helping foreign nationals protect themselves while navigating the Thai property market. While we don’t offer property buying services directly, we do provide important support like background checks and surveillance, which can help you make smarter, safer decisions about who you’re dealing with.

1. Do Your Due Diligence

Before buying any property in Thailand, proper due diligence is a must. This includes confirming ownership, checking land titles and land use rights, and making sure there are no legal issues attached to the property. If you're unsure about any part of the process, hiring a lawyer who specialises in Thai property law is highly recommended. You should also check the developer’s background and the property’s legal status — this is where our background check services come in. We can help verify that the individuals or companies involved are legitimate and above board.

2. Beware of Off-Plan Property Purchases

Buying property off-plan — before construction is complete — is common in Thailand, but carries risk. Many developments have stalled, changed hands, or been abandoned entirely. If you're looking at an off-plan project, be cautious and research thoroughly. Contact us to run background checks on the developer or construction firm. We can look into their reputation, funding history, and whether proper permits are in place to legally proceed with the build.

Photo: The infamous Waterfront Suites condominium in Pattaya has remained derelict for over six years after construction was halted due to violations of approved building designs. It’s just one of many unfinished projects across the area — a reminder of the risks involved in off-plan investments.

3. Always Use a Lawyer

Thai property law can be complex, especially for foreigners. It’s important to hire your own lawyer — not one recommended by a seller or developer — to avoid conflicts of interest. A good lawyer will protect your interests and guide you through any potential legal issues. We also suggest running a background check on the lawyer to ensure they’re properly qualified and have a good track record.

4. Avoid “Nominee” Ownership Schemes

Foreigners are generally not allowed to own land outright in Thailand. Some people try to get around this by setting up companies with Thai “nominees” as shareholders. This is risky and can be considered illegal if the structure is set up purely to hold land. If discovered, it can lead to the property being seized. We strongly advise against this and recommend legal alternatives like long-term leases or buying a condo unit, which is legally permitted under Thai law.

5. Watch Out for “Guaranteed Returns”

Be cautious of developers who promise guaranteed rental returns. While it sounds attractive, it’s often a red flag. These guarantees may be unsustainable or outright fabricated. Always ask who is backing the guarantee and whether there is legal documentation to support it. If in doubt, we can investigate the company’s financials and history to help you assess the risk.

6. Verify the Property’s Utilities and Management

Some developers retain control over key utilities or common areas to generate extra income. It’s important to check if you'll have proper control over water, electricity, and maintenance services. Review all contracts carefully and, if possible, speak with current owners or tenants to hear about their experience with the management.

7. Understand the Local Area and Infrastructure

Before buying, visit the property at different times of day and in different weather conditions. Does the area flood during heavy rain? Are there construction projects nearby that might affect your quality of life? Talking to locals can give you insights you won’t find in brochures. It’s also worth checking with local authorities to see if future developments could impact your property’s value.

Photo: Thailand experiences significant rainfall during the wet season. Be sure to investigate how well the infrastructure in your chosen area handles flooding and drainage.

8. Always Get a Receipt for Deposits

If you’re paying a deposit, get a proper signed receipt or contract. It should clearly state the amount paid, what it’s for, and any conditions attached. Taking photos of the transaction and the person receiving the payment can also help protect you. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for sellers to vanish or deny payments once they’ve been made — so protect yourself with documentation.

9. Speak with the Local Community

Talking to people who already live in the area can be one of your most valuable sources of information. Locals often know about past issues with developers, neighbours, infrastructure problems, or disputes. Their insight could reveal things that no agent or brochure ever would.

10. Consider Using Our Background Check Services

While we don’t offer real estate services, we can assist with detailed background checks on any individual or company involved in your transaction. Whether it’s a real estate agent, developer, or contractor, we can help ensure you're dealing with honest and reliable people. We also offer surveillance services if you suspect shady activity or want to monitor someone discreetly.

Conclusion

Buying property in Thailand can be a great investment — but only if you take the right precautions. Scams are out there, but with the right approach and thorough background checks, you can make confident and informed decisions. If you're considering a purchase, we recommend verifying every detail before signing anything.

Also, be sure to check out our related article on a recent legal change that could affect your investment plans: Thailand Bans 90-Year Property Leases – What Expats Must Know. It’s an important read for any foreigner thinking about long-term property arrangements in Thailand.

For more information about the services we offer, visit our homepage at Bangkok Investigators.

Related Articles

• Thailand Bans 90-Year Property Leases – What Expats Must Know
• Why our Investigators Check Thai ID Cards for Authenticity
• Challenges of Finding Addresses in Thailand with Google Maps
• Avoid Thai Girlfriend Scams: Tips from Private Investigators

August 27, 2021 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated: June 8, 2024

Many foreigners that decide to relocate to Thailand will take the step of hiring a Thai nanny or housekeeper/maid. The cost of labour in Thailand is generally lower than in Western countries, and this is especially true for menial work. Hiring a nanny or housekeeper here, to help look after children, or for help with housework, is an affordable luxury for many expatriates.

Allowing a stranger into your home, and trusting them with your children or belongings is a big deal for many people. As a detective agency, we are occasionally asked to investigate thefts which were thought to have been committed by domestic workers. As such, we have put together this article on hiring nannies, housekeepers or maids, with a focus on safety and diligence.

Salary for a nanny or housekeeper/maid in Thailand

How much does it cost to hire a nanny/housekeeper or maid? When hiring staff in Thailand, you will obviously need to pay them at least the minimum wage, which varies depending upon the Thai province you are based in. A housekeeper would typically earn slightly more than the minimum wage, and salaries for nannies are understandably higher, depending on the duties you require them for.

If your nanny is looking after a new born, then expect to pay them a higher salary than if they are tending to older children. It’s also normal for English speaking workers to come with a slightly higher price tag.

Although there are many variables at play when hiring domestic workers, the following chart can help to act as a rough guide: 

Many factors can influence salaries, such as the area of Thailand you are in, as well as your worker’s past experience, the duties they will be expected to carry out, and the level of English spoken by them.

Where to find a nanny or housekeeper/maid in Thailand?

Many of our clients that come to us for employment background checks decide to find a nanny or housekeeper themselves, rather than using an agency to act as a middleman. Hiring workers directly can help to cut out agency fees and ensure that your worker receives fair compensation for their work.

One of the most popular methods used by our clients to find workers in Thailand is through Facebook... There are numerous different Facebook groups for those seeking employment in various areas of Thailand, for example "Jobs in Bangkok" or "Jobs in Phuket".

Below are some examples of people seeking to find workers in Thailand using Facebook groups:

If you do make the decision to find a worker using this method, then we would certainly recommend following the tips in this article to help ensure that you are hiring the right person, and to safeguard your home/family.

Safety when hiring a nanny or housekeeper

This is a subject that you will not see broached in most other articles on the subject of hiring workers in Thailand. However, we feel it is important to be mindful when allowing strangers into your home, and that you take suitable steps to protect yourself should anything go awry.

For starters, whenever you are employing a Thai nanny, maid, or housekeeper, you should ask them to provide you with a copy of their Thai national ID card. 

Whether or not you decide to sign a formal contract with your worker, you should always retain a copy of their ID card. This is perfectly normal for employers in Thailand and your nanny or housekeeper should have no issues with providing a copy of their ID card.

If you have any issues with your nanny or housekeeper down the road, such as theft from your property, then your copy of their identity card will prove vital. However, be aware that counterfeits are easy to come by in Thailand and fake ID cards are common, especially for migrants that might not be in the country legally. In areas such as Khaosod Road for example, vendors can be found openly selling fake documents and identity cards. If you are found to be employing an illegal immigrant, then you might find yourself in trouble with the authorities.

We can help to check that the ID card is genuine by verifying it against official records.

We can also help to run a criminal record check on your nanny or housekeeper in order to verify that they are not entering your home from a criminal background, and that they do not have any outstanding arrest warrants. 

Running a criminal background check on your workers is always a wise decision. If you are hiring a nanny who will be tasked with looking after your children, then we suggest it is even more vital.

Pre-employment screening is one of our most popular services. If you are on the brink of hiring a nanny, housekeeper, or any Thai staff, and would like to check their criminal records before deciding to hire, then feel free to get in touch with one of our experienced team members for a free quote. We will seek to offer the best and most affordable solution in your case.

If you choose to run a background check on your nanny or housekeeper, then you will be expected to pay for it yourself.

Tips for hiring a nanny or housekeeper/maid

• Outline your requirements before hiring

Before hiring a nanny or housekeeper, make sure that they totally understand your requirements and what will be expected of them. Explain to them in detail what an average day will entail and your expectations for them. Run everything by them beforehand and don’t leave anything to chance.

• Pay your staff well

Paying your staff the absolute minimum amount will likely result in them leaving you for a better paid position when the opportunity arises. If you intend to retain your staff long term, and keep their morale and eagerness to work high, then award them with a good salary.

• Give respect, get respect

Treat your workers kindly and with respect. Speak to them politely – it will go a long way. Be aware that many Thai people find swearing to be highly offensive. If your housekeeper or nanny goes above and beyond their duties, then consider giving them a small tip. They will appreciate the gesture.

• Respect their time off

When your staff are not working, be that out of their allotted time on a workday or during public holidays, don’t expect them to carry out any duties for you. 

Many Thais leave their families to work in metropolitan areas and use public holidays to return home and visit their families. Keep this in mind when requesting them to work overtime.

• Check their references

Thai people are hard workers. However, not all of them are! You would be wise to check the references of your Thai nannies or housekeepers in order to learn more about their previous conduct before deciding to hire them.

If needed, we can also help to carry out reference checks for you.

Normal working hours

A full time house keeper, maid, or nanny in Thailand will typically expect to work 9 hours per day Monday to Friday with a 1 hour break each day, and half a day on Saturday. A minimum of 1 day off per week is required, though you may be able to negotiate overtime occasionally for extra pay.

In addition, your worker will also be entitled to public holidays off, such as the following:

• His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday – July 28
• His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday – December 5
• Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana's Birthday – June 3
• May Day – May 1 (or the Monday after if the 1st is during a weekend)
• Coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn – May 4
• Coronation Day – May 5
• Songkran (water festival) 13–15 April (dates may vary slightly)
• New Year’s Eve – 31 December
• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Chulalongkorn Day – 22/23 October

This is not a full list of public holidays in Thailand! There are several other public holidays however we have listed some of the most prominent dates.

As Thai people often work long hours and with little time off, they typically relish the opportunity to rest during public holidays. You should discuss and agree upon which dates your worker will be expected to work at the time of hiring them. 

Learn more about employment background screening.