Is Adultery Acceptable in Thailand?

July 16, 2022 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated: October 8, 2025

For our foreign clients who are in relationships with Thai partners, we always suggest learning a little about Thai culture, traditions, and etiquette. A basic understanding goes a long way and helps set realistic expectations. As a detective agency based in Thailand, we are often asked whether infidelity is acceptable here.

No, adultery is not generally acceptable in Thailand, and there can be stiff penalties for those who are caught. That said, adultery does occur and attitudes can vary depending on who you ask.

Some men knowingly keep what they call a mia noi, meaning a minor wife or long term mistress. They may see this as acceptable, but that does not remove the consequences if they are exposed.

For Thai ladies who date foreigners, the motivation for cheating is often financial. The so called Thai girlfriend scam involves a woman maintaining multiple relationships with men who each believe they are the only one. Some send money, others give gifts or spend during trips to Thailand. If you are not married, cheating may be immoral but it is not classed as adultery.

Is adultery illegal in Thailand?

Thai law protects the sanctity of marriage, and adultery can carry real consequences.

According to legal experts, if you are romantically involved with someone who is married, their spouse can sue you. Romantic messages and photos can be used as evidence. With strong proof, courts can order financial compensation to the spouse who was cheated on.

The spouse can sue the third party without divorcing and sue again if the affair continues.

Spouses who are cheated on can also seek child support deducted directly from their ex partner’s salary.

If you are concerned your Thai partner might already be married, we can help verify marital status with a background check.

Is adultery common in Thailand?

Surveys from 2012 by Match.com and Durex reported that 56% of Thai respondents admitted to having an affair. That ranked Thailand among the highest in the sample, with Denmark and Italy following.

Is polygamy allowed in Thailand?

No. Polygamy is not allowed in Thailand. It was historically accepted, but was banned in 1935, shortly after the Siamese Revolution.

Is marriage important in Thailand?

Yes. Marriage carries social weight. Some Thais view a relationship as not fully serious until there has been a wedding ceremony.

Many couples host a traditional ceremony but do not always register the marriage at the district office. In Western countries registration is almost automatic. In Thailand some couples skip registration entirely.

Is marriage important to my Thai girlfriend?

It depends on her beliefs. We have heard cheating partners say the relationship was not serious because there was no marriage. In some circles a ceremony signals to the community that the woman is committed.

Dowry, known as sin sod, is often paid by the groom to the bride’s family during the ceremony. It may include cash and gold, sometimes property deeds or a vehicle. The dowry is displayed publicly, which boosts the family’s face and shows prosperity. It is generally not refundable.

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

Confirming infidelity can be hard if you are overseas or do not speak Thai. Distance and language create real blind spots. Here are practical checks that work on the ground:

• Targeted surveillance: discreet observation during likely windows such as evenings and days off. We document who she meets, where she goes, and how long she stays.
• OSINT review: social profiles, secondary accounts, dating apps, nightlife photos, and patterns that indicate hidden relationships.
• Background checks: confirm marriage or divorce history and verify work claims and routines.
• Decoy interaction: where appropriate, a controlled approach in venues that tests whether she shares contact or agrees to meet later.
• Consistency test: compare stated schedules and stories against observed behaviour over time.

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Related articles

• Why you should run a background check on a Thai girlfriend
• Signs that your Thai girlfriend is cheating on you
• Avoid Thai Girlfriend Scams: Tips from Private Investigators

Sources: Thai PBS