Are dowries common in Thailand?

Question

If so, how much would a dowry for a bargirl be?

Answer 1

Dowries are common in Thailand. The groom pays the family of the bride. The amount depends on your "social status" and that of the family of the bride - the higher the status the higher the dowry amount. Her being a "bar girl" means she ranks fairly low on the "social scale" and the dowry amount is relatively low (probably less than 100,000 THB). For comparison, a friend of mine marrying the daughter of a high-ranking government servant had to pay about 4 million THB (~ 100,000 US) - it comes down to face and "bragging rights" for the parents and their friends, co-workers and family.

BTW, the dowry developed out of the fact that Thailand has no social benefits and children have to take care of their parents. Traditionally sons have to pay up-keep for the parents whereas girls have to do (house and farm) work for them. If the daughter leaves the parents they are "compensated" with a dowry since she will then "work" for her husband and his parents!

Note, since you as a foreigner are seen as financially well off (compared to the majority of locals) you may well be expected to provide regular payments for your brides' family!

Answer 2

Firstly, don't ever marry a bargirl. 99% end in heartbreak. For a normal girl, yes, commonly a dowry is acceptable but it's really up to the family. Some give 200,000 baht as a show, and it is immediately returned to them as the family doesn't want to take the money. The most common I've heard is 100,000 baht, and then the bride's family will pay for the wedding and wedding party with that money, and possibly keep some. However, some are greedy and want a lot, and don't want to spend too much on the wedding. But, yes, it certainly is still widely practiced in Thailand, although there is no set amount. For a bargirl, I bet you could get away with 50,000 baht or even less, as she probably comes from a very poor family and they wouldn't need much, although they might ask for as much as 1 milllion baht at first, seeing you as a cash tree. But you could surely negotiate down to far, far less.

Also, if she is rich girl, the dowry could be as high as 1 million baht or more.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

A dowry is very common for Thai families when they marry the daughter off. As for how much it will be depends on the status of the family and the parents' agenda. When my husband married me, my parents didn't ask for any dowry. All they asked was for my husband and his parents to fly to Thailand and attend the wedding that my parents paid for us. However, in your case of a bargirl girlfriend, I don't think you can get away without having to pay dowry to her parents. For one thing, she isn't a bargirl because her family is well to do. My guess is her parents would ask for dowry and it's probably 50,000 bahts or more depend on the parents' intention. If they ask for dowry because it's the cultural practice and to save face among their neighbors, then 50,000 bahts will be reasonable amount. From what I heard and read from expat forums concerning this issue, parents of a girl will ask more than 50k bahts just because you're 'farang' and if you look like you're well to do then prepare to pay more. Though, there are parents who just want the daughter to have a better life and marry a guy who loves her. You might end up with the ones that love their daughter and just ask that you take care of her instead of dowry.

Answer 4

Hey Pi - - - wheew.. there are some comments above abt bargirls but let me say that I do know some who have married and been great wives.. so, no generalizations, but I will say that the younger she is, the less likely it will work out well.. the more you are being pressured, the more likely it is abt $$.. over 27 or so and they feel like they are old ladies and me be grateful for a decent husband...

I did talk with a taxi driver in bkk the other day as the subject of bride price came up.. The taxi driver pd 40,000 baht and said that was 10 yrs ago and now it would be much more [ that is Thai w/Thai... I would expect that 100,000 might be a bare minimum and if this is going to be your family [ and therefore the most important thing in your wife's life ] - you might want to consider giving generously.. if you can..

and since we are on the subject - - you might want to take an oppt to observe the family - - do they drink too much on a daily basis.. etc.. as you are the pot of gold and might be expected to finance the booze forever - - and be prepared to make a decision for yourself based on your own perceptions.. - asking your "wife to be" will most likely not provide "real" answers..

And if you are just asking this type of question now, you may not be ready for ALL the cultural differences you will encounter in marrying a Thai lady over here in her culture..

Take your time - - feel free to contact me, if you need further advice - - hope I have been helpful..

Answer 5

I live in Thailand and have a Thai wife,,, no, I did not pay her family for her hand and yes she was a bar girl. I told them that was sex slavery and was wrong, no they did not like it but they just want the money so they do not need to work. Check Thai culture for Dowries, it is only paid for virgins and where do you find one of those in Thailand ??? . People, it is all about placing money into their pockets. Oh, by the way, kick them out of your house and quick or you ill never get rid of them.

Answer 6

be careful about marrying a bargirl. Pay for the wedding and secure your first house or apt. and let it at that. Also, check out thai ladies that aren't working at a bar. I've lived here a while and have made some great girlfiends that have the desire to just love and be loved by the man they are with.

Answer 7

I live in Thailand. What on Earth is a dowry?

Answer 8

No just Baht... I haven't been there in like 5 years, and I know that's the only currencey there anyways...

Answer 9

It is best to discuss with your prospective wife on this issue as this will have to be worked out between the 2 of you. If she loves you, she will understand you and will not be asking for the sky. If she is, ....... you have to decide yourself.

Answer 10

yes