How are women from the USA treated by Thai citizens?

Question

My bf is from Thailand and we are going to be traveling there. We may stay only a couple of weeks, but we may decide to stay for about a year, depending on several circumstances. I was wondering what kind of treatment to expect from the citizens there. I have naturally blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. I make friends easily here at home, but am curious how I would be accepted in Thailand. Thank you in advance for your answer.

Answer 1

US women are treated like women from Europe or Japan or whatever.
In tourist areas, you'll be viewed as a tourist, i.e., an ATM with legs.
In remote rural areas, you'll be viewed with friendly curiosity. Blonde hair is, of course, a rarity and I remember how people tried to touch the blonde hair on my arms (no head) as they'd never seen that before.

My advice is to smile a lot; be friendly and respectful & you'll find yourself on a two-way street.

You cannot stay a year in Thailand as a tourist without proper visas (plural). The rules have been tightened and it is no longer possible to repeatedly make "visa runs" to get a new entry stamp and visa on arrival.

Check out Phil's site for more info.

Answer 2

People with white skin and blond hair will constantly be stared at whereever they go. These usually are not negative stares, just curious stares. And if you're exceptionally attractive, even more so. In any country, there are bad people, so late at night, be careful of any suspicious characters, taxis included. Thai's are normally quite curious and will probably try to make conversation by asking many personal questions, which after a while you'll get used to and be able to answer without getting upset. When you two are together walking around you'll definitely get many strange looks, but everyone is just jealous that a Thai guy is with a farang (white skinned person). Good luck.

Answer 3

If your traveling as a tourist, just be careful, every country has its thieves. You don't want to be an easy target. But that shouldn't be a huge problem, since your boy friend is from Thailand.

But in general, Thais are friendly people, mostly very hospitable. You shouldn't have any problems at all. Maybe some culture shock if your planning to stay longer. You might think, that there are some crazy stuff here. I know I had to adjust.

About your 'fair skin,' you will probably be admired for this matter. Thai woman like to have light (white) skin, not tanning lotions here, it's whitening creams. Friends (when you make them,) will probably constantly compare your skin texture with their's.

Hope this gives you some idea.

Answer 4

Well RRB, you ought to be plenty used to people staring at you because of your beauty and your blue eyes, so you'll be relaxed enough to have a blast! Wow!! It sounds so fun to visit for a long time like you're considering. If you need anyone to take care of the Blue Benz-mobile, just let me known and I'll watch over it like a hawk! (And drive it like a tiger!)

I'm so happy for you RB. What interesting twists and turns life takes, doesn't it. You deserve to be so happy. I wish you and your BF all the best in your travels. I can say one thing for sure, if you approach the trip in a relaxed way and just accept things for how they are, you will return a better, different person, with a new perspective on life, people and the world. Plan on trying new things, eating new things - all just for the adventure and fun of it. The trip is part of the journey you are about to take. Just remember to come back(!) and send me a few postcards!! You'll have to find out if they can make the right kind of Margarita's. If so It might just be a perfect place!

You'll do great, be treated like royalty and you'll make true friends that will last a lifetime.

Answer 5

Thai's are exceptionally friendly people, if you treat then right they will treat you like a queen, a smile goes a long way in Thailand. watch out for the food your bf can tell you what should be avoided, Thai food is very spicy and if your not use to that ,ask you boyfriend to tell the cooks not to put or to put very little chile in yours.There are also some dishes like fermented shrimp, fish and squid that you system may not handle well. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I'm a man, not a woman, but I noticed that if you are a foreigner traveling anywhere in SE Asia, people assume that you have lots of money. You will get approached by a lot of merchants and con-artists in some (touristy) areas, so be aware of rip-offs and (sometimes) too much attention.

Thai people seemed to be respectful and friendly in general, and I had no problem with anyone - outside of an obviously tourist area.

Answer 7

ooh, they'll love you. but they'll be curious, cos blond hair & blue eyes isn't easy to be found in Thailand. if ur boyfriend is Thai, then he can guide you through wat u need to do n everything...thai ppl are friendly, they laugh alot, and they are VERY. curious. don't assume they don't like you because usually they just want to know more.
beware of ripoffs, they will all think ur rich especialy if u have a light complexion.
but it's wonderful here despite the heat. enjoy your stay!!

Answer 8

Thai people are simply beautiful. You'll have a fantastic time. I'd love to live there with my family.

Lucky girl!

Answer 9

Have no concerns. Show respect, and respect will be shown to you. I've been living in Thailand for 3 years and it's been wonderful.

Enjoy yourself.

Answer 10

Don't worry -you're surely welcomed especially if you respect Thai-customs which some people don't. Also the reply from "Randy G" is very correct.Just be yourself and your sweetheart/family will accept you.