Dating in Thailand for Single Expats: How and Where to Meet Single Thais

dating in thailand cover picture

Let’s get one thing out of the way before we begin: this isn’t going to be one of those articles.

Plenty of people come to Thailand looking for love and end up looking in all the wrong places. It happens.

If you’re one of those people, there are reams of literature, both in print and online, that cover these horror stories.

This article is for the rest of us: hip, young (or not-so-young) singles looking for other singles to date and maybe move into something long term.

Despite the seedy impression you may get from English-language media that covers Thailand, plenty of young, professional locals and expats date in Thailand. 

But going out and meeting people is easier said than done, especially if you’re a new arrival and haven’t built up an extensive social network.

Also, the language barrier and the hectic pace of life in Thailand’s larger cities conspire against you.

Then there’s the myriad of cultural issues to navigate if you choose to go down the path of dating a Thai person.

In this guide, we’ll run through the whole dating process, from making the initial move to that all-important first date and beyond.

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Is It Easy to Find a Date in Thailand? 

Compared to the West, finding a date in Thailand is easier. 

You can expect a lot of matches in Thailand, including working individuals who are looking for a good relationship. Still, you should carefully screen your dates. 

While many are seeking a genuine relationship, others might only want to talk to you for practicing English or for various other reasons.

Can I Find a Genuine Relationship Here?

Despite some negative news about dating in Thailand, it is possible to find a genuine relationship there.

Many expats we know have married a Thai. Their relationships are genuine, and they have started families, raising bilingual or even trilingual children.

So, it really depends on where you find your date and what your goals are.

For example, if you use a dating app in a city known for sex tourism, like Pattaya, it can be hard to find a genuine relationship there, as many people on the app in these places may be sex workers looking for clients.

On the other hand, in a place like Chiang Mai, you are more likely to find a genuine Thai partner looking for a relationship.

So, it really depends on where you are and what’s your relationship goal. Can I Find a Genuine Relationship Here?

Despite some negative news about dating in Thailand, it is possible to find a genuine relationship there.

Many expats we know have married a Thai. Their relationships are genuine, and they have started families, raising bilingual or even trilingual children.

So, it really depends on where you find your date and what your goals are.

For example, if you use a dating app in a city known for sex tourism, like Pattaya, it can be hard to find a genuine relationship there, as many people on the app in these places may be sex workers looking for clients.

On the other hand, in a place like Chiang Mai, you are more likely to find a genuine Thai partner looking for a relationship.

So, it really comes down to where you are and what your relationship goal is. If you find your date in a club, finding a true relationship there can be a challenge. 

On the other hand, if it’s through a friend’s recommendation or at the workplace, you might find a long-term relationship there. 

Dating in the West and Thailand

Cinema, flowers, chocolates, and dinner. Those are the symbolic images of the first date in the West.

A man holding flowers behind his back while a lady greets him.
A typical Western first date.

By the second date, you’re supposed to know if you like the other person enough to meet their friends or family.

In the West, dating creates the platform for a relationship, so you need to get it right.

If you come to Thailand and focus on your Western views of dating, you’re going to hit problems.

Dating in Thailand is less serious. You won’t feel the same pressures of finding the right person so you could tick off all your life boxes before you’re thirty years old.

Dating in Thailand is fun, dramatic, rewarding, and depressing. You’ll date some really interesting people and have great experiences. But you’ll also be disappointed and try to finish a date early.

Overall, with a bit of know-how you can have better experiences when it comes to dating in Thailand.

Male Foreigners Dating Thai Women

It’s becoming more common for male foreigners dating Thai women. 

With the rise of foreigners coming to Thailand to study at Thai universities, intercultural dating also rises.

Thailand is a growing hub for professional expats. As more and more foreigners come to work in Thailand, the cases of intercultural dating also increase.

For these last two reasons it’s common to see relationships between people of similar ages and between all social classes. There is less thought that the Thai is only looking for money or a visa.

There are lots of reasons why Thai women date foreigners, some good, some bad.

While there are many reasons out there, it seems to boil down to just two when you talk with a lot of Thai women dating foreign men: maturity and assurance.

Some Thai women claim Western men are more mature than Thai men. Other Thai women like to fell assured that they are beautiful just the way they are.

Thais place a lot of value on appearance and sometimes Thai women feel they need plastic surgery and lighter skin to appeal to Thai men. Foreign men, they say, like them for who they are.

Male Thais Dating Female Foreigners

On the other hand, it’s not common for male Thais to date female foreigners. \

Based on my observation, you can still see male Thais dating ASEAN women, but it’s very rare to find a Thai man dating a Western girl. This might be because most male Thais still prefer dating women of the same nationality.

Dating Across Age Groups

A common idea about dating in Thailand is that there is a big age gap between partners. This isn’t always the case. Many couples nowadays are the same age.

Dating someone around your age, lets say +/- 5 years, carries a number of advantages.

You’ll be stared at less. With a closer age range people in Thailand will think you’re dating rather than think you’re in a financial situation.

As language and culture can be an issue, being a similar age means you’ll have more in common to talk about.

It’s uncommon for foreigners to date someone much older than themselves. But dating someone older than you does have benefits.

First, they are likely to have had more experience, especially with foreign culture. Older people may be more open-minded and able to talk about worldly topics.

Second, they may be better established in their careers. This means you and your date can share the costs of dating.

Dating Across Social Classes

There are many benefits to dating someone in the same social class. You’re more likely to have similar tastes, hobbies, and places of interest.

Things can be difficult if dating someone from a different social class though.

If you live a middle-class lifestyle in Thailand, some lower-class Thais may call you snobby if you refuse to eat street food.

Or some upper-class Thais may call you cheap if you refuse to shell out 4,000 baht on sushi.

In the end, if you date someone who expects more or less than what you’re willing to pay for, this may lead to problems down the road.

Dating someone in your social class will ease these issues.

Dating Across Education Levels

Your education level and the education level of your date could make a big difference in how compatible you are.

If you date someone with the same educational level, you’ll find that you’ll have similar skills, experiences, and be more compatible.

Dating someone who has just finished high school, or maybe didn’t go to school, may prove difficult.

It can be challenging to connect over meaningful conversations since less educated people are less likely to speak foreign languages or have experiences with foreign cultures.

There are also the “career students” who seemingly never stop studying and are less likely to have real world experiences.

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You might find it challenging to date Thais who are more educated or more financially well off than you.

Upper-class Thais might prefer to date Thais or other affluent Asians because of the strong cultural influence from China, South Korea and Japan.

Or if they are from an upper-class family, their parents may put more pressure on them to date Thais or Thai Chinese. Especially if their parents are traditional.

Gender Roles

Traditionally, women have been the homemakers in Thailand, whereas men have been the money makers. But things are changing.

There’s a joke in Thailand that shows this shift in gender roles:

Back in the day Thais used to say that the men were the two front legs of the elephant, and the women used to be the two backs legs of the elephant, following the men wherever they went.

Nowadays, the men are still the two front legs of the elephant, but the women have now moved to the top of the elephant, controlling where it goes.

Gender roles may be changing, but when it comes to dating, tradition still holds true.

Loy Krathong Day.
When you date a Thai, mark your calendar for Loy Krathong Day. It’s the Thai equivalent of Valentine’s Day.

The man is expected to pay for the first date. And men are expected to make the first move when asking for a date.

But these days women are starting to share costs and even ask for dates, especially in the younger generations.

Although gender roles are still important, they aren’t set in stone when it comes to dating in Thailand.

Language Barriers

If your date doesn’t speak English or you can’t speak Thai, simple things like having a conversation are nearly impossible.

You and your date might spend the entire time talking about how delicious the food is.

You might also find it impossible to even arrange your date or understand what time to meet.

If you date someone who’s been to university you should be able to have a good conversation in English.

And many Thai people who want to date foreigners know they must speak English. So you don’t really need to be fluent in Thai.

But if your date can’t speak English and you’re interested in dating them long term, you could learn Thai.

Be forewarned as well. Some Thais might want you to become their personal English teacher.

It’s okay to help your date with some English here and there, but make sure your date is interested in you and not just looking for a free English class.

In the end, English proficiency shouldn’t be the only deal breaker when dating someone in Thailand.

Family

Faily is an important part of Thai. When you find your date, most of the time, it’s not only about you and your partner alone. 

Your partner’s family can play an important part of your relationship. 

While it can be different between families, most Thai parents may raise a flag when their sons or daughters date a foreigner. 

So, you should respect your partner’s family. Sometimes, you might be asked to have a meal with them. Just dress politely and be nice. 

Where to Meet Singles

As a single in Thailand, you have many places to meet other singles looking to date.

Work

Finding a date at work carries positive and negatives.

You can find out ahead of time how much you have in common and if you’re both interested in dating each other.

But if things don’t work out between you and a coworker, things can get awkward fast.

Richard McCully, who helped contribute to this article, once dated someone from his job, and despite trying to keep it a secret, everyone found out.

“It created a lot of gossip and drama and I was brought before my boss to explain what was going on,” McCully said.

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At some companies, foreign staff may be told not to date Thai staff. But there are some cases where expats and Thai staff hit it off, date, and go on to marry.

If you’re looking to date for fun, avoid dating anyone you work with.

If you’re looking for a long term partner, and you feel 100% sure the person you work with is right for you, give it a shot.

But be willing to look for a new job if things don’t work out.

Friends

As a foreigner in Thailand, you’ll likely hang out with a diverse group of people.

Your friends can set you up with a date. But be aware that conservative Thais might be less likely to agree to this.

Sometimes, getting set up by your friends can work out really well. Your friends know you and can recommend suitable matches.

But, like dating at work, only do this if you’re serious. Don’t use this option for a hookup as it could cause drama.

Online

There’s relatively little social stigma about meeting people online in Thailand, particularly with 20- and 30-something year olds.

Online dating has become more popular nowadays. It lets you cast your net further than you would in everyday life.

You can see pictures and exchange messages. You can also search for preferences in terms of age, nationality, height, education, and many other variables.

The one-click ease of approaching new people is appealing to traditionally shy Thais, who might be embarrassed by approaching a stranger.

But, as in Western countries, always be wary of who you’re talking to online.

Get to know your potential date well before you meet, and always agree to meet in a busy public space that you both feel comfortable with.

Dating sites, as opposed to the smart phones apps listed below, are usually used by women in their mid-thirties and up.

Some women you find on these websites may be single. Some may be divorced. Some may have kids from a previous marriage.

The most important thing to know about dating sites is how to weed through the profiles that may not be looking for a date, but rather a means to a visa or financial stability.

It’s not easy to do this through online chat, so take your time and really get to know someone before you invest a lot of time in dating them.

When using any of these sites below, look for potential dates who have steady jobs and their own income. Look for dates who have their own car and condo.

But don’t date anyone who hits you with a sob story right away. It could be a good sign they’re looking for a financial arrangement.

There are plenty of dating sites and apps in Thailand. Each platform has a different focus and attracts different kinds of people. There are both free and paid platforms available. 

In our opinion, if you are seriously looking for a date, it’s better to use a paid website. The subscription cost helps screen out fake profiles, increasing your chances of finding a good match. 

For a paid website, you might try ThaiFriendly, which is very popular here. 

thaifriendly.com logo

Although its main focus is on casual meetups, many couples have developed serious relationships through it. Additionally, there’s Thaicupid and OKCupid. 

For a free option, Tinder is the most popular.

Park

There are so many parks in Thailand. In Bangkok alone, there are easily over 30 parks. Many Thais love going to the park, especially in the early morning or evening for exercise. That means you can exercise while searching for a date at the same time. Two birds with one stone. 

Another great perk of being in a park regularly is that some may have public groups you can join, so you can meet new people and further increase your connections with locals. 

However, if you want to go this route, you should also be able to speak some Thai since not everyone here can speak English. 

Language School

This may sound funny, but I personally know an expat who found his date through a Japanese language school And he ended up marrying her. 

So, if you’re thinking about learning a new language anyway, a language school can be another great option.

Events

Thailand has many different events and special occasions throughout the year.

Thais and Westerners outside spraying each other with water during Thailand’s New Year celebration, Songkran.

Valentine’s day is growing in popularity and is a big event.

The most romantic day for many Thais is Loy Krathong in November. Some even calls it as a Thai Valentine.

Songkran, or the Thai New Year, and the international new year on December 31st are also causes for celebrations.

Songkran in major destinations in Thailand offers a good opportunity to meet someone.

Most Thais have at least three days off work and go back home for the holidays. But the younger generation will party at places like Silom, RCA and Khao San Road in Bangkok.

However, finding someone to date at these events can be challenging, as you will encounter hundreds of thousands of people with diverse interests. 

Therefore, it might be better to look for a smaller event that interests you, such as a concert or a networking event, where you might find someone who shares your interests.

Places

There are many places you can meet a potential date in Thailand.

A lot of Thais are interested in Western-style events such as wine tasting or watching sports.

Shopping malls are a hub for many Thais on their days off. When the weather is hot the mall becomes the busiest place in the town.

Bars and restaurants are also filled with many middle-class Thais on Friday and Saturday nights.

Flirting

A lot of foreigners in Thailand feel they can flirt everywhere they go.

Thais and Westerners flirt differently. You have to know when and how to flirt in Thailand.

Confident Thais are happy to flirt if they really like someone. But a lot of Thai people are private with their feelings.

Thais love to have fun, so this means you can laugh and joke in many situations. But try to flirt in an office with a senior colleague and you’ll probably be fired.

One of the ways that Thais flirt is through stickers on messaging apps such as Line.

You have to learn what each sticker really means, and then you can tell if a Thai is being friendly or flirting.

Opening a Conversation

Sometimes you’ll find it difficult to approach a Thai person you like because of language and cultural issues.

Try to start things simple if possible in English or Thai. A few sentences to introduce yourself will go a long way.

How you do this depends on the situation. If you’re in a bar or restaurant, go and speak to someone while their friends are at the table.

If you’re in a shopping mall, approach the person with a big smile and say hello.

If language is a problem, consider having a card with your name and Line ID on it.

Overall, when striking up a conversation keep things very simple and don’t worry about being rejected.

If you do strike up a conversation and things seem to be going somewhere, get their Line ID. This will give you time to chat and arrange a date.

And if the person’s English isn’t great then talking over Line might boost their confidence when talking with you.

Related article: Recommended Apps for Expats in Thailand

First Dates

Once you approach someone, get their Line ID, and find out their interested in a date, what should you do next?

You’ll have to figure out where to go, how to dress, who’s going to pay, what to avoid, and much more. So let’s get into it.

Where to Go

The options for where to take your date are endless if you live in a major Thai city.

Thailand has plenty of unique coffee shops where you can get to know your date in an informal setting.

Talk to your date beforehand and find a place you’re both likely to enjoy.

You might find the local stamp collecting museum fascinating, but your date is likely to be bored to tears.

Here are some common dating locations, as well as the positives and negatives of each

Bars

Positives: Alcohol is a great social lubricant.

Negatives: You’re more likely to say or do something stupid under the influence of alcohol.

As a general rule, if you’re dating a Thai person you’re not all that familiar with, a bar is a poor choice for a first date.

Thais like to drink socially like anyone else, but the last thing your date wants is to end up drunk and vulnerable with a stranger.

But if your date is a drinker and keen to meet up over beers or a cocktail, be sensible about your choice of venue.

Gogo bar? Your sleazy local dive bar? Unlikely to impress.

Coffee Shops

Positives: Lots of choices. Inexpensive. Casual.

Negatives: Most close relatively early for evening daters.

Coffee shops are a great option for a first date in Thailand.

unique coffee shop in Thailand
Thailand has plenty of unique coffee shops where you can get to know your date in an informal setting.

They’re everywhere, they’re usually cheaper than a bar or fancy restaurant, and they’re a great place for those important getting-to-know-you conversations.

Restaurants

Positives: Who doesn’t like eating? Huge variety of venues to choose from.

Negatives: The inevitable awkward debate over what and where to eat. A bad meal can really put a damper on the whole date. Mind your table manners.

Meeting for lunch or dinner is the classic first-date activity, and where better to do so in a country world-renowned for its food?

You don’t even have to stick to Thai food.

Bangkok is inundated with top-quality restaurants serving up just about every cuisine on the planet, and other major cities in Thailand are quickly following suit.

But you do need to put a little thought into which of the country’s many thousands of restaurants to take your date to.

Stick to somewhere you know to be good. Getting a bad meal or dealing with bad service can suck the energy out of a date.

Make sure you check that your date isn’t on any special diets. If they’re a vegan, an all-you-can-eat beef buffet suggestion is unlikely to go down well.

Malls

Positives: Has something for everyone. Nice and cool.

Negatives: Might show a lack of imagination?

If there’s one thing that people in Thailand love, it’s a mall. They’re cool, clean, fancy, and modern.

You can do your shopping, grab a coffee or a meal, watch a movie, go bowling, try your vocals at karaoke, or even go ice skating.

And it seems like there’s a new mall opening at least once a year in Bangkok that promises to outdo all competitors.

Sure, it’s kind of a generic choice compared to, say, your favorite obscure little backstreet tea room that only you and three other people know about.

And you’re unlikely to impress your date with your travel-savvy.

But there are plenty of options for malls, from the quirky airport-themed Terminal 21 to the marble opulence of the EmQuartier.

Each mall is so expansive it’s unlikely you won’t be able to find a place you’re both happy with.

The Movies

Positives: Sitting silently in a dark room for two hours is great for the socially awkward. Gives you something to discuss afterwards.

Negatives: Not much getting-to-know-you time.

Cinemas in Thailand tend to be more spacious, more comfortable, and cheaper than their counterparts in the West.

Thais are respectful moviegoers too. You’re unlikely to get the back of your seat kicked or your viewing experience ruined by a nearby phone conversation.

But as a date option? Not so sure.

The primary aim of a first date should be getting to know each other, and it’s difficult to get to know someone while everyone else in the room is shushing you.

Parks

Positives: Relaxing. Healthy. Lots of outdoor activities to choose from.

Negatives: Unpredictable weather. Sweat. Lots and lots of sweat.

If there’s one thing Thai cities are lacking, it’s parks. And in some ways, it’s not hard to see why.

Thailand’s climate and heat can make spending time outdoors in the daytime rather arduous.

Benchakitti Park
You can take your date to a park. But plan your time well. Thailand is very hot during daytime.

Still, when the weather is nice there are few things more pleasant than taking a stroll or paddle boat ride in some of the country’s scant areas of green space.

Besides the popular Chatuchak Park and Lumpini Park in Bangkok, you’ve got the well-maintained Rama IX Park on Srinakarin Road.

For a more active date, try cycling in Bang Krachao or kayaking at the Nong Bon Water Sports Centre.

Other Options

There’s no need to stick to traditional dating locations, of course. Here are a few more unconventional ideas:

  • Amphawa Floating Market
  • Klong Lat Mayom
  • Train Market
  • Dreamworld
  • Board game cafes
  • May Kaidee Cooking School
  • MBK Fight Night

Dress Code

To put it simply: dress well. Thais put a lot of stock in appearance.

If you can’t dress yourself, how does that bode for the rest of your relationship?

You don’t necessarily have to wear an Armani suit or Chanel dress, but do ensure that your clothes are clean, pressed, and free from holes or stains.

Don’t neglect personal hygiene either. Have a shower beforehand, shave, and run a comb through your hair at the very least.

Time

We all know about Thai time. We know that schedules can be somewhat fluid in Thailand at times.

But dates are the exception.

Showing up on time is simply good manners, and even in Thailand showing up late on a first meeting makes a terrible impression.

Conversation

The general rule of thumb for any date is to avoid politics or religion (unless they bring it up, of course), so that’s a good start.

Here, you can add Thailand and Thai culture to the mix. You won’t impress your date if you spend your time together insulting them and their culture.

Save your grumbles for the local expat bar.

Thais are proud of their country. And even if your date isn’t, nobody really likes being told how awful their country and everything about it is.

Gifts

If you bring a flower or small cuddly toy or something similar your date will almost certainly appreciate it.

But don’t worry, if you don’t bring anything it doesn’t mean your date will be turned off.

Paying

Traditionally, on a first date in Thailand the man pays for everything.

In reality, especially among younger middle-class Thais, there is a willingness to split costs. It is up to you to decide whether you want to accept this or not.

If on a group date, then you can offer to pay for your date, but don’t feel obligated to pay for the rest of the group.

Richard McCully, puts it like this:

Personally I am happy to pay for the first date. I feel it is the right thing to do. If I asked someone out on a first date I wouldn’t dream of asking them to pay.

Paying for a date can show you are serious and have financial stability.

On following dates I have no problems with splitting or sharing costs. I will normally pay a higher portion.

For example, at the cinema I’ll buy the tickets and my date will get the popcorn, or at the park if my date wants to buy us a couple of sodas then no problem.

In the end I feel it is about being sensible and knowing what is reasonable for someone.”

And Patrick Taylor, another of our contributors, puts it this way:

In dating, that traditionally means the man pay, so don’t be too put out if you’re a guy and your old-fashioned Thai lady date gets all coy when the bill arrives.

But many modern, professional Thai women are keen to assert their financial independence and may instead offer to split the bill, or even pay it themselves.

In short, wait until the bill arrives and read the body language.”

Chaperones

Thai culture is more conservative than other cultures and it’s possible that your date will ask for a chaperone to come along.

This is more likely if you’re a man dating a woman.

One of readers was on a date with a Thai woman who was an engineer, had a Master’s degree, and spoke good English.

Midway through his date the Thai women stood up and invited the lady from the table next to them to join. It was her mother.

She hadn’t told our reader about this before and needless to say they never dated again.

You need to decide if chaperones are a deal breaker before going on a date.

Group Dates

Not all Thais have regular contact with foreigners. If you met online or your date can’t speak English then a group date might put them at ease.

This normally means that your date will bring one or two of their friends along to join you. You might be asked to bring your mates too.

Group dates are more like hangouts rather than dates, but it gives your Thai date the chance to get to know you before a one on one date.

Group dates can be good if you’re prepared for them. Just approach it like hanging out with a group of friends.

Public Displays of Affection

If you read up about Thai culture and dating you’ll read about many taboos, like kissing and holding hands in public.

Occasionally Thai people will instigate hand holding or even kissing in public.

But as a general rule, Thais lean conservative when it comes to dating. Think of it more as courting.

holding hands in public.
Don’t expect to hold hands on the first date. Read your partner’s body language to understand when they are ready.

Learn to read body language and take things slow. Don’t be too upset if your date doesn’t immediately jump down your throat, and avoid being too pushy.

You rarely, if ever, see Thai couples locked in passionate embrace in your local Starbucks, so avoid anything that might embarrass your date.

The last thing you want to do is make a move that your date isn’t prepared for.

Obviously everyone is different, and some personal judgement is required here.

Staying in Touch

You and you’re date will know how you feel after your first date and decide whether to stay in touch.

If you get good vibes from your date, use Line to stay in touch.

You can even use Line to check that they got home okay, chat during the week, or set up another date.

Don’t be afraid to stay in touch if your first date went well.

Communication is really important here in Thailand. Make sure you set up a second date within 24 hours after your first date.

If you play hard to get, your date may get the wrong idea and lose interest.

Green Lights

There are a few ways to know if a Thai person is into you.

If they ask for your Facebook or Instagram then you’re being welcomed into their personal life.

Also if you’re tagged in posts it’s another positive sign.

If you’re asked to meet their family this is a very positive sign that your date likes you.

Everyone appreciates honesty. If you’re also interested then tell your date, but also let them know if you aren’t.

Respect your date and their culture and understand that dating rules from your home country may not apply here.

Don’t expect your date to come back to your place straight away.

Red Lights

You should also be able to know if your date isn’t that into you.

If they spend a lot of time on their phone then chances are they aren’t enjoying their time.

But some shy people might use their phone to hide or just keep friends and family updated.

If you feel that the conversation is just one way then chances are they are just there for a free meal.

Normally, Thais are quick to respond to messages so a slow reply after your date may mean she isn’t interested in you.

Sometimes your date is into you but it could be for the wrong reasons.

If they tell you they love you very early in your dating that is a big sign of problems.

If conversations are usually about your job, money, or finances then beware.

If your date asks you to take them to fancy places every time it could be an issue.

Finally if your date doesn’t offer to pay for the smallest items while out, then watch out.

If you feel your date isn’t into you or likes you for the wrong reason then end things.

There are a lot of great Thais out there who are kind, generous, and interesting.

You shouldn’t date someone with bad intentions if you have the goal of a relationship.

Sex and Dating

This article is not about hooking up to have sex with Thais.

However, sex is part of dating so let’s look at the topic in more detail.

Foreigners in Thailand are perhaps a bit surprised at the attention they get.

After this initial shock they can think sex is easy to find here. But when it comes to dating it isn’t always easy to find someone with the same outlook.

Despite an international reputation as a sex tourism destination, the majority of Thais are conservative when it comes to sex.

A lot of online dating profiles specifically say, “NO SEX.”

Sex is a touchy matter for many Thais. If you’re dating, then don’t expect it quickly.

You might need to wait several months to reach the right moment.

Breaking Up

If things aren’t going well, breaking up is necessary for both you and your date to move on with life.

There are many good people in Thailand so don’t feel you need to make things work with the first person you meet.

Breaking up also means that you free that person to be with someone better for them.

Because of language and cultural issues, you have to be clear that you’re breaking up. You need to use direct phrases such as:

  • “It’s better for us to be friends.”
  • “We should break up.”

Don’t feel this is rude because you’ll cause confusion and pain if you’re not clear.

If you don’t want to see someone say exactly that. Don’t add fluff to your messages.

Committing

Commitment in the eyes of Western people means being with one person. And commitment may only begin when dating has turned into a relationship.

Marriage is the next logical step after committed relationships.

A lot of foreigners in Thailand are not committed after one date. Many people will date more than one Thai person before deciding on the one they like the most.

This can make it hard for Thais to take you serious at first. They may think you’re hear for the short term and just looking to have some fun.

But the longer you stick around and the more effort you put into it, the more your date will take you serious.

This can cause friction if your Thai date finds out.

Thais tend to be more committed when dating. If they are serious about dating they usually date just one person.

The more committed attitude of Thais can lead to issues if you want to date more than one person.

After one or two dates a Thai person might think things are close to a relationship.

It can create an awkward breakup after a few dates.

The definition of a serious relationship is similar in Thailand and the West.

Both cultures expect commitment to a single partner. Both cultures require people to be faithful to their partner and honest with each other.

The difference occurs when one partner is not committed to the relationship.

If all you’re looking for is sex, your relationships may not last long.

Likewise, if your Thai date is looking for money or a visa then the relationship won’t be strong.

If your date asks you to meet her family consider this a big deal, and not something to be taken lightly.

Chances are that if your date likes you, and things are working out between the two of you, she’ll want you to meet her family.

But keep in mind this could turn into talks about marriage. To back out now will result in a major face-loss for your date and her family.

Of course, if both of you are happy and ready to take the next step, getting the invite to meet the parents is a good thing.

But if you’re not ready for commitment, be up front with your partner beforehand to avoid a great deal of awkwardness in the future.

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Now, on to You

Do you have experience with dating in Thailand? Drop a comment below and let us know how you get on when dating in the Land of Smiles.

4 thoughts on “Dating in Thailand for Single Expats: How and Where to Meet Single Thais”

  1. Very interesting article. I am married to a Thai and have been for 53 years. We met at a wedding of a mutual friend. Dates were always accompanied by her family. Sometimes as many as six. When I asked her to marry me she said I was crazy but she married me any way 10 months later.

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  2. A good solid piece for a perfect world. Unfortunately in the real world there are numerous scams that Thais get away with. Example, the law that prevents foreigners owning land is a vicious trap waiting to be triggered. I know, I’m a recent victim. After 16 years of glorious partnership, my “wife” turned ugly for no reason I could fathom and grabbed my house and everything in it; everything I owned since a kid. Devastating, I’m 73. Judges, police, lawyers all appear to be on her side. Foreigners are not equal, I’m sure you know. A follow-up article specifically on love scams would be most useful. Please contact me if you want the full story.

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    • This happens in the ‘west’ as well…and actually many places around the world… but thanks for the reminder…

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