|
What is Thai Culture like?
Some things not to do in Thailand
- Do not touch anyone on the head
- Do not point your feet at anyone
- Do not, as a woman, touch a monk
- Do not wear revealing clothes to a temple
- Do not step over anyone
- Do not lose temper and shout
- Do not say anything bad about the royal family
Some things to certainly do in Thailand
-Do smile, even to strangers
- Do show respect to Buddhism and the royal family
- Do be clean and dress neatly
- Do be patient and calm in tricky situations
- Do try and understand the cultural differences
- Do try and speak some Thai
Family in Thailand
Thai Women
Thai women are renowned the world over for their beauty. Generally, Thai women are non-confrontational, timid and subservient to men – but of course, times are changing. Unfortunately, a lot of foreigners never do get to meet any proper Thai women and end up believing that all Thai women are like some bar girls they have met who are only after money. They then go on to express their whims to other foreigners by putting all Thai women in the same boat. Fortunately however, times are changing and more foreign men have realized with the help of the Internet that most Thai women are sincere, honest and genuine.
Finding and Marrying a Proper Thai Woman
Many native foreigners come to Thailand, fall in lust with a women they have just met in a bar, get married and finally get scammed. This is such a pity as there are plenty of perfectly decent Thai women out there who wouldn’t mind having a foreign boyfriend – ones who do not see white men as walking ATMs. It is essential if one wants to find a proper Thai wife to be extremely patient, ask around for an introduction, then chat her up slowly while being kind, honest and sincere.
It is extremely important to realize that when a man marries a Thai girl, he is marrying into a family. If she comes from a decent family, the man does not have to financially support them in anyway, but Thai women do adhere to culture and give some money when they can. There are huge cultural differences when it comes to marriage and the importance of family, so it is advised that any man who is interested in marrying a Thai to try and understand the matter beforehand.
It is perfectly all right for a foreign man to marry a Thai woman, here is the procedure:
1) Get a Freedom to Marry affidavit from the embassy
2) Get it translated and authenticated via an agency
3) Take that to a district office and get married
Finding a Decent Thai Guy
Unlike in the days of yesteryear, more and more foreign women are dating and marrying Thai men. The same thing about being patient with finding the right Thai women also applies to Thai men. And again, the woman is seriously advised to read up on the cultural differences beforehand.
Homosexuality
Thailand is very gay, lesbian and transgender friendly and they are not shunned by society. Silom Road Soi 2 and Silom Road Soi 4 in Bangkok are popular homosexual hang outs. Thailand is part of the Utopia-Asia networks for homosexuals. Gays, lesbians and trans-genders are perfectly allowed to get married according to the religion rites, however they can not officially register the marriage.
Having Children in Thailand
All children born to legal foreigners in Thailand have the right to Thai citizenship.
Divorce
Unfortunately, since a lot of foreign men jump into a marriage without carefully considering it first, the marriage very soon or eventually breaks down. If the break up is mutual consent, then a divorce can be simply applied for at a district office. In the event the divorce is contested, then what happens next depends on a judge’s decision.
Will and Estate planning
This can be completed at a district office in front of witnesses. No land may be left to foreigners.
Personal Requirements
Car Insurance
It is mandatory in Thailand to get car insurance. It can be got easily from a car insurance company. The foreigner though, must first have the correct Non-Immigration visa.
Bring Pets to Thailand
Anyone wishing to bring a pet to Thailand must first do all the correct paperwork via the airport.
Tips for Survival in Thailand
- Make sure the room is bolted all the time
- If staying in a hotel, keep all valuables in a safe box
- Carry a passport copy when out
- If a taxi driver is unsure about the destination, it is advisable to show him a name-card of the place
- While traveling, be aware when accepting food or drink from a stranger
- Only use respectable car/motorbike rental agents
- Always carry a license and insurance when driving a vehicle
- Always wear a helmet when taking a motorbike
- When playing water sports wear a life jacket
- Have travel insurance
- Completely avoid narcotics
- Contact the Tourist Police in the event of crime
|
