Have you and your Thai girlfriend decided to marry? Here are some of the marriage issues you should know about before you tie the knot. 

Sin Sot: The Thai Marriage Dowry 

A dowry might seem archaic to those from the West, but in Thailand some families still observe the tradition of sin sot (bride price). 

Sin sot originated from many poor areas of Thailand where young women actively seek out foreigners or western men to marry so that their families can benefit from the bride price. 

In some marriages the sin sot is even part of the marriage negotiation. 

The good news is that some families now consider the sin sot more traditional than practical. Some families will receive money but later return it for the newly-married couple to use. Remember; some, not all. 

This is why it is important to know what background your fiancée comes from. If you aren’t rich, then be careful who you decide to marry, because it might cost you more than you can afford. 

If the marriage is to take place abroad it’s essential that your family talks to the girl's family to discuss the marriage and the sin sot. You can send anyone to represent your family to Thailand, but you can also nominate and pay a Thai elder to act for your family for this purpose. The problem with this situation is how to make sure this person is after your interests and not the interests of her family. 

The sin sot has another purpose; it’s supposed to be a “guarantee” of the woman’s virginity, though this isn’t true in all cases. In the course of the marriage, if the woman also turns out to be unfaithful to the man, the sin sot is returned to the husband. 

Living Arrangements 

By Thai tradition a man who marries a Thai woman moves in with her to take care of her, her family and his in-laws. This way a family home is usually passed on to the daughters, with their husbands also benefiting. 

If both of you have decided to move to the US, however, that is a totally different situation. 

Financial Support 

The thing that most shocks unprepared Westerners most after getting married to a Thai woman is responsibility they now have to their wife’s family and his in-laws. 

In Thailand a man who marries a woman is expected to take care of her entire family. This is why finances are the number one problem in Thai and foreign unions. 

To Pre-Nup or Not? 

Not all marriages are made in heaven, somewhere down the road someone might run out of love or the couple might realize they are better off not together. In this case it is always best to be prepared with a pre-nuptial agreement, even as it sounds selfish to the family of the bride. As they say; better safe than sorry. 

Know What You Are Getting Into 

Marriage is a big step, even with someone from your race, culture and country. Think about what you’re getting into marrying someone who lives far-off, may not share the same values as you do or believe in what you believe in.

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