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Does Sinsot (Dowry) Still Happen Among Modern Thai Women?
Thai CultureMarriage TraditionsSinsotDowryExpat ExperiencesThai WomenModern Thai SocietyCultural Differences
Jul 17, 2022
4 years ago
Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, does sinsot (dowry) still happens in Thailand, even among the modern Thai women?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, sinsot, or dowry, still occurs in Thailand, particularly among traditional families and in rural areas. Many expats report that sinsot is mainly a formality, with amounts varying based on the woman's education and family background, often culminating in significant sums of cash or gold. While some modern Thai women and families may not demand a dowry, others still adhere strictly to this tradition, using it to validate the social status of the bride. The practice can be nuanced, with incidents where the dowry is returned after the marriage ceremony, reflecting modern attitudes towards traditional expectations.
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Kool *******
Traditional sinsot is still very much used, but not bar girl sinsot, true traditional sinsot. Traditionally sinsot is an agreed upon amount negotiated by a high ranking family members, designed to keep the social standing of the bride intact (the sinsot amount is large enough to maintain the social level). After the wedding sinsot is returned when their first house is bought, to help with the payment, or when the first child is born, and again to help with the cost. The other thing sinsot is used for is to give to the girl if there is a divorce, so she can rebuild her life. The sinsot is never kept by the parents, as is so prevalent in bar girl marriages. Every wedding I've been to in the last 15 years has always had the sinsot on display. It is still a factor in Thai marriages.
Nick ****************
@Kool ******
of the marriages you attended and saw the dowry what amounts were there. The most I have seen Thai/Thai is 100k and 1 baht gold. I have also seen 9000 baht. Interested to know.Kool *******
@Nick ***************
the biggest was bt3million, with 20 baht goldReply to
Kool *******
Reply
Jo **********
@Kool ******
wow and and very articulate true statement. i don’t think anyone could have said it better. you understand the culture here. I give you a lot of creditRich *******
@Kool ******
So true!Chris *****
@Kool ******
excat 😈But most of married thaï ladie /farang in thailand are issue from a bar..or massage parlor 555
(We know all that guys , the only ladies talk englisch are bar girls..High class talk englisch also but dont quier about farang .)
Who Can Say" i find my gf in issan , she dont speak englisch i dont speak thaï 🤣🤣)
Then guys , please , dont pay this sinsot
As you Say its a thaï tradition based on ranking situation.
Jo **********
@Surf *****
look at what kool breez said highly accurate.Reply to
Jo **********
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Jalill ********
@Kool ******
best commentReply to
Jalill ********
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Alex *******
Depends on the family. The parents of my last thai gf didn't want dowry at all.
Steve **********
@Alex ******
.. "last Thai girlfriend" ( dowry as gf ) if not, how many wivesReply to
Steve **********
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Steve **********
VERY much so !
Siddhartha *********
Your post is irrelevant- wise for you to get Indian spouse where you will receive - since you worry about giving , in Thailand- why don’t ask your partner in first place ? The classification of dowry, progressive country, modern woman- are very broad- beyond our imagination! Just enjoy and follow your heart my sweet advise
Nick ****************
So sod is still payable in some areas of Thailand. However it is usually around 6 to 10k baht and maybe 1 baht of gold. The gold is better as you can actually see it around your wife’s neck. Cash tends to be spent by the family with the attitude plenty more where that came from. The higher rate of sinsod is usually paid to educated (university degree) girls from a good family who are virgins. Virginity loss greatly devalues these girls in Thailand. They are unlikely to have Tatoos or even know what a bar is let alone worked in one.
If the girl is divorced with kids and a hostess background sinsod should be minimal. They will get nothing from a Thai so the families push them towards falangs in the hope of getting a new house or some security and a car. Good luck and tread carefully
If the girl is divorced with kids and a hostess background sinsod should be minimal. They will get nothing from a Thai so the families push them towards falangs in the hope of getting a new house or some security and a car. Good luck and tread carefully
Garfunkle *************
You only pay the dowry if shes a virgin, that is the tradition. Also, no dowry is paid for girls over 29 years old.
Rich *******
@Clark *********
Amazing how the foreigners get fleeced paying a fortune for an ex bar girl with two kids and tattoos. Most are clueless. Nothing against the women who are sweet and just have it tough, but you are right. Thai men don't want those womenso they seek and find foreign men and say "Thai man no good!"Reply to
Rich *******
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Jo **********
YES ,,,it’s a very important part of Thai culture and practiced today for nearly every case. There might be exceptions but this is very serious matter and part of the culture. I am surprised by many of derogatory comments and false answers/information posted here.
Ticha *****************
As a Thai, Most modern Thai woman I know , the educated woman, mostly don't even care about sinsot (they said it's hard to find good heart person already why to require more). Me included. Mostly it's elder in family that asked for sinsot. The understanding family will never asked for dowry but would ask a man to take care of their daughter well.
Chris *****
Basicaly its for thaï peopole .
But its also a Big buiseness for Thaï ladie Familly who want money from foreigners ..
Anyway 1 baht gold and 100.000 thb for food (100people and dancers +musique ) its not a Big deal .
More its a scamm
A thaï girl who have already 2 baby , UP 35yo and uneducated is généraly free
If you are UP 55yo and Marry to a 22 years old ladie , then you are in trouble 😈😈😈
But its also a Big buiseness for Thaï ladie Familly who want money from foreigners ..
Anyway 1 baht gold and 100.000 thb for food (100people and dancers +musique ) its not a Big deal .
More its a scamm
A thaï girl who have already 2 baby , UP 35yo and uneducated is généraly free
If you are UP 55yo and Marry to a 22 years old ladie , then you are in trouble 😈😈😈
Jo **********
@Surf *****
it’s not a scam it’s part of the culture here and serious. you obviously have a bad view of ThailandChris *****
@Jo *********
i live in thailand since 12 years ...ans have thaï wife and son.That s why i Saw so much foreigners married here , make home , buy car and After 2years ...bye bye .
A looooot !
Go Marry in thailand , bye bye your money thats a fact on 90%>
Most of sincer and durable relations are based on sincerity and a kind of love .
Traditions in thailand are for thaï peopole !
You are not thaï right ?
This is a buiseness !!! Especially near buriram and issan !
You Can respect the tradition its ok .
One if the best tradition in Thaïlande is ton be Marry with an (rich and old if possible) ambulant ATM 😉
Anyway maybe you are happy if you have to buy the girl to them parents ...500.000 thb.
Personaly i have money but pay for have a girl better go Pattaya cheap more .
We married here , made Big party , up 100people..
Music dancers , beers whisky ...and 3baht gold (45g100.000 thb ) for my wife .
12 years later she still have the 3baht gold.
Jo **********
@Surf *****
i live in the North of Thailand knew my wife for 7 years before being married. We have now been married for a long time. She is a professional and hard working person. The culture of the dowry is very strong. We are best friends. I have lived here for a very long time I am integrated. I accept the local cultureChris *****
@Jo *********
dont mix everything ;Local culture ok.
You are right
But accept to'pay more than 100.000.thb for Marry its not culture .
Its stupidity
And integred in thailand its impossible .
You are and will be a farang anyway you live hère .
They accept you , but never be integrated its a huge différence .
Jalill ********
@Surf *****
Sadly, i agree with the last comment haha😪Reply to
Jalill ********
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Dave **********
Yes it still alive and well
Casey ********
its part of the culture
Jo **********
@Casey *******
that’s 100% correct and it’s quite seriousReply to
Jo **********
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Michael ********
Yes it still happens its traditional my wife at time of marriage was single university educated from good family.
But the money was just for show and all returned and all the gold was from the family vaults. All parties satisfied
Talk with the family
But the money was just for show and all returned and all the gold was from the family vaults. All parties satisfied
Talk with the family
David ********
@Michael *******
My gf tells me the same, that I would be returned the money. Still not entirely convinced though.Michael ********
@David *****
make sure speak with future in laws not the girlfriend. Ours gave us a house.Reply to
Michael ********
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Mike *******
These are Thai traditions and part of their culture, it's not our place to complain and tell them what to do. It's a very easy solution if you don't like it, just go somewhere else.
Joseph ****************
@Mike ******
I don’t think anyone is complaining about culture, but you’d have to be a fool to think that no Thais take advantage of foreigners’ ignorance.Mike *******
@Joseph ***************
in our own countries we never took advantage of foreigners, wake upJoseph ****************
@Mike ******
no one’s saying that, you sycophant. Guys like you are pathetic.Reply to
Joseph ****************
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Steve **********
There are companies that “rent” out cash and gold to display at weddings.
Jo **********
@Steve *********
that’s sickeningReply to
Jo **********
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Aaron *******
Someone did a video article, where he asked young Thais, males and females, this question. The general answer was no. Either it was not paid. Paid and refunded. Or the bride and groom, both contributed, to come up with the amount.
Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Aaron ******
can you please send me the link?Aaron *******
@Nishant ***********
Here's a different one. Asked about sinsod about halfway.****************************
Aaron *******
@Nishant ***********
Tried to find it. But couldn't.Reply to
Aaron *******
Reply
Siddhartha *********
Does dowry still happen in india , in modern day and age?? You don’t need to answer back dear 😊- it will be a bit of struggle of transition of culture but TIT ., if you know what it stands for !
Siddhartha *********
Will suggest you one thing- any country just ACCEPT THE CULTURE & RESPECT PEOPLE ,
TIT = This Is Thailand
TIT = This Is Thailand
Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Siddhartha ********
I thought that Thailand is more progressive than India so dowry wouldn't be happening in the modem day and age.Siddhartha *********
@Nishant ***********
if you are really educated- and culturally nourished (as I assume you being from india) - than this post conflicts ! You have to figure out yourself in context of your spouse and in-laws and deal with culture! See it’s like CASE TO CASE BASIS !Siddhartha *********
@Nishant ***********
I didn’t want to debate! Admit facts and reality- india is ultra progressing but nowhere it can stop dowry in Rajasthan or in fact any region! If you can’t handle the customs and rituals it’s difficult to adjust for you since this is Asia after all-
Reply to
Siddhartha *********
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Sasawan **********
For my family, the groom present Sinsod as a proof that the couple have enough funds to proper raise a family before marriage. But for some other family, the parents will actually keep the Sidsod themselves.
Joseph ****************
@Sasawan *********
that’s kind of the litmus test. If the family is looking for a payday for their daughter, run. Their hands will always be in your pocket.Reply to
Joseph ****************
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Patrick ********
Just farm girls from gambling family
Eric **********
Eric **********
I married a "farm girl" put herself thru Uni started 2 businesses. Owned her own condo and a paid for truck. Gladly paid..it helped pay for a decent house for her mom and dad.
Patrick ********
@Eric *********
fancy a straightener you grassReply to
Patrick ********
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Pratya ********
Yes, it's almost inevitable even for a Thai guy.
Rich *******
Just remember. No Thai man in history paid sin sot or dowry for a bar girl, woman with kids, or uneducated farm girl.( Even though they are sweet hearts!) Why should you? Only foreigners do this!
Mauro ********
@Rich *****
bang one lady a day for 500 or 1 k freelance. Or if u look good bang aroudn for freeMauro ********
@Rich *****
yes, the best is have friends and fwb around dont need wife in here are u crazy? Get a wife if a least can support herself and no kids. If have to pay, pay difderent eveeyday model as well cheaper then wife with sxittty familyReply to
Mauro ********
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Mauro ********
Serious bro married a Thai lady? Enjoy this country, if u have to pay, pay everyday a new young one... aniway this sxit is true, but pay a lot just if she from a rich family so u going to get benefit back and about skin color (white lady hight class pay more) and how she is pretty( not how she think is pretty. If she from poor fam and look like gogobar lady dont be so idiot
Mauro ********
Plus if she is young no kid, check id she has kid carefully, can check from pxxy or ask aeound too. Step kid can mess ur life
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Mauro ********
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Paul *************
I have friends that have married in the past few years and yes they paid. From what I understand the amount is based on the education of the girl and the level of job she has. My friend married a girl with a college degree and working as a flight attendant, he paid $30,000 in gold. He got nothing back. The hard part was all the ceremony. You can not embarrass the family in front of friends..
Berto ******
@Paul ************
Did he get to join the mile high club ?Jo **********
@Paul ************
yes what you say is trueDavid ********
@Paul ************
*****
USD for a flight attendant? Damn...Steven ********
@Paul ************
correctFe ********
@Paul ************
that’s right.I have a friend too who got married to a girl who is working in the airport ,he paid 444,444 thb and bought some gold as well and end up getting a divorce after few years .And he paid her 2 million baht for the divorce and still paying for the house now and supporting his child who is living with her.And now my friend is totally broke .They are both thai but the law in Thailand is always on the woman’s side.if your pocket is not ready and you want really to marry an Asian woman try to look somewhere else.Thailand is not the only country in Asia.Alex *******
@Paul ************
rich man to start with... If he can afford that then money no object..Mauro ********
@Paul ************
scammer, pay 4 married wtf, can just marry a rich girl give something backReply to
Mauro ********
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Mark ********
The family gets nothing. It's an outdated tradition as far as I'm concerned.
Tom ********
@Mark *******
then I want my money back. I was married to a Thai in 2011 in a rural village in Isaan. Sinsod is very real, believe meEric **********
@Tom *******
Best investment I ever made... married in a rural village. Most beautiful wedding ever. She is priceless!!Alan *******
@Tom *******
Real in the sense that if they can get it out of you they will.In terms of caring about it as a real aspect of their culture and not just a way to grub some free cash? Not really.
From what I’ve seen of people I know who were asked for it, many parents will happily ignore more common cultural traditions of weddings if you pay up the dowry (like a traditional Thai wedding ceremony in favor of a western one) so you can see where a lot of these people sit in terms of actually caring about tradition.
At any rate, unless the girl is a virgin, fairly young, is supporting the family and will stop supporting the family after marriage, it’s not even in line with tradition.
I’ve seen parents ask for sinsod for 30 something daughters with multiple kids who were also expected to perpetually help them out financially
Mauro ********
@Alan ******
fuxx this sxit why people want marry thai? Just fub guys open ur eyesThai ******
@Mauro *******
wow U must have had a bad experience lolNishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ******
So, basically sinsod is a scam in modern terms, right?Jo **********
@Nishant ***********
no it’s a very serious part of the culture for traditional Thai familiesJohn *********
@Nishant ***********
Just get yourself an Indian girl and you won't have to worry about it.Tom ********
@Alan ******
yes things are changing fast nowReply to
Tom ********
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Mark ********
@Tom *******
I did the same 2009 and was upfront. No sinsod given. Wasnt a problem.Reply to
Mark ********
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Miguel *************
If a Thai woman wants to marry me, SHE has to pay a dowry! 😀
Keith ******
Sinsod still happens but is more prominent in villages in the more rural areas. Any that I’ve seen has only been for family tradition & everything was given back afterwards.
Miguel *************
@Keith *****
among families where this is still observed, I bet that the marriage has a tendency towards ownership of the wife.Keith ******
@Miguel ************
Nothing to do with ownership of anyone, it’s respect for their tradition.Ryan ***********
@Keith *****
😂 The whole reason behind Dowry and the history of dowries were to sell off peasants daughters to the wealthy nobleman Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keith *****
but, this is an old tradition and they must disown it.Siddhartha *********
@Nishant ***********
the rubbish nonsense so called traditions- are still practiced in India - especially RAJASTHAN., if we can’t change it how and what you can do 4000 kms far place?John *********
@Nishant ***********
They can do as they please pal. Who are you to say?Reply to
John *********
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Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keith *****
So, i don't think that it happens in the urban areas in case of modern thai women.Reply to
Nishant ************
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Brandon ************
I've seen posts before where men have said they still do a token amount for tradition and then it's given back to them as a wedding gift
Sam *********
@Brandon ***********
that was my situationNishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
is the amount high?Anthony *********
@Nishant ***********
the only time I have witnessed it was when I went to my ex sisters wedding in Kam Phang Phet, they were both Thai and the husband gave 50,000thb. It went on for like 3 days drinking lao Khao at like 6am and slaughtering pigs to eat it was mental 😂Brandon ************
Probably depends on the family. I don't know exact numbers, I just remember reading posts in the past.
Nishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
on this group?Brandon ************
@Nishant ***********
I believe so. The only other group I'm in wouldn't allow questions about that since it's visa only. Try searching for different spellings since I don't think you spelled it the normal wayNishant ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
i just searched it by this spelling and found some posts related to it. In the comments, they said that it's just a scam since their thai wives didn't ask for sinsot from them.Reply to
Nishant ************
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