- Cultural beliefs about marriage are divided along lines of acceptance regarding who a Thai woman marries and where that person is from. In rural areas many marriages are arranged for Thai women by their families. These arrangements are strictly between two native Thai people. Modern ideals have changed that for some and those who move to the city often prefer to find their own mate. However, there is a large prejudice against a Thai woman marrying a foreigner. It isn't uncommon for them to be heckled in the street while walking with a Western beau. "Bar girls" in Thailand are prostitutes who often seek out Westerners specifically for marriage, and many Thai women who publicly have a Western partner are assumed to be prostitutes. Those who take a modern view are more accepting, and some even look up to a Thai woman married to a Westerner because her economic situation is assumed to be preferable.
- Traditional Thai culture is adamantly against premarital sex. Boys and girls are not allowed to spend the night together unless in a large group or with family. Conservative Thai politicians blame Western culture for lax morals amongst teenagers and an increase in premarital sex. One senator vowed to start a campaign to remind Thai people of their traditional values of retaining virginity. In changing times, those with a modern viewpoint disregard the notion that premarital sex is wrong, although it isn't as openly spoken about as it is in the West. The advent of premarital sex is greatly affecting the Thai sex worker industry, which is losing customers because non-sex workers are more willing to have sex outside of marriage.
- Traditionally, Thai women are expected not to smoke. Smoking is often linked to "bad" girls. Thai women are also taught to be shy and distrustful of strangers. A Thai woman, even today, will not approach a stranger unless she sees a great need for it. However, Thai women will smile at a stranger, as this is a cultural way of greeting, much as Westerners shake hands and the French kiss cheeks.
There are extremely restrictive laws in Thailand regarding abortion. It is illegal throughout the country with exceptions being given for rape and exposure to chemicals which could deform the baby. Hundreds of thousands of Thai women get illegal abortions each year. There are intense debates on women's rights to have an abortion in modern Thai culture. - Tradtionally Thai women didn't work, but stayed at home to be the head of the family and take care of the finances. Some conservatives still hold this view. Thai women expect to receive gifts from their husbands as a sign of status in society. Money is very important in Thai culture. Some Thai business women never marry because it is thought that if she has her own money, then there is no need for her to marry. Thai women make significantly less than men do for the same kind of work.
Interestingly, as of 2003 there were 45 women among a 499 member Parliament. There were 20 women in a 200 seat Senate. The tides are changing, slowly, in terms of accepting and respecting women in the work force. - In Thailand, it is considered extremely inappropriate to show "excessive" parts of the body. Clothes that are common in the West, such has spaghetti strap tops and dresses and mini skirts are thought to be scandalous in Thai culture. The Thai government is very much involved in trying to curb the inappropriate dress of Thai women as they become more exposed to Western culture. Universities, too, have played part in banning certain styles of clothing for their students. Students who have not adhered to their rules are punished. One such punishment is community service.
Marriage
Premarital Sex
Behavior and Rights
Work
Clothing
SHARE
