JK-Trilly

Again, I don't really know, but all of my closest expat friends in Thailand have been here at least 20 years and none of them post on this site at all. They might read something if somebody sends them a link to a specific news article, but that's about the extent of their interaction on this site. Even if they're looking for some answers about changes to visa laws or something like that, they wouldn't post a question on this site. What they typically do is speak to other expat friends or do an online search for news articles, maybe go onto the Bangkok Post or The Examiner. And nowadays, many people are posting questions to AI models for answers rather than even searching using engines anymore. And why do they do this, because they don't really put any stock in crowdsourced information or opinions from people whom they don't know. Most of them also don't have a very positive opinion of other foreigners in Thailand in general so that may have a big something to do with it as well. I'm not trying to discredit what you're saying, but this is just based on the knowledge of my core group of long-term expat friends in Thailand.

I would think it's a pretty low number if you are referring to "active expat members". None of my long time expat friends come on here AFAIK. I think there are quite a few that may come for an occasional news article, question or answer, but that's probably about it. If I had to take a guess and, to finally answer your question, I would guess it's less than 5%.

Thank you to everyone, who took the time to cast their vote in the poll and to add something to this topic.

This is just a short follow-up to my previous topic (linked below). Based on all the responses everyone gave, I’ve put together a list of the 10 most common reasons people spend time on the forum (trolling, flaming and bickering not included). To get a clearer picture of the most significant driving factors, I’ve now created a simple poll where you can quickly vote for the reasons that resonate with you the most without having to restate what you already posted in detail earlier. I’m curious to see what really motivates others and whether the reasons people keep coming back are much different from my own. Personally, I’d say it’s mostly boredom and habit in my case. Occasionally, I find it entertaining and somewhat interesting to hear other people’s opinions, but if I could keep myself fully occupied with other activities, that would probably take care of the boredom factor and might help to break the habit. However, based on some of the responses to my previous post, it seems that my reasons are not necessarily the same for others. I’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to quickly and kindly cast your vote (you can select multiple reasons in the poll if you want to). I'm interested to get a better sense of what drives other people’s interests and see what percentage of other people's reasons might align with my own. Thank you.

That does sound like a generally positive approach and a good way to avoid the bickering and toxicity. My only caveat is that I find many of the news headlines pretty negative and disturbing, especially the ones highlighted in the daily newsletters. Do you agree? A lot of the newsletter highlights seem to focus on drug or other criminal-related arrests of foreigners, and there are often stories about foreigners causing problems and ending up in trouble in Thailand. To me, this creates a pattern of negative and toxic topics that I really don’t want to start my day reading. It seems like this type of content attracts attention, which might be why it dominates the newsletters. Honestly, if there weren't so many links to drug busts or foreigner arrests, I think I’d find the newsletters more positive. There’s nothing wrong with including those news stories on the site for those who want to read them, but I don't need them to be the primary focus in my inbox.

Lots of good feedback here. It seems like many people are simply on the site because of boredom, and some are like me, hoping to break the habit completely, rather than looking for happiness or fulfillment, which is something I don't seem to get from the site as I mentioned in my OP. That got me thinking, if we’re not here to find personal happiness or emotional fulfillment, then what is it that we’re actually hoping to get out of the site when we come here? That is a good question. Is it just about passing the time, learning something new, or maybe finding some interesting conversations? Or is it just about being heard, sharing your thoughts with others and offering advice? Perhaps if we shifted our focus a little and thought about ways we can still get something useful from the site, without expecting emotional satisfaction from it, then maybe that would work better. For example, do you think there are parts of the site that offer more intellectual or thought-provoking discussions, rather than pure toxicity, that might be more enriching, even if they don’t provide happiness or fulfillment? Or perhaps some people could find it useful for personal growth, even if the site isn’t a place to seek happiness. I also wonder if there’s a way to engage in a more positive way without getting drawn into reading all the heavy negativity that can sometimes take over. So I wonder how does one manage to avoid the temptation of following negative threads or posts that don’t contribute to anything productive? Is there a way to focus on just the good parts without getting caught up in the drama or angry and intense bickering matches?

I’m actually finding some positives in that though. The fact that the most toxic posters on the site don't have any limitations on their posting abilities has led me to spend less time on the site reading, simply because I don’t want to be in their presence. So in a way, it’s helping me pull away at times. Honestly, I worry that if there were a lot more quality posters on the site to begin with, it would be even harder to stop reading as much. Do you agree?

In fact, just the thought of that might be enough to break the habit. 👍🏼

+1 😂

Ignore is a very useful tool, but if you rely on it too much, you might end up only seeing posts from a small handful of members. To some extent, I think you have to take the bad with the good, otherwise, you’re not really getting the full experience, and it can start to feel a bit limiting. On the other hand, you could also say that choosing who you engage with carefully is just a smart way to navigate any situation.

I completely agree. For nearly 30 years in Thailand, I never really looked at this site. Though to be fair, I don’t think it was even around for the first 15 years that I was here. Over time, I would occasionally glance at it for bits of information, but I never visited regularly. It’s really only in the last year or two that I started reading more, and mainly for the reasons you just mentioned: boredom and age. When I was younger, I wouldn’t have had any interest in something like this. So I guess I have two choices: either somehow become younger again or find better ways to spend my time. I also used to work a lot more, especially on personal projects, and that’s something I plan to start doing more of again. Hopefully, that will help fill my time in a more rewarding way. As I said before, stepping back from spending too much time reading here is a work in progress, but I’m actively working on it.

Maybe so, but interacting with them in an online discussion is still Ok with you?

By definition, an online messaging platform is an online community. An online community is simply a group of people interacting through digital platforms, typically on the internet. But to save us from another 12 posts debating use of the term “online community,” here are some alternative phrases you can use if it makes you feel better: Forum Message Board Comment Section Chat Room

Does this online community make you feel very happy and fulfilled, or are you here mainly out of boredom, loneliness, anger, frustration, depression, or something else? My post here is meant to be a bit of a confession and, for me, I can honestly say it doesn’t give me much fulfillment, yet I still keep coming back to read things daily. I’m not even sure why. I likely fall into one of the categories I just mentioned above. Honestly, it feels like a bad habit I wish I could break, but so far, I haven’t been able to, although some days I am able to really pull away from it all. So it's still a work in progress. That’s not to say I’m here to bash the forum or blame anyone. It’s certainly not anyone’s fault. In fact, it’s probably my own fault for looking for fulfillment within something that likely isn’t capable of providing it. There are a few posters here who seem quite obsessed and very toxic, and I really don’t like reading what they have to say, so I just look past their posts and don’t fall victim to their negativity. So that isn’t really the big problem. Also, it is what it is, so everyone has the right to express their thoughts. I think the main issue for me is that most of what I see and read on the site just doesn’t really resonate with me. There are very few people whose opinions I feel I can relate to. That said, I do enjoy reading posts from a handful of members, particularly those who take a more thoughtful, intellectual, and philosophical approach rather than filling their posts with repetitive bias and anger. Unfortunately, the loudest voices on the forum are often the ones who post incessantly without adding much and often seem to be the most aggressive and condescending. Some discussions are dominated by people who don’t appear interested in real conversation but rather just want to be heard or to criticize others. That makes a lot of topics feel repetitive and unproductive. Maybe that’s a big part of the problem for me and that they create an atmosphere that I often don’t want to be a part of. I tend to browse The Pub and The Political Soapbox the most, and sometimes I check out the (mostly shocking and disturbing) news section. However, I often find that discussions quickly stray so far from the original topic, often turning into bickering matches, that I simply lose interest. I wish I had ideas to offer on how to improve the discourse here, but honestly, I’m not sure if there’s a real solution. Maybe it’s just the nature of online communities. There are only so many topics to discuss, and eventually, things start to feel stale. If I had one suggestion to make, it would be to limit people to a maximum number of posts per 24-hour period. Say, no more than 35-40. I still think that’s a generous number, but it would certainly help reduce the level of toxicity from those who seem to go to great lengths to regularly sour the mood with their daily post counts, often up in the hundreds. That said, I’m curious if there are other areas of the forum that people find more engaging or rewarding, perhaps sections I’ve totally overlooked? I know there are plenty of areas where people ask and share information on topics related to life in Thailand, visas, and similar topics, and those can be really helpful for those in need of specific details. But for me, I rarely need that kind of information, so those sections don’t hold much interest. I do like the section about banking and the economy, but again, there isn’t much new and interesting content being discussed there. It’s often just people having difficulty transferring funds, tax questions, how to open financial accounts, and similar issues. Anyway, I’m just throwing this out there to see what others think. Maybe some of you feel the same way, or maybe you see things totally differently. Any feedback, either positive, constructive or negative about what I said is more than welcome.

The S&P is down 6.75% from its high of 6,147 in early February, closing at 5,738 today. That entire decline has happened within the last 30 days, all since Trump took office. The percentage drop itself isn’t massive, considering how much the S&P has risen over the past few years. What is significant, however, is when it falls below its 200-day moving average, which it did today for the first time in 16 months. A 20% drop is technically required to officially enter a bear market, but breaking below the 200-day moving average triggers a sell signal, meaning traders should exit all long positions. Long-term investors can ride it out, but at this stage, nobody should be going long in equities when this sell-off could still have a long way to go. If the market falls much further, then the only way Trump could push the market back up after the damage he’s caused would be by pressuring the Fed to cut interest rates, but that seems unlikely. The Fed won’t be eager to cut in an inflationary environment, and once stagflation sets in, reversing the damage won’t be as simple as flipping a switch. Trump was handed an almost perfect economic situation, inflation hovering around 2% and unemployment at one of its lowest levels in decades, around 4%. All he had to do was just leave it alone. Then he came in like a wrecking ball with his sweeping tariffs and laying off tens of thousands of government workers, and in just 30 days, he’s already inflicted significant damage. If things continue on this trajectory, he could be facing a full-blown economic crisis in a few months, one that he won’t be able to fix just by flip-flopping his position every 24 hours. No president has implemented sweeping tariffs ever since the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which was widely recognized as one of the major contributors to the Great Depression which started after the stock market crash in 1929. Every president since then has understood that tariffs don’t fix anything, they only break things in the system. He clearly has no idea what he's doing. Only a fool would start a trade war with its closest trading partners. Canada buys more stuff from the US than the UK, France, China, and Japan combined and the have already started making efforts to stop buying American products as much as possible. China is planning to do the same.

The S&P 500 index crossed below its 200-day moving average today, a very bearish situation for the markets, and it's still hovering at that level right now. After testing it during the previous two trading days, with that critical support level holding there at the 200-day MA, it finally broke through it today. This might prove to be a triple bottom forming there at the 200-day MA, which would be a bullish buy signal, and with a chance for the market to reverse back up, but tomorrow’s likely weak February jobs report (unemployment data) could push the S&P 500 even lower. A sustained drop below the 200-day MA is a sell signal for technical traders as the markets unwind and risk going into free fall. The last breach of this critical support area was over a year ago back in October 2023. Trump might not really get it yet, but all of his self-destruct economic policies that he has launched, which are both inflationary, and causing unemployment to rise, could soon be coined as the “Trump Crash”. A situation that also could tip the economy over into a period of stagflation, which is a situation with high inflation, low growth, and high unemployment, all at the same time. Strap in Dorothy, cause Kansas is about to go bye-bye.

Let’s paint the picture. You’re sitting comfortably, perhaps after just consuming a delightful, spicy Thai meal of dubious gastrointestinal harmony. Suddenly, a shift in your lower torso jettisons a fireball of unanticipated methane into the atmosphere, yet a natural, common, and unremarkable occurrence in the grand tapestry of human existence. But then fate often has a sense of humor, and by sheer serendipity, your hands happened to be places behind your back, directly in the path of this transient gaseous and gusting emission when it happened. But here’s where the question gets interesting: having inadvertently “wafted” this manifestation of digestion into your own palm, would you then lift your hand up to your nose to inspect your work? Not as an act of self-sabotage, nor out of any grotesque fascination, but perhaps out of idle curiosity or possibly even scientific inquiry? It might not be an easy question to answer straight away, without employing some further contemplation, but it can reveal something about human nature. It is true that the very idea might seem repulsive, even a line you may never want to cross, however some could argue that it’s a harmless, instinctual act. After all, isn’t there something inherently human about wanting to understand the world around us, even if that road to discovery includes the inner workings of our intestinal system? There’s even an argument to be made for those who do actually lean into their curiosity. Our sense of smell is deeply tied to our biology and emotions. By inspecting the outcome of our own bodily functions, we might subconsciously be gathering data: Am I healthy? Was that Som Tam covered in rotting fermented fish worth it? Should I avoid Thai stink beans before a romantic meeting with the opposite sex? These are valid questions, all of which could, in theory, be answered with a single, self-inflicted whiff of your index finger. But then there are the social ramifications. Even if you’re alone, the act of sniffing your own “wafted work” feels taboo, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of thing that would make you look over your shoulder, just to make sure nobody else is watching, even if you’re in bed and home alone, tightly wrapped under the covers. Why is that? Is it because we are conditioned to view our bodily functions as something shameful, to be kept secret rather than examined and contemplated? Presumably the answer to the question comes down to a bit of personal philosophy. Are you one to embrace curiosity, and the notion of gaining new knowledge at all times, even when it leads to potentially questionable acts? Or do you draw a hard line at methane-based self-introspection? No judgment here, just a simple inquiry into the strange and sometimes unusual quirks of human behavior. So, would you inspect your own work, or is it a hands-down hard pass for you?

You mean like a 3? But my wallet is definitely a solid 12!

Thailand sometimes feels like it is full of possibilities when it comes to women. Whether one is looking for a Thai woman or other foreign women who are also living here, it seems there are lots of options. But it also raises the question: is it better to aim for a “10,” one of seemingly physical perfection, or focus on around a “6,” being someone who is less stunning but perhaps offers more in terms of character, integrity, and real companionship? The reality is that a “10” often comes with lots of challenges. Women who are far above average looking, whether Thai or expat, tend to receive a lot of attention in my experience, both online and in person. In places like Bangkok or Pattaya, you might find many attractive women who are often catching the eye of very many men. This constant attention can make them used to being the more cherished one in a relationship. That dynamic involves a sense of entitlement, higher expectations, or maybe even a lack of loyalty as they may always be looking for the bigger and better deal. On the other hand, women who are more in the “6” range, still attractive but not idolized, often seem more grounded. Because they might not be chasing Instagram likes or have men fawning over them 24/7, they seem more likely to appreciate a man who treats them well. In Thailand, finding someone who values a genuine connection can actually be more of a challenge, but also a breath of fresh air. Sexual compatibility is another important factor to consider. While a “10” might light up the room with her figure, that doesn’t always translate to the bedroom. I find that women who are used to being admired for their looks don’t always feel the need to put in the effort to satisfy sexually. They often assume their physical appeal is enough and they might be more of a starfish. Meanwhile, a “6” who feels lucky to have a caring and committed partner might go the extra mile to make sure you’re totally happy in the relationship, including in the bedroom. This result can be a much more fulfilling and mutually satisfying sex life IMHO. When it comes to dating a “10,” the challenges can even go beyond just the attention she gets. High-maintenance expectations also come into play. A woman who’s used to admiration may expect you to fund a certain lifestyle, whether it’s frequent trips, expensive gifts, or dining at high-end restaurants. In Thailand, this could mean constant weekends off to Phuket, nights out at rooftop bars, or shopping sprees at luxury malls like Icon. Then there’s a possible issue of emotional compatibility. Women who are less obsessed with their own beauty are often more down-to-earth, loyal, and attentive. They’re also not constantly looking over their shoulder for the next admirer or chasing the unattainable ideal of perfection, which can make them much easier to connect with. This isn’t to say that every 10 is high-maintenance or that every 6 is an angel. Thailand, like anywhere else, seemingly has women across the spectrum. However, in a country where superficial beauty can often opens doors for them, it’s worth considering how much weight you want to put on appearance versus long-term compatibility. So, in Thailand, what should you aim for? Is it better to focus on a 6 (or lower) who brings stability and appreciation, or gamble on striving for a 10 and hope she’s the rare one who’s beautiful both inside and out?

This post is about the question of marriage, which comes up quite often in conversations about expats in Thailand. I’m obviously referring to a possible marriage to a woman who works in the sex industry, specifically the ones offering short-term sexual services for money. While I have also indulged personally, I can’t imagine ever marrying one of them. When one sits down and speaks with these girls, it doesn’t take long for the average dude to realize what he’s dealing with. Many of them are skilled manipulators, adept at lying, and are very calculating in their overall approach to money extraction. They also know how to push a man's buttons to get what they want, whether it’s money, gifts, travel and/or marriage. These aren’t qualities I’d associate with someone who would make a good wife or genuinely care for you, your needs, or even be a trustworthy and reliable life partner. Another thing I consider is their background. Many short-time girls come from impoverished, rural, peasant-class environments. Their education is often minimal, and they generally know little about the world beyond their own limited life experiences in Thailand. Many come from broken homes where they’ve had to fend for themselves from an early age, which understandably shapes their worldview, survivalist instincts and agendas in ways that don't align well with what men seek in a life-partner. Emotionally, these women can also be challenging to deal with on a daily basis. Arguments over trivial matters can become frequent, as their level of emotional maturity and lack of intellectuality can get them stuck in a cycle of insecurity and jealousy. They may hold onto strange superstitions, have beliefs in old wives’ tales, and ghosts which can lead to further misunderstandings or clashes in perspective. This isn’t to say they’re “bad people” in any way, but rather that their life experiences and upbringing may not have prepared them for the type of relationship foreign men are hoping for. Another important consideration is the impact of their past work on their ability to form healthy relationships. If someone has spent years engaging with men purely through transactional relationships, where money is the driving factor, it can be hard for them to understand or value other aspects of a male-female partnership. Concepts like trust, emotional intimacy, and mutual respect might take a backseat to financial expectations. Additionally, working as a sex worker for an extended period can leave emotional scars or cause anger issues and psychological trauma that could become irreparable. The constant need to mask true emotions, deal with rejection or exploitation, and navigate an environment centered around money and power dynamics can make it difficult for them to trust, connect, or even open up fully in a long-term relationship. This emotional baggage usually weighs heavily on both partners, often creating friction and misunderstandings that become evident over time. So why do men fall for them? Is it loneliness, the thrill of saving someone, or simply the charm and beauty that these girls exude? Many short-time girls are experts at creating the illusion of affection and love. They are good at making a man feel special, even if it is just for a fleeting moment. Perhaps for some men, this simple hoax becomes addictive, and they mistake it for something real when it is not. Another factor could be a lack of understanding about the cultural and social realities that these women come from. Some men may feel a sense of responsibility or even pity and think they can “rescue” these women from their perils. But, more often than not, these relationships don’t end with the fairy tale type ending they envisioned. For those who marry these girls, the question remains: do they truly believe they’ve found love, or are they happy to settle for the bits of attention and care they feel they can’t get elsewhere? And then what happens if and when more serious financial dynamics of the relationship come into play? Many of these marriages seem to revolve around money, with the man acting as a provider and the woman expecting continued support for her and, often, her family. In my opinion, marrying a short-time girl is a gamble at best where the odds are rarely stacked in a man's favor. While there are exceptions, and some relationships do genuinely work out, the majority seem fraught with issues. These women, by the nature of their work and upbringing, are often ill-equipped to handle the demands of a long-term partnership in the way many men might have hoped for.

Within Thailand's cosmetic surgery industry, one of the most popular procedures is rhinoplasty, also simply known as a "nose job". It’s understood that many Thai women seek a more defined bridge or a pointier tip, whilst usually they seem to be chasing a look that aligns with Western or Korean beauty styles. But to be honest, it appears that not all of these procedures turn out exactly as intended. You may have seen it yourself. A petite Thai woman with delicate features suddenly has a nose that looks like it was borrowed from a Western princess. Or worse, they display the overly sharp, unnaturally elevated bridge that shouts, “Look at me! I’ve had work done!” Some might feel that a little enhancement is nice, but what about when the nose doesn’t blend well with the facial structure, then is it still such an improvement? On the other hand, would you call it a fail? Beauty is subjective, right? Perhaps the women who get these surgeries truly like the results, even if they look noticeably artificial to others. Or maybe they see it more as a status symbol, another way of showcasing that they can afford to undergo a cosmetic procedure and the look of authenticity becomes less important. That said, it’s hard to ignore how some of these nose jobs seem to miss the target on proportion and natural shapes. Are these cases of people pushing their surgeons for a certain look, even if it doesn’t suit them? Or is it more that some clinics aren’t as skilled at matching features as others? And what about the cultural aspect? In Thailand, beauty standards are all about whiter skin, a taller and slimmer build, and a sharp, pointy nose. So this may have created a demand for particular aesthetics that don’t necessarily suit every individual's face. Thus, are Thai women being pressured into looking a certain way at the cost of losing their natural beauty? And when a nose job is overtly fake or doesn’t match the rest of the face, is it a fail? Or should we simply accept that it is their choice, that cosmetic surgical beauty is in the eye of the beholder, even if the results make you raise an eyebrow? Perhaps we need to also view the objectives and outcomes of these surgeries from an Asian perspective rather than just a Western one.

To the true champions of life, those 75 and older, living the dream in Thailand, and still kicking it like you’re 45: do you look in the mirror and think, Yep, I’ve won the game of life? Or maybe you don’t think it, but deep down you suspect maybe it’s true because, well, you’ve lived a long life already and obviously things could have always turned out much more pear shaped. So you made it this far, happily and hopefully healthily, and you’ve done it in Thailand, no less. That’s seemingly not just winning; that’s more like winning with a cherry on top, isn’t it? Or maybe it’s not for you? But if it is, then what’s the secret sauce to making it work? Is it the spicy som tam with runny fermented fish? The tropical weather? The ridiculously good/bad beer? Or is it simply the notion of knowing you’ll never have to shovel snow again? There’s got to be some wisdom to be gotten from it. What choices do you think got you to this golden stage of life, where everything feels comfortably on track? And for the rest of us still in our 50s or 60s, what advice would you give to help us get to where you are now? It’s probably not luck. Presumably you’ve made some good or great calls along the way. Was moving to Thailand one of them? Did it change your life for the better—happiness, health, wealth, romance or maybe all four? Then is it the people, the culture, the laid-back vibe, or maybe the healthcare that helps you sleep better at night? Or is life in Thailand something completely different for you than any of the above?

Aging is something we can’t avoid, but how we deal with it varies wildly. Some keep moving forward, adapting, and continuing to enjoy life as always, while others seem to get stuck, endlessly complaining about every ache, pain, and limitation. For those aging in Thailand, the dynamic takes on an even more unique flavor. For many expats here, growing older doesn’t mean slowing down. You’ll find men in their 60s and beyond who still go out to the bars, chase the same things they did in their 30s, and dive headfirst into everything life has to offer. Whether it’s maintaining an active social life, exercising, meeting new people, or traveling, these folks refuse to let age dictate their pace. They embody that classic “mind over matter” approach, embracing the here and now and staying engaged with the world around them. On the flip side, there are those who seem to have hit a wall. Instead of adapting, they focus on what’s going wrong—the health problems, creaky knees, back pains, and chronic ailments. You’ll often hear them sitting around, talking about their blood pressure, cholesterol, wanting to lose weight and all the things that they feel they can’t do anymore. For them, life in Thailand has shifted from adventure to a growing list of limitations. But here’s the question: Is it just a mindset, or do circumstances play a role? Thailand offers unique advantages for aging expats—relatively affordable healthcare, easy access to good food, warm weather that’s easier on the joints, and a culture that generally respects elders. Yet, it’s not all roses. Some face visa headaches, financial challenges, or feelings of isolation as they grow older without family nearby. For those who’ve spent more than 20 years here, it’s worth asking: Was aging in Thailand part of the plan? Or did time simply pass faster than expected, leaving you as a senior citizen in Thailand? For some, staying here into old age feels like a natural extension of the life they’ve built. For others, the question of whether they’d be better off returning to their home country looms large. The truth is, everyone approaches aging differently. Some lean into the physical realities of getting older but refuse to let them define their lives. Others see those same realities as walls that block the way forward. Where do you stand? Are you still pushing forward with life, doing the same things you did in your younger years? Or have the physical aspects of aging shifted your focus, making you feel more limited than liberated? Stoic or whinger—what’s your approach?

For foreigners dipping into Thailand’s nightlife, there’s a curious question of intent: Are most simply out there for short-term thrills, or are some genuinely seeking a life partner—even possibly marriage to a bar girl? For many, the answer is obvious. The allure of casual, no-strings-attached fun with a beautiful Thai partner is a huge draw. A lot of punters aren’t looking for anything serious, a possible bed warmer during a business trip, some are also already married back home, while others are in it purely for the moment: the excitement, the laughter, and maybe a story or two to share later (or not). That said, there’s also a well-established trend of foreigners over the last 40 years forming serious relationships with bar girls, with many even tying the knot. The dynamic is often complicated, not least because many Thai women working in the nightlife scene send financial support to their families, creating added pressures in any future potential relationship. A 2020 study by Kasetsart University revealed that around 15% of foreign men marrying Thai women had initially met their partners in nightlife settings. Anecdotal evidence suggests this figure could be higher in tourist hotspots like Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok. For every serious connection that develops, however, there are countless others that fizzle out after a night, a week, or a month. The motivations on both sides vary widely. Some foreigners arrive with romanticized notions of “rescuing” a bar girl from her circumstances, hoping to play the role of a savior. Others are drawn to the cultural authenticity and charm many Thai women exude. On the flip side, many bar girls are savvy professionals with clear goals, whether that’s financial security, a chance at a new life, or just a good time. So, what’s the dominant story here? Are most foreigners in Thailand’s nightlife simply enjoying the fun and variety, or is there a larger group seeking something deeper, like marriage or long-term companionship? Are these unions quite common or does the scene still lean heavily toward casual connections over commitment?

I’ve been considering something that I think a lot of people in Thailand’s unique environment often ask themselves: Is it better to stick with short-time encounters or to invest in a more traditional girlfriend setup? Short-time has its obvious perks. It’s simple, transactional, and straightforward. No drama, no misunderstandings, no emotional roller coasters, and no navigating a woman's biological monthly ups and downs. Just a direct exchange that lets you enjoy the experience and the moment and then move on. Plus, the variety is a big bonus—you’re not tied to one person, and there’s always the excitement of someone new. From a practical perspective, it’s also much lighter on the wallet when paying per serving when compared to the ongoing running costs of maintaining a girlfriend or a regular partner. Meals out, trips, gifts, all that stuff. That said, short-time can also occasionally feel too transactional. Sure, it’s convenient, but there’s also something appealing about having a deeper connection with someone—something that feels less commercial, even if it’s not a full-blown relationship. A girlfriend you see regularly might offer some added benefits, like greater passion, intimacy, or simply a sense of familiarity that you don’t always get in short-time encounters. But then again, with a girlfriend comes the flip side: the costs, the time commitment, sacrificing some of your freedom, having to please another person, and the potential for drama or misunderstandings. Even the day-to-day effort of keeping a relationship going can feel like a grind. If your goal is to keep things simple and focused, as well as problem free, it seems a girlfriend might not be the best choice. For those of you who’ve experienced trying both sides, what do you think? Do you say stick with short-time arrangements for their simplicity and low stress? Or do you think there’s some merit in having a girlfriend, even if you’re not looking for a full-fledged relationship?