Alpha84

I am wondering how many people abstain from casual sex and quick hookups in Thailand simply because they fear catching an STI/STD? Also, is it common for people to engage with sex workers in Thailand, but avoid having full intercourse and only engage in touching because of that same fear?

Sounds like the winner!

Marrying a Thai woman and putting her on a stipend of 50,000 Baht per month or staying single and spending that same money on short-times? Now don't post any drivel about companionship, love, a deeper understanding, relationship, family, kids, etc. That isn't the question.

What do they want men for? They don't need financial security and support. So are they more sincere and altruistic in their intentions when looking for a male life partner?

Owning means your paying the mortgage every month on that 4" squared piece of real estate and not using it very much of the time. Renting means you only pay per serving based on what you consume. Far better value for money and a much lower average per unit cost.

I read on a blog that the top 3 male qualities that the average Thai woman looks for are as follows: 1 - Having a lot of money. 2 - Same as number 1. 3 - Revert to number 2. It also said that the 5 most useful things to remember about women in Thailand is: 1 - You never lose the girl, you only lose your turn. 2 - It’s cheaper to rent than to own. 3 - Whatever unscrupulous things they did to the last guy will be the same that you can look forward to. 4 - It’s purely the bulge in your back pocket that they like to feel the most. 5 - They are all special and different. Is any of this true???

Thank you all for the great advice and feedback. Sounds like I just need to bring my wallet and leave my brain at home because that's all that will be needed. And thankfully it seems like the only thing about my appearance that will matter will be the size of the bulge in my back pocket. So no worries that I don't look like Brad Pitt. It's Danny Devito with the protruding right buttt cheek all the way!

So I’ve decided I’m not going to get involved with any ladyboys whatsoever. And, when I arrive in Thailand, I’m not even sure yet if I really want to try and get involved with any real Thai women from any of the dating sites based on all the mixed things I’ve read and all the feedback I have gotten. But, if I do make an attempt to meet some Thai females, then what are my chances of meeting a real woman who is truly interested in having a real romantic relationship with a foreigner an not solely just for his money? I mean, let’s face it, I’m not Brad Pitt. In fact, some people have even told me they have seen better heads come out of zippers if I’m to be honest.

Besides the fact that some are physically very attractive, if I do choose to have a long term relationship, or to eventually marry a Thai woman, then what are considered to be some of the greatest positive and negative aspects of getting so deeply involved with a Thai woman? I am trying to develop an understanding of what one might expect and what the possible upsides and downsides are to having a serious romantic relationship with a Thai woman in Thailand. On the surface they appear to have a lot to offer, but I don't know about anything beyond that. Are things like honesty, integrity, sincerity, infidelity, reliability and morality areas of general concern or are they not an issue? What about other things like materialism and superficiality, intellectuality and emotional maturity? Thanks.

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping for something a bit more substantive. A few people have given some good guidance, and I appreciate that, but I still have unanswered questions and many replies were short subjective opinions that I can’t really apply in a useful way. I will try and take what is helpful here and do some more online searching to see if I can find some good additional guidance.

I found this forum after many posts came up while searching online for information about transsexuals in Thailand. I'm straight, not married and I'm half East Asian, half Caucasian. So I have some understanding of Asian culture from my upbringing. I'm now living in Dublin where I have been based for 4 years. I like the place here very much, better than Singapore where I was based for 12 years prior, and now I'm planning a first trip to Thailand for a 2 week jaunt next month. I'm excited about exploring SE Asian culture in Thailand and reconnecting with some of my own Asian roots. I am also interested in meeting some local women if that's at all possible. However, I've heard that it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between Thai ladyboys and real Thai women. I want to ensure that I don't accidentally end up in a situation where I mistake a ladyboy for a real woman, that is if I am going to attempt to engage with the opposite gender over there at all. I guess I have several questions on the subject before I decide if I am going to venture out socially or not and would appreciate any advice or tips from the community on how to avoid making such a grave miscalculation. Are there any specific physical characteristics that can help me to differentiate a ladyboy from a cisgender woman? I don't mean the obvious differences in genitalia. For example, should I look for differences in certain features like lips, eyes, hands, feet, or something particular about body structure? Can the tone or pitch of someone's voice also be a reliable indicator of a Thai transgender versus a real Thai female? Are there particular ladyboy speech patterns, behavioral nuances or personality characteristics that I should start to become familiar with? What about body language and mannerisms? Are there certain gestures or behaviors that are more typical of ladyboys? Are there differences in how ladyboys and cisgender women dress or apply their makeup in Thailand? Are there specific clothing styles or trends of Thai ladyboy fashion that I should become familiar with? If I'm in a situation where I meet someone and I'm a bit uncertain, is it socially acceptable for me to ask them directly about their gender? Also, is it possible to approach this question respectfully and without causing offense? Are Thai ladyboys generally open and forthcoming about their male gender if questioned about or do they often try to avoid disclosing or revealing that they aren't a real cisgender woman? In the context of bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues, are there specific places I should avoid where ladyboys are more likely to be present or congregating? How can I also navigate these locations to ensure I avoid getting involved with a ladyboy unexpectedly? If I were ever to use a Thai dating app, are there particular signs or information in user profiles that can help identify whether someone is a ladyboy or a cisgender woman? Are there any common misconceptions or pitfalls that new visitors encounter when trying to avoid Thai ladyboys and meet a Thai woman through a dating app? I tried to cover everything, but is there anything else about Thai ladyboys that I didn't mention, but that I should be particularly cautious or aware of? If I were to accidentally engage with a ladyboy, and only realize my mistake during say a possible sexual encounter, then what would be the best remedy in that moment to safely remove myself from the situation, avoid possible danger or aggression against me from the ladyboy and to end the situation as quickly and amicably as possible? Is it helpful to ask any locals for advice or guidance on this matter when I arrive? If so, how can I approach this topic with them without seeming disrespectful to the local people and their culture? I realize I am posing a lot of queries, but I always want to be seen as being respectful and considerate if I do try to navigate through this aspect of gender culture in Thailand. I have nothing at all against transgender people. I fully respect them and the personal choices that they make for themselves, but I just don't want to accidentally find myself engaging with one romantically and/or sexually. Thus, your insights and advice on how to avoid making the mistake of inadvertently choosing beef when what I really want is some soft tender fish (sorry for my poor euphemism), would be greatly appreciated Thank you in advance for any of my many queries that you are able to help answer.