Engagement help/advice

[Mai_loo]

Hi,

I am English and live in Bangkok where I have been dating my girl friend for a reasonable amount of time - 1 year+ and we have talked about marriage, recently we have been talking about getting engaged but I am unsure about what happens in Thailand about this.

We walked past a shop selling rings and decided to take a look - my girlfriend kept looking at the rings around the 50,000 baht price - and then today told me that one of her friends rings cost 55,000 baht - I said I thought that was expensive which upset her a lot. Followed by comments basically meaning buying a ring any cheaper would make her and her family look bad. I understand Thai culture but have never discussed this area with anyone before, just 50,000 baht would seem like a lot to pay in the UK!? (never got engaged before so never looked/asked anyone about the ring price.)

I don't have  a huge bank account and I work very hard for my money and see 50,000 baht as a very noticeable deduction from my bank account - in relation some friends of my girlfriend would not earn this amount in 1 year.

Could you please offer some advice on anything relevant ;-)  -> Is this a normal price, what do you normally pay/buy when getting engaged and also while I am on the topic what would a normal/average sinsord (singsort/ money paid when getting married) be for a girl who is 25 with not wealthy parents and with a degree.

Your thoughts, comments and advice would be valued more than you would believe.

Many thanks,

ML <-- This time 100%

[Sashimilvr]

Hi ML,

    I've had a few of my friends get engaged and married within the past year and the rule of thumb for buying an engagement ring is, as I was told, that it be twice your monthly salary.  This "rule of thumb" is simply a guide, and there are, of course, variations dependent upon circumstances and personal preferences.

    Personally, I think that the ring should cost no more than what you can comfortably afford, and nothing more.  

    Hope this helps.

[sevinnow]

Well ere we go again, the ability of the Thai girl to make us farang as guilty as h*ll to get there own way.

My simple advice is you are going to get many more demands beyound your budget on other needs she has if you give in on this one.

Stand your ground on YOUR budget or vote with your feet, unless of course you win the lotto.

Regards

Sev

:cool:

[Thetyim]

Correct me if I am wrong but an engagement ring is a western concept and not part of Thai tradition so I fail to see how the family can loose face if you do not buy her one.

If you need advice it would help us all if you could give us as much info as poss.   We don't wish to pry but is she an ex BG.

By the way did she give you your forum handle ?