How Are Children From First Marriages Treated In Thailand?

[venturalaw]

Can anyone explain the culture in Thailand of how children from first marriages seem to be not recognised or are not 'part of the family' of a new marriage?

I have a brother (American) who has children from his first marriage to a Thai woman. He has divorced and remarried another Thai woman. She and her family do not want him to have much, if anything to do with his first children. He hardly ever sees them even though they all live in Bangkok.

His second wife is now pregnant and he says that they do not intend for his first children and the baby to have contact. He says it is Thai culture and a 'sensitive' issue. He respects his wifes wishes and that of her family and so does not see his first children (although he supports them financially).

This is very difficult for us (his Western family) to accept and there have been big family arguments / discussions about this - his first children are already a part of our lives and have cousins who they see once a year. It means that we can never have a family gathering and invite ALL the family - we can never mention all the cousins / nieces /nephews / grandchildren in bonded terms....

Can anyone with knowledge of Asian culture explain if this is normal and indeed a 'sensitive' situation in Thailand? Are there any situations there of famous Thai couples who have children from previous marriages who are included in the second marriage? If so we can use this as an argument!

Thanks

Your brother is not wearing the pants in the second relationship, and I know that sounds corny. A better way to put it, is that his 2nd wife is a complete liar and is dictating the terms of the relationship and he is too big of a coward to stand up to her for it. Or perhaps he is just a jerk and is using this as an excuse to avoid seeing his first children because he does not want to. Atleast, he is taking care of them financially.

In no way is a cultural issue.

GL

Had not thought of that possibility. Perhaps he and his 2nd wife are cut from the same cloth. If true, that would really be a pity for the children - all of them.