After The Water Is Gone

[Wolfram]

I understand most things you can get in Bangkok or other places in Thailand. I am coming to see my fiancee and family in Bangkok in December. I believe the floods are gone then but I like to prepare to get things most needed and probably more expensive to get there then. You all know Thais do not really tell you what they want except money and other non useful items. Anyone has any ideas? Please no silly answers as I am serious here. Thanks a lot.

[Microwave]

Where will you be coming from? Perhaps something culturally interesting and unique from the country and/or region you're from would be of interest to your future in-laws.

[Nisa]

It would depend on your fiancee and family wouldn't it ... in terms of what they like and are into. Many Thai girls love things they can show off, especially name brand items which are often cheaper in other countries but expensive here.

But hey, don't knock money. It really is the best gift in terms of allowing the recipient to get what they want or need. However, it can be tough to know how much to give. If they are a typical Thai family (not well off) then I am sure they would appreciate your handing them some cash letting them know you really were not sure what to get them and hope that the money will allow them to buy something they really need or want ... you can also include a cheap item such with a logo from your home country like a shirt or mug or something.

You can also ask your fiance what the family members might want you to bring.

[jalansanitwong]

Gifts from farangs are completely lost on Thai's unless your pi-noi and her family can eat it,wear it or preferably sell it. Money is the number gift. Does she have a tax file number ? If not ...dump her.

[mijan24]

Gifts from farangs are completely lost on Thai's unless your pi-noi and her family can eat it,wear it or preferably sell it. Money is the number gift. Does she have a tax file number ? If not ...dump her.

The OP asked for some thoughts/advice not stupid comments!!

[robblok]

Gifts from farangs are completely lost on Thai's unless your pi-noi and her family can eat it,wear it or preferably sell it. Money is the number gift. Does she have a tax file number ? If not ...dump her.

So most tourguides who make nice money but have no tax number should be dumped.

You know so much about Thailand you really do

There are plenty of people making money who are not prostitutes but have no tax nr. Its not like in the civilized world mr Noob.

[Lifer]

Gifts from farangs are completely lost on Thai's unless your pi-noi and her family can eat it,wear it or preferably sell it. Money is the number gift. Does she have a tax file number ? If not ...dump her.

The OP asked for some thoughts/advice not stupid comments!!

Thank you for saying that! Not enough of it is said on this blog. Thanks again!

[Wolfram]

Thanks. Guess I have an idea now. Have been there many times. So I guess it is just reading between the lines. Thanks again.

Edited October 27, 2011 by Wolfram

[jybkk]

OP, please don't listen to these guys and their cliches.

Yes, naturally Thais don't have much original ideas about what you could bring from the west. It doesn't mean they always want something they can just trade or use for showing off.

However, if what you want to bring is some kind of "relief" for the flood, chances are that money would be the best to replace things that were damaged. For the same amount in Thailand you'll be able to get a lot more, especially for basic things.

Money isn't going to be seen as a lack of thought from your part. Maybe bring it with a nice card and a small "non essential" item (a good bottle of whiskey for the dad, ...)

[Bpuumike]

If they're up in Issan (a wild guess of course) some Winter clothing wouldn't be a bad idea. As mentioned, they do like foreign labels.

[Orac]

Their financial status will have a great deal of bearing on what they would appreciate along with how severely they have been effected by the floods.

Unless they are fairly wealthy there is every chance they will be struggling if they have been flooded out since very few thai housesholds have insurance cover for flood damage and it is not overly clear if the flooding will have finished by December anyway.

[Samuian]

A box of perrier and some canned tuna will do, make sure to release the gaz firzt, don't forget some chocolate, got to be swiss!

Dunno they maybe like serrano ham, olives, chorrizo, tempranillo and 103 spanish brandy!

[Wolfram]

A box of perrier and some canned tuna will do, make sure to release the gaz firzt, don't forget some chocolate, got to be swiss!

Dunno they maybe like serrano ham, olives, chorrizo, tempranillo and 103 spanish brandy!

Great - THANKS!!! They are actually in Bangkok and not heavy affected - so far no water where they live! I hope German chocolate will do also because I am German - sorry to all swiss! I will try also to get something special from Ireland - 'Brandy butter' where I am sure they don't know about.

I have been there so many times but these sugestions are really apreciated!!!

Thanks again