In thailand, more than in western countries i think, children are being raised by familymembers and not by their natural parents for various reasons.

Does it make any difference, or are there likely to be problems, for them later on in life ? If so which, if not why ?

I'm no psychologist but ...

I thought it would depend more on the individual person/people who do the parenting rather then if they are their natural or blood parents.

Parenting by a families could promote a wider viewpoint in a child ... a broader outlook.

Parenting by a families could also be a problem when there is conflicting advise given or, lack of consistency, or a feeling by the child that no-one cares.

Like many issues, it often comes down to the person rather then the situation.

That will be 3,000 (Thai Visa Member Discount) 2,500 Baht please ...

A stable enviorement is important, if that can not be provided by the parents than there is no problem getting it provided by others.

What is not a good situation is when children have to deal with new caregivers all the time. That is not a stable situation.

From adoption children you can see also that it is important that children know who their real parents are and preferrably have contact with them.

Happens a lot in Thailand, which lacks the childcare facilities so common in the west, As I have seen the system at work!

The parents pay for the education of the child, when the child becomes employed away from the village, marry and have children it is quite common for the Grandparents to raise the child in the village, the parents send money monthly for the care of their children and the grandparents are compensated for taking care of the child.

Offers the child care to the working parents, as working hours and working conditions do not allow much time to spend at home with the child. Visiting with the child on holidays and Thai holy days.

Offers a safe environment for the child growth with in the family unit, (instead of being care for by strangers). Strengthens the family group by inter dependence on each other.

Offers the grand parents an income in their golden years, being paid back for the raising and educating their of their children by the now adult child to return the favor to their parents of helping take care of their needs.

As I am much older than my wife I plan for her continued care after I am gone. My step daughter's told me daddy do not worry about Mama's future we will make sure she is taken care of! Which has set my mind at ease as I know she will be taken care of.

As our house is paid off, we have no unpaid bank loans or major purchases, the big utility bills due to my almost 24/7 need for air conditioning, Satellite TV and internet service will no longer be needed. We raise much of our own foods and with the girls paying her for taking care of the children they plan to have in the future.

I know this answer goes way beyond your question on child care, but to me it is all inclusive of the Thai lifestyle, that many expats fail to consider when they marry into the Thai family unit.

Cheers: