Here are some facts about the major issues that have a negative impact on Thai-Western dating. Some of them are upsetting and/or based on incorrect assumptions, but they are all factual. Being aware of these facts and knowing how to deal with the problems they cause will greatly improve your chances of being successful in your search to find someone special.

Fact: Several years of sensationalized media coverage have created unflattering stereotypes for Thai women.
We really don’t like mentioning this detail over and over again, but the “Bargirl” and “Mail Order Bride” image problem is the foundation that many other issues are built upon. We’re not saying these groups don’t exist, but they are certainly not at the levels Westerners imagine they are.

Fact: Because of said stereotypes, many quality Western gentlemen do not visit Thailand and will never consider dating a Thai woman.
Why would a respectable man think about dating women from a country he believes is full of bargirls and desperate young ladies looking to marry any guy for his money? And why would he travel to Thailand and subject himself to the embarrassing rumors that are sure to spread amongst his friends, co-workers and family members? Visiting Thailand can create a stigma that no quality gentleman wants to be associated with.

Fact: Thailand is a favorite destination for Western men who seek young brides and/or naughty nightlife.
The same stereotypes that repel some men also act as a magnet for others. Guys come from all over the world come to meet groups of women half their age who are looking for marriage with a Western man. And bar-loving bad boys love it here since they have plenty of choices to satisfy their naughty nightlife needs.

Fact: Many quality Thai women have a poor opinion of Western men.
How could any Thai lady think differently when all she sees are arrogant and disrespectful Western guys running around her country? This is what happens when the good guys stay away and the bad boys come running. It’s only natural for Thai women to assume that the unpleasant behavior they observe everyday is normal conduct for all Western men.

Fact: The “Media” (including many Thai dating sites) continue to focus their attention on the stereotypes mentioned above.
When was the last time you saw a news report about educated, professional Thai women? Never? It just doesn’t create the same viewer interest that half-naked pole-dancing girls do. And how many times have you seen a Thai dating site (except SiamHoney of course) advertising that their members are mature Thai women? Never? It’s almost always “Meet Young, Sexy, Hot Thai Girls looking for marriage.”
 
Fact: Cultural differences make Thai-Western relationships much more complicated.
Traditional beliefs can create conflicts of interest and language limitations often lead to misunderstandings. Thai-Western couples must be strong enough to overcome these extra challenges when trying to start and maintain a healthy relationship.

So there you have it, the facts are what they are. It might make finding love in Thailand seem like a huge mountain that is impossible to scale, but we prefer to think of it more like a simple brick wall. The foundation of the wall is solidly formed with the concrete stereotypes. Add a layer of bricks and mortar for all the facts we noted above and you got yourself a pretty decent barrier. It’s a barrier that’s built mostly with misinformation, misconceptions and misunderstandings.