“Dating apps are for losers.”
The endless swiping and lack of genuine interactions might have affected some users’ mental health and left a bitter taste in their mouths.
But dating apps aren’t all bad, especially if you’re a foreigner dating in Thailand. Rather, they’re one of the best ways to meet women.
This article explains the necessity of using a Thailand dating app and guides you in choosing the best one for you.
What Is the Best Way to Date in Thailand?
According to The Nation, dating apps aren’t as commonly used in Thailand as in other countries. But if you’re a foreigner, they’re among the best approaches to dating women.
Why, you ask?
They offer a wider dating pool.
Platforms use location-based matching. Wherever you are in Thailand, your matches will be close enough for you to meet them.
They’re practical tools for starting conversations.
The language barrier can make dating challenging. Fortunately, dating apps include messaging translation features, so communication shouldn’t be much of an issue.
They’re safe mediums for dating.
Most apps have a verification system. Users are required to submit identification documents and undergo facial recognition to prevent scammers from creating fake profiles.
5 Popular Dating Apps in Thailand
When visiting a country, people will often tell you to do what the locals do. In this case, these apps are the ones Thai daters commonly use. You won’t run out of matches with these platforms:
#1: ThaiFriendly
Founded: 2010
ThaiFriendly is the most-used dating app in Thailand. Over a million active profiles are on the site, with the majority being locals between 18 and 35 years old.
Standard membership is free. Users can send one message every 10 minutes, add profile notes, and use basic search.
On the other hand, the cost of the premium membership starts at $19.99. Users can use the app offline, send unlimited messages, get read notifications, and more.
Is the app worth it for foreigners?
According to ThaiFriendly Reddit reviews, the app makes dating feel too transactional.
One user, u/GuideIntelligent6853, states that most women on the app work in bars in Pattaya. This means they rarely have free time to go on a date, unless you pay their employer for their hours.
They also state that the free message feature is ineffective since most attractive profiles belong to premium users.
ThaiFriendly is a good choice if you’re only looking for quick interactions or casual, short-term relationships.
#2: ThaiCupid
Founded: 2002
ThaiCupid is an app that focuses on creating international romances. It has over three million local and foreign users, most of whom are middle-aged, employed, and looking to settle down.
Registration, profile creation, and basic matching are free. However, sending and reading messages requires users to purchase an upgrade.
According to ThaiCupid Reddit reviews, the safety and security of the app are questionable. There are plenty of scammers posing as women. They lovebomb you, then ask for money or send suspicious links, making the whole experience feel inauthentic.
If you’re a foreigner looking for a serious relationship with a Thai woman, you can find one on the app. But it’ll be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
#3: Omi
Founded: 2018
Omi is more popular with younger daters, particularly teenagers and young adults. It has two major features: its location-based matching and its user personality assessment based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
This Thailand dating app may be popular with the younger crowd, but it has a smaller user base compared to its contemporaries. Moreover, locals recommend that users go for the paid versions for a real chance at success.
#4: Coffee Meets Bagel
Founded: 2012
This San Francisco-based app has become popular amongst Thais. Media monitoring platform Dataxet reported that Coffee Meets Bagel was among the most mentioned dating apps on social media, clocking in at 12%.
Its algorithm takes age, educational attainment, and relationship goals into consideration. It also has a seven-day chat limit policy that discourages ghosting and encourages matches to meet in person.
But like Omi, Coffee Meets Bagel has a small user base. It’s worth using in big cities, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but not so much in rural areas.
#5: Skout
Founded: 2007
Skout is a Thailand dating app for foreigners looking for holiday romances. The user base consists of an older, wiser crowd.
Unlike most dating apps, it gives singles the option to search for matches in a separate city. This is useful if you want to arrange dates before traveling to the location.
The app is free and offers basic features, such as liking profiles and messaging. However, it requires users to purchase or earn points to remove ads, boost popularity, and gain insights about potential matches. The app is also buggy and shows incomplete profiles.
Choosing the Best Dating App in Thailand
Based on the list above, you’ll see that even the most popular Thailand dating apps have their flaws. In this case, how do you know which one to use? Here’s a checklist for your reference:
#1: Intentions
What kind of international romance are you looking for? Do you want a casual relationship or a serious one? Each app caters to different types of daters. Some are for quick flings, while others are for lasting connections.
#2: User Base
What are your preferences? If you’re looking for a younger partner, for example, register on a Thailand dating app that's popular with such users. Mingling with the wrong crowd will only leave you confused and frustrated with the lack of matches or meaningful interactions.
#3: Features
Weigh the free and premium features. With some apps, you can thrive, even without paying. They already offer you the necessities, including searching profiles, liking, and messaging. Meanwhile, others ask you to cash in for every little move.
#4: Safety
Some apps have more fake profiles than genuine ones. Read user reviews to avoid wasting time and energy on something that won't bear fruit.
How Do I Stay Safe While Using a Thailand Dating App?
Most dating apps have security systems in place. These include profile verification through facial recognition, end-to-end encryption, and blocking tools. However, scammers still find ways to infiltrate the platform.
With this, you should also take it upon yourself to protect your well-being. These tips should help you weed out the scammers:
#1: Read their personal information.
Look at your match’s bio. Is it full or sparse? Does their information add up? If their bio lacks even the most basic details and has inconsistencies, that should be enough to warrant suspicion.
#2: Ask for their social media accounts.
Matches usually ask for each other’s social media handles and follow one another. But if they won’t disclose even one profile, it’s a cause for concern.
#3: Look closely at their photos.
Does their profile picture look familiar or too good to be true? Save the photo and do a reverse image search via Google Images. You’ll see who the original owner of the picture is.
#4: Be aware of your relationship’s progress.
It's only been a few days since you matched on the platform. But they’re already telling you they love you. If things are progressing too quickly, your match may be a scammer pressuring you to fall for them.
#5: Think twice before granting favors.
There’s nothing wrong with helping out someone you like. But you might want to think twice about sending money if you haven’t met them in person.
Should I Stop Using Dating Apps? Not Necessarily.
The only reason you should delete dating apps is if you've already found a partner. Don’t let naysayers convince you otherwise.
If online dating is leaving you frustrated and burnt out, we recommend finding a balance. Try your luck swiping and meeting women in person.
At AFA Bangkok, we offer you the best of both worlds. Aside from connecting you with marriage-minded Thai women online, we provide opportunities for in-person meetups through socials and tours.
Finding love is more efficient, more convenient, and safer with our help.
References:
The Nation. 2024. “Dating Apps: New Gen Singles Exploring Online Love Trends.” The Nation. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038705.
u/GuideIntelligent5953, "What's your experience of Thai Friendly app so far?," Reddit, May 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/Pattaya/comments/1l4n2op/comment/mwb7lvm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button