Thailand. It’s a great place to visit; the food is amazing, the culture is rich, and the people are beautiful inside and out.
It’s a tropical paradise, and there are many things to do in the country. Solo backpackers and first-time tourists alike love exploring Thailand. But, understandably, it can get lonely when you’re travelling to another place all by yourself.
So, why not date one of the locals?
It’s not a bad idea—Thai people are open-minded and would love to go on dates with you.
But before you dive headfirst into that idea, there are some questions you need to answer for yourself:
What is it like to go on a date in Thailand with the locals, and what are some things you need to know before asking out a Thai woman on a date?
The Traits of a Thai Woman
Thai people are naturally hospitable, warm, and welcoming. The women are spunky, playful, and very accommodating.
One of the most well-known traits of Thai women is their soft and feminine nature. While many countries are known for their feisty women, Thai women are soft-spoken and gentle.
They’re the type who will date to marry, and they don’t play around when it comes to love and marriage.
How to Date a Thai Woman
It’s a common sight to see tourists, especially foreign men, going on a date with a local Thai lady. You’ll see them in your local bars, restaurants, and even beaches.
Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles,” and its people are undoubtedly beautiful, charming, and lively. But what’s it really like to date a Thai local?
When you’re dating a Thai woman, you should know that you’re going to carry a lot of weight from their expectations. But before you get discouraged, don’t be.
While this may sound intimidating, you need to realize they live in a society built around patriarchy; it is almost expected that men should carry most of the weight, especially when it comes to courting and dating.
Yes, they are easygoing, but that doesn’t mean you should go gung-ho on your first date together. There are several things that you should know before you date a Thai woman.
Learn the Language
Like going to every non-English-speaking country, knowing more about the country’s language gives you a slight edge when it comes to attracting the locals.
While people from Thailand can speak English, according to a statistic about the English proficiency of non-English-speaking countries from Education First, Thailand is ranked 106th out of 116 globally, which means miscommunication is inevitable.
It’s important to learn basic Thai sentence structures and phrases if you want to win the heart of your date. You are demonstrating your commitment to effectively communicating with her while respecting her culture and language.
Respect their Culture and Customs
In Thai culture, dating a woman means you are serious about committing to being with them for life. And according to their culture, if you want to date a woman, you need to date her family, too.
Thais treasure their culture. As such, they value family above all else. While they recognize that individuals from various countries, particularly those from Western cultures, have different traditions and customs, it is essential to respect and understand their culture, no matter how alien it is to you.
Thai Dating Customs: Modern vs. Traditional
Unlike most Western countries, Thai dating customs are still being practiced even among the younger generation of locals. Though the country is becoming more modern and progressive, Thailand still upholds its traditional values when it comes to dating and romance.
What are the differences between the traditional and modern ways of dating and courting in Thailand?
The Old Ways of Courtship
Men Make The First Move
Since Thailand is a patriarchal society, they believe that men should be the first to make the move, despite the women having an interest in them.
It is expected that the men should approach the women in a subtle and friendly way—courtship is the most important process of getting into a relationship with a Thai lady.
Men are tasked to plan out their dates ahead of time. While this is still practiced today, men back then had to know which restaurant they should take the girl to and which restaurant they should take the girl’s family to.
The Family Must Approve
Thais are extremely close to their families; they are close-knit. If you were to date a Thai woman, you would have to meet her parents first and gain their approval.
To court a Thai woman, you have to show your worth to her family. This is to see whether you are capable of taking care of their daughter.
The Family’s Influence In Dating
Thai families used to arrange marriages and find suitors for their children.
The way they find suitable suitors for their children is via children of other (usually rich and powerful) families or from their friends.
Modern Courtship
Women Choose For Themselves
Thai women nowadays choose the men they want to date—no longer do they need their parents to choose who will be their future spouse.
Women choose the person they want to date not for money or power, but because they feel special and/or in love with them.
Dating Apps And Speed Dating
No longer do Thai people need to go through their parents to find themselves a date—many are now using local and international dating apps.
When it comes to speed dating, Bangkok is the best place to visit because of its beautiful people and inclusive culture.
While asking people out in bars and clubs is still a thing, many Thais prefer the convenience and availability of online dating.
Incorporating Modern Methods with Traditional Values
The majority of Thai people engage in modern methods of dating, yet still hold the value of being traditional lovers.
While the nature of speed dating and online dating apps is usually for casual relationships, Thais, especially women, take dating seriously. They understand that forming relationships is not something to be taken lightly; they see it as a stepping stone towards marriage.
Many of the younger generations still hold the traditional values of relationships. While it is noteworthy that the younger generation of Thai women is given the autonomy to choose who they want to date and marry, their choices are still heavily influenced by their families.
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Now that you know what to expect when dating a Thai local, all you need to do is set up a date and experience it firsthand. Remember: As a man trying to date a Thai woman, you have to respect her culture, get to know her family, and communicate.
Go on a date in Thailand and experience love unlike any other.
References:
“Dating in Thailand - Everything You Need to Know.” n.d. It's better in Thailand. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://itsbetterinthailand.com/dating-in-thailand/.
“Dating in Thailand: finding love as an expat.” n.d. Expatica. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.expatica.com/th/love/relationships/thai-dating-2172889/.
“EF EPI | EF English Proficiency Index.” n.d. EF. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/.
“Everything You Need to Know About Thai Dating Customs.” 2020. Truly Thai. https://www.trulythai.com/blog/thai-dating-customs/.