Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: What is the best way to send money to someone in Thailand?

Answer: There are several choices as follows:

• Bank wire: Safe, but slow, inconvenient, and costly. Normally you have to make a trip to the bank (inconvenient). The banks in the U.S. charge a sizable fee (costly) and banks everywhere give a very poor exchange rate (doubly costly). The funds are usually posted to the recipient's account within 3 banking days (slow). This is really the worst method, to be used if you have no other choice.
• Western Union: Safe, fast, convenient for U.S. residents, somewhat costly. U.S. residents can send Western Union money online. Others must visit a Western Union outlet. The exchange rate is ok. And it is very fast. The recipient can claim the money within minutes of you sending it at any of the Western Union offices throughout Thailand, most convenient within greater Bangkok, may be less convenient up-country.
• ATM Card: Safe, fast (once established), convenient, inexpensive. This is a good method for sending money regularly to someone in Thailand. For just a few payments it is not worth it - use Western Union instead. But for recurring payments you setup a new bank account in your home country specifically for this pupose and get an ATM card for it. Send the ATM card to the party in Thailand. Then contact them via another method (phone or email) to give them the PIN. Now all you need to do is deposit money to the account whenever you want to send them money. The receiving party in Thailand can withdraw the money any time. The exchange rates are normally quite fair and the cost is limited to the ATM transaction fee your bank charges.

FAQ: I don't see any ladies on your site at this time that fit my requirements. Can you search for a specific type of lady for me?

Answer: Yes. We added Personal Search Service in early 2003 and have since helped a number of clients. And it is not only prospective marriage partners that clients have asked us to search for. We have performed searches for missing girlfriends and even for domestic workers. Contact us with your requirements. We will assess the probability of success and draft a service agreement that details the services and fees.

FAQ: I want to correspond by email with my lady in Thailand. Do I need special fonts?

Answer: If she is writing to you in Thai the answer is yes. Do a search for Thai fonts using your favorite search engine and you will find numerous listings.  We won't give detailed instructions here since there are so many different operating systems and browsers.  Just find the one that fits your OS and browser, download and install.   Of course, you need to understand Thai to go to the next step.  Email us if you need translation assistance. And check out our keyboard stickers for converting your standard keyboard to a Thai keyboard.

FAQ: What is this I have heard about a dowry or "bride fee" that is expected from a man wanting to marry a Thai lady?

Answer: Sinsort as it is called in Thai is a long standing tradition practiced by Thais.  The bride's family expects the groom to pay them an amount of money that is based on the two families' financial status and social standing.  Sinsort is in part a show, with about half of it usually returned to the newly weds after the wedding.  Another reason for sonsort comes partially from the cultural tradition that places most of the responsibility for taking care of the parents on the eldest daughter.  Since the groom is taking the daughter away it is natural that he should see to it that the parents are cared for.  The size of sinsort varies a great deal depending on factors such as the age of the bride, wealth and social standing, and any previous marriages.  It can range from nothing to several million baht.

FAQ: I'm 41 and I'm interested in writing to a lady who is 21.  Is the age difference too great?

Answer: No, you should pursue her.  Thai culture places more value on age and wisdom than youth and fleeting good looks like western culture.  As an older, wiser and more stable man you are a much better prize than a young good looking playboy.   Go for it!

FAQ: Will you be offering tours to Thailand?

Answer: Updated April 2002 - Tours are no longer being planned.  Instead, in the future we will be offering personalized introductions.   Check back for details.

FAQ: What is the conversion from metric (cm and kg) to English (inches and pounds)?

Answer: The conversion is 2.54 cm per inch and 2.2 pounds per kg.  Therefore, a lady who is 163 cm tall and 46 kg weight is 64 inches (5'4") tall and weighs 101 pounds.  Height and weight of each of our ladies is given in cm and kg as well as inches and pounds.

FAQ: What is the time difference between the United States and Thailand?

Answer: Thailand is 15 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.  If you call your lady at 9:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday it will be 12:00 noon on Wednesday in Thailand.

FAQ: Do most Thai ladies speak English?

Answer: It varies a great deal.  Most Thai ladies have some English speaking skills, although their vocabulary is limited.  So use simple words when writing and speaking with them.  Many have very limited ability to read and write in English and will normally have to have your letters translated before they can read and respond.

FAQ: What is the major religion in Thailand and how does that affect East/West relationships?

Answer: Buddhism is the major religion in Thailand.  By its nature it is quite tolerant which means it does not stand in the way of relationships with people of other religions.