Hi Hillary,
Keep the bright side of life going – for those of us not lucky enough to be in Thailand all the time we certainly appreciate the Thai sunshine you bring to us. My Thai wife and I get over about three times a year and you’ve got no idea just how much I look forward to it.
It is certainly refreshing to see a Farang / Thai marriage success story. For the doubters out there – yes, there are very many others who share in the wonderful experience of being married to a Thai woman. Dare I give advice? Okay then, but it is the same as for any other prospective long term union irrespective of nationality – “remember to engage the brain before slapping the gear stick into top and then pressing the turbo button.” Yes, there are many differences in culture to overcome and the rules are not quite the same, “face” was certainly a new concept for me to understand! But a good Thai woman with some education and a sensible and flexible Farang man who can listen and try to understand can match just perfectly – it is after all only the fool and his money that are soon parted, but parting with a little here and there occasionally to help the family is expected and is not so bad, is it? Not when you look at the rewards.
Happy
Dear Happy,
I am so glad I can add you and your wife to the ‘happy’ relationships pile, my Petal. You are correct when you say that there is a certain amount of flexibility required to overcome the cultural differences, but that comes from both sides. She has to understand you just as you have to understand her. Financial assistance for the family is expected in Thailand, but provided this is kept to within agreed limits there is no problem. In fact, most farang husbands enjoy taking on the additional responsibilities. I hope you will always remain “Happy”!
