Dear Hillary,
I only get to see my Thai girlfriend about two times, four weeks every year. We set up a condo together (it’s in my name) and she seems happy enough there, though I am a little worried by the amount she tells me she spends every month. She has a good job and should be able to live on what she earns, but every month she needs about another 40-50,000 baht to keep going. The money she tells me is for maintenance of the condo, then her mother who looks after her two kids up jungle needs money, then the phone bills seem astronomical, and on and on and on. I enjoy my times over there, but I am starting to think that maybe I’m getting ripped off somewhere down the line. Do you think I am?
Zac
Dear Zac,
Simple answer is “yes!” 50,000 baht on top of her wages in a rent-free condo does seem rather excessive. Have you considered saying “No” to the requests? What would she do then? You are only prepared to be there for her for two months a year, and that is all. The condo is not in her name, and actually you could kick her out at any time. Agreed? She has no security, from a guy she sees twice a year, and who sends money. Where does that put the relationship? There seems to be a misguided impression over there that by throwing some money in a Thai girl’s lap this means you have some gorgeous girl now yours, and faithful for ever. Thai girls are just as emotionally needy and looking for a committed partner as girls in your home country, but smile more readily. Two months in 12 is not a relationship, Petal.
