Column – Jealousy as a way of life
In the world of Thai love, jealousy is not a sideshow but a main course. Farangs like Hans think they are living an exotic fairy tale, but their Thai partner, Dao, plays the game with sharp claws and iron discipline. This is not a romantic adventure, but a fight of looks that kill and flowers that are misunderstood. Love? Maybe. Survival? Definitely.
In Thailand, the mia noi is an established phenomenon: the 'little woman' who knows her place in a life full of smiling hypocrisy. She is a status symbol, luxury item and consolation prize all in one. While the wife is silent and the husband grins, everything revolves around power, money and appearances. But who is laughing the loudest here? Maybe nobody. Or everyone.
The many confusions surrounding true love
Love has many faces. All variations have already been reviewed here, so nothing new under the sun in this story. Let it at least be a reminder. A warning for the gullible. But also an encouragement for the sceptics to sometimes take the plunge and especially not to close their eyes to possible doom scenarios. True words: 'It's better to die trying than to do nothing at all' (It's better to die trying than to live without doing anything).
'In the grip of illusions about love and desire'
John loses himself in a fleeting romance with Thai Sanya, who works as a barmaid in Pattaya. When she suddenly disappears, he flies back to Thailand determined to find her. But the reality he finds is far from the dream he was trapped in.
He is 66, she is 34. Their relationship takes place in Thailand, where the difference in age and culture is sometimes painfully felt. While he longs for peace, she seeks adventure. They share moments of love, but also of misunderstandings and silences. Two lives that try to merge, but often move past each other like waves.
Ronny or 'even old trees can be repotted'
What should have been a joyful reunion turned into a painful farewell. Ronny, once a lively man, was no longer the same and passed away shortly after our meeting. As I was returning to Bangkok, the news reached me that he had suddenly passed away in the arms of his wife. His death brought me a mix of memories, sadness and confusion.
Once upon a time: Henk or how endlessly happy a Thai woman can make you
Life in Thailand has many stories, often fraught with misunderstandings and prejudices. Yet there are also beautiful, sincere romances that show that true love transcends differences. In this story you follow Henk and Noi, who, despite their different backgrounds, start a new chapter together. Their path is not perfect, but that is precisely what makes the story so heartwarming.
Love without borders: how Walther found his happiness in Thailand
Some stories aren’t about betrayal, failed relationships or culture clashes, but about finding love in unexpected places. This is the true story of Walther, a simple mechanic whose life changed forever when he met a Thai woman. A story that proves that true love knows no boundaries, even thousands of miles away.
Love comes in many forms, but intercontinental relationships between Western men and Thai women often provoke strong reactions. In this series of stories, I share personal experiences and encounters that show how these love connections are sometimes frowned upon, but also how they leave deep impressions. From awkward encounters to unexpected friendships, these stories always strike a chord.
'What does a farang look for in such a peasant from Isaan?'
Thailand is a country where social hierarchy and class have a significant impact on daily life and social interactions. In this class society, individuals are expected to choose a marriage partner from the same social class. Many Thais are therefore surprised about the relationships between Thai women from the Isaan region and Western men.
Isan women, the raw reality (final)
We continue with more examples of Isan women. The sixth example is the eldest daughter of my eldest brother-in-law. She is 53 years old, married, has two lovely daughters and lives in the city of Ubon.
Isan women, the raw reality (part 2)
In part 2 we continue with the 26-year-old beauty who works in a jewelry store. As already mentioned in part 1, it concerns a farmer's daughter, but a farmer's daughter who has successfully completed a university study (ICT).
Thai men can cry too
A Thai couple has been living together for over a year. The special thing is that we have known the woman for over ten years and the man for about six years. And without our interference they still found each other, even though they didn't exactly live in each other's neighborhood. So a big coincidence.
Why is it that so many Western men turn to foreign women with a low level of education and all the associated limitations in communication and the difficulties that cultural differences entail?
This personal anecdote, submitted by GeertP, takes us on a thirty-year journey through the fascinating life of Fa, a woman from the Thai village near Khorat. Raised under difficult circumstances, Fa showed incredible smarts and determination to change her destiny early on. Using her charms and the possibilities of the digital world, she navigated a series of marriages, traveled the world and transformed her life. This story sheds light on Fa's peculiar path and the cultural differences in perception surrounding her actions.
Pieter, a 43-year-old businessman, leaves his predictable life in Groningen for an adventure with 25-year-old Noi in Pattaya. He leaves his wife and children, but the dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Plagued by regret, alcoholism and abandonment by Noi, he ends up in a downward spiral of loneliness and isolation.
My call to participate in a documentary series about the personal and social adventures of Thai-Dutch relations has caused quite a stir (mainly positive). In addition, I have already received a number of nice responses by email.
About bad Thai women and naive men
Are foreign men who fall prey to overly greedy Thai ladies themselves (partly) guilty of that or not? Do they make wrong choices when entering into relationships? Is it naivety, bad luck or a lack of people skills? Can this happen to everyone or just those who like the wrong women?
Good or bad? Say it!
A story about Thai ladies who don't take fidelity too seriously. Of course there are also foreigners who copy that behaviour. Gringo wonders whether or not sex with another partner is acceptable within a relationship?
Thai gold digger on the road
Nui and I have been living unmarried and happily together for 10 years. Without (major) problems thanks to clear agreements. This piece is about a friend of Nui, friends for 15 years. I call her Sasa, unmarried, 40 years old now and well educated. Share a lot on Line, exchange photos about restaurants and the meals there, among other things. Innocent pastime.
Koos from Beerta, a real unlucky one
Gringo describes the adventures of Koos, an acquaintance who came to celebrate in Pattaya but came home with a rude awakening. A story about love, lust and sorrow.
A classic love story from Thailand
Thousands of stories have been written about how to deal with Thai ladies, even many books can be found in the store and yet….some never learn. You and I, as experienced Thailand visitors, know the ins and outs, but for newcomers it is yet another classic example of what threatens to turn into a “love drama”.