Siam Legal International

Dowry

Despite its extensive urbanization and the ever increasing number of foreign expatriates relocating to Thailand, the country remains steeped in its traditions. The payment ofdowry to the parents of a would-be bride isan Asian custom that is still widely practiced in Thailand.

A dowry or Sin Sod is paid by a man as an act of gratitude to the parents of his fiancée for her good upbringing. At the same time it also covers for the loss of a daughter and a valued worker. In addition, the dowry is proof that a man is financially capable of supporting his Thai bride for the rest of their lives.

If you are a foreigner with a Thai fiancée, one of the things you need to understand is how to determine the amount of dowry you should pay her parents. Part of the pre-wedding tradition in Thailand is the negotiation between the would-be groom and his future wife’s parents regarding the Sin Sod. Take note that aside from the dowry itself, you also need to give your Thai brideTong Mun or 24 karat gold. The more gold you give, the better. During the negotiation the amounts for both the Sin Sod and Tong Munare discussed.However, the dowry is usually returned after the wedding to the newlyweds to help them get started in their new life together.

The actual amount to be given is based on several factors: the bride-to-be’s social status (including her virginity), her educational attainment, occupation, and family background. A virgin Thai lady with a university degree and a good job would require a dowry price of between 100,000 to 300,000 baht. In contrast, the dowry would be considerably less for someone who is uneducated and is of modest means. In cases where the bride has beeneither previously married, with children, or is no longer a virgin, a dowry is no longer necessary.

The dowry in Thailand is a tradition that deserves to be respected, especially by someone like you who is about to marry someone from a culture that places great importance to it. Of course, this does not take away the true value of the woman you love. Aside from the cultural aspect of marrying a Thai woman, there are also legal matters that need to be dealt with. It would be best if you employ the services of a lawyer from a reputable firm that specializes in such matters, to help you regarding the documentation necessary for your marriage to be recognized and considered legal both in Thailand and in your home country. Your lawyer can also help you draft a Prenuptial Agreement if you want to secure your assets before you marry.

With all the legalities taken care of, you and your Thai bride will be more than ready to start your exciting life together as husband and wife.