Online dating and dating in Thailand both come with their own set of rules.
So when you combine both, you’re in for a special experience to say the least.
Not that I’m an expert on the topic but I’ve got some experience and after a few years living in Thailand and seeing my friends (Thais and expats) dating a lot, I’ve picked up a few things that you should know in advance.
So let me share with you a few tips for online dating in Thailand.
Contents
1. Use the right dating app
Online dating is really popular in Thailand and there’s a ton of apps and websites you can use to meet single Thais.
From international names like Tinder to niche dating sites like Thaifriendly or Thaicupid.
There are enough people on these apps to keep you busy for a lifetime.
But each app has its pros and cons.
While Tinder, Bumble, Thai Friendly, and Thai Flirting are better for casual dating, dating sites with more detailed profiles like Thai Cupid will definitely seduce those looking for something serious.
Check my post on the best online dating apps and websites in Thailand to find the right one for you.
Now that you got the right tool, let’s play.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask if she’s a girl, or a ladyboy
Most niche dating apps in Thailand separate girls and ladyboys.
So that tip doesn’t apply to them.
But big international ones like Tinder, Happn or Bumble usually don’t have that option.
So each time you have a doubt, look at their description, they often say if they’re a ladyboy or transgender.
If it’s not mentioned and you still have a doubt, don’t be afraid to ask them (unless you like surprises).
Now if you’re into ladyboys, there are online dating apps just for that too. (more about it)
3. Ask for her Line ID
Line is by far the most popular messaging app in Thailand.
If you don’t have it yet, you should absolutely download it.
And while you’re at it, check my list of apps you must have in Thailand over here.
Now as soon as you meet a girl, online or in real life, get her Line ID and move the conversation over there.
It’s easier to talk on this app, completely free, and you don’t take the risk to lose her contact.
4. Jump on a video call
That’s not something I’ve never done but all my friends who date a lot in Thailand do it almost as soon as they start talking to a girl.
It’s an easy and fast way to see if she looks like the photos on her profile and to get to know her better than by text.
I personally hate to text now.
Even if emojis help a lot, emotions are lost in texts and they’re too open to interpretation.
I must admit, at least with the video you learn a lot more about someone.
That can save you a lot of days of texting and awkward dates.
5. Don’t talk about money
That is probably my number one tip for dating in Thailand.
And it’s true for online and dating in real life too.
A ton of foreign guys has this preconceived idea that Thai girls are after their money.
While all girls in gogo bars or freelancers in clubs most definitely are, that’s not the case for most girls you meet in Thailand.
Leave money out of the discussion unless she brings it up or waits for when the bill comes on your first date to talk about it.
Don’t ask “how much?!” in your opening lines.
Money and dating is actually a really interesting topic.
If you’re curious to know more about it, my friend Jan made a video with Sarah from the channel “Thai with Sarah” on Youtube where they talk about their view on it as Thai girls who date foreign guys.
6. Be realistic
Like for everything online, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
So let’s remind you guys to never send money online to people you don’t know.
Ask the girl out, and if she keeps saying no, or cancel all the time, get away from her.
7. Plan a first date ASAP
The sooner the better.
It’s easy to spend a lot of time “dating” online but nothing replaces a real date to get to know someone.
Even though there’s a lot of cool places for a date in Bangkok, keep the first date casual.
A bar or cafe is a great place to get started.
Don’t commit too much time to it or money to your first date.
Make it easy to escape if you don’t like her/him.
There’s nothing worst than getting stuck for hours with someone you’re not attracted to. (been there 😅)
What are your tips for Online Dating in Thailand ?
These tips just cover the 7 biggest mistakes I’ve seen with online dating in Thailand.
But there are so many things to say about it, we could go on forever.
What are for you the best tip about online dating in Thailand?
Let me know in the comment.
And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask me anything in the comments.
I’ll do my best to answer or to get my friends who got more experience on that topic to contribute.