The intermarriage of Thai women in Germany

Abstract

Intermarriage between Thai women and foreigners is a social phenomenon rapidly increasing. Its popularity stemmed from the expectation of a better living. However, their lives after marriage and moved to foreign countries are not as smooth and easy as expected. The objectives of this study are to find out what really happens to their marriages and livelihood in Germany, their economic, social condition, and health. The research would also evaluate how marriages affected their lives and family both qualitatively and quantitatively by studying from various documents and collecting data from field study. The questionnaires are used to collect data from 396 Thai women marrying foreigners. Besides, 11 Thai women in Germany and 12 women in North-Eastern part of Thailand are interviewed in depth. The result of the study shows that the prenuptial background and general characteristics of most of the women is of the native habitats of rural areas, age at their first marriage ranges between 15-20 years and unsuccessful first marriage. Economically speaking, their income is barely enough and they have a lot of household burdens affecting their fertility. Having no child of their own gives them the opportunity to marry to foreigners. The livelihood in Germany is a single family with low fertility rate due to birth control. Once abroad, Thais always like to congregate and this causes a lot of problems such as gambling, quarrel, adultery, comparison, competition, etc. Moreover, the migration from tropical country to cooler atmosphere is another difficulty. Language, food, culture, and social manners are matters they have to learn in order to live happily. Most husbands do not agree with their sending money to support families in Thailand; therefore, these women have to find a job in order not to using their husbands' money. Some have to work as prostitutes legally while still married to their husbands because they have no special skills to find other jobs. Besides the necessity to support families in Thailand, the pressure driving them to work hard is the competition among them to show off their richness so they can gain the acceptance from all their neighbors in their hometown. From the viewpoint of the local developers, we find that Thai women play an important role in helping developing the community which is good for the economy. This study also explores their attitudes towards intermarriage. Most of them voice their opinion against marrying for a better life and discourage young girls to do so. However, they give some advice to those seeking a happy marriage life abroad. In conclusion, the findings in this study are beneficial to female organizations and government sectors on devising plans to support Thai women marrying to foreigners and provide them with important information on adapting to the new environment.