Thai Brides: Modern Thai Wives, Facts, Costs & Statistics

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Mail Order Bride-US

20 min readMay 22, 2024

Thailand is the country with one of the highest marriage immigration rates, and Thai mail order brides are some of the most popular foreign wives. Still, there are a lot of myths about them, and it’s pretty hard to distinguish them from reality. I’m going to explain how things really work in this industry, who Thai brides are, and how to meet them.

❤️ Success rate: 82%
💳 Average cost of mail order bride: from $6,800
👩 Average age of foreign brides for marriage: 22
📱 Best site to find Thai mail order bride: SakuraDate
💔 Average divorce rate: 18%

Best Sites to Find Thai Brides in 2024*

Most men who marry Thai women meet their future wives online, on dating sites designed exclusively for Thai and foreign singles. Here are the platforms where one can find his perfect match.

SakuraDate — best overall
EasternHoneys — best for a social media-like experience
TheLuckyDate — best for casual chatting
NaomiDate — best for interactive communication
OrchidRomance — best for mobile use

“My top personal pick for now is SakuraDate — a new site that already looks very promising. There are detailed profiles of Thai mail order brides, multiple communication features, real gift delivery, and some bonuses for newcomers that let you test premium services without making a real purchase.”

How to Find a Thai Bride: Best Way to Meet Thai Brides

Thailand is the country that hit two records. First, it’s the country with one of the highest marriage immigration rates. Second, it’s the place with one of the highest numbers of online dating users in Asia and all over the world.

The number of Thai women and men using online dating sites is expected to amount to 3.18 million users by 2027. Around 35% of Thais are using online dating platforms, and over 31% of them use apps at least several times a week.

Of course, many Thai women, as well as men, are looking for local partners, but as I’ve mentioned previously, Thailand is a country that’s also associated with marriage immigration. Here, intermarriage is common and even socially encouraged, and around 800 Thai citizens immigrate to get married in the United States alone.

Most Thai brides meet husbands in the US and other countries of the Western world meet them on the niche online dating site created to connect men with Thai mail order brides or Thai women for dating. Such platforms not only have the right dating pools but also provide multiple advanced online dating services that allow users to build deep emotional connections before they meet in real life.

Niche websites work best for singles willing to find a Thai mail order bride, but when it comes to this segment of the online dating market, you need to know how to avoid the pitfalls.

“There are a lot of international dating sites that claim to be able to connect you with Thai girls. Even if we exclude platforms offering users to mail order Thai brides, which is obviously just a scam, a lot of options are left. I’ve chosen a few interesting platforms that work well for different categories of users, so if you don’t know where to start, just take a look at the list:
Sakura Date. Sakura Date is a new and promising website to meet mail order brides in Thailand. It already has thousands of Thai women registered, and this number is expected to grow dramatically.
Eastern Honeys. It’s one of the oldest Asian dating sites with a lot of success stories of men who’ve found their Thail girlfriends here.
TheLuckyDate. This site is perfect for those who want to meet single Thai women and like mainstream dating apps. TheLuckyDate works pretty much like Tinder but has a few serious advantages over it.
If you’re going to meet a Thai lady online, you’d better stay a bit skeptical. Also, I’d recommend setting your priorities first — that will help narrow the search and, in the end, make the right, conscious decision.”

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Other Popular Ways To Find a Thai Bride

Not only niche websites can work for foreign men looking for their dream “Thailand mail order bride.” There are alternative options, too, and just like Asian dating sites and mail order bride websites, they have both pros and cons.

📱 Mainstream apps & social media sites

They’re free and incredibly widely used, so the chance is you’ll be able to find a dream Thai woman on Tinder or Instagram.

Pros & cons of mainstream apps & social media sites:

➕ They are usually completely free

➕ A huge user base

➕ You can learn a lot about a Thai woman you’re going to approach

➖ Few Thai women looking for foreigners

➖ Hard to find a family-minded Thai bride ready to immigrate

✈️ Independent trips to Thailand

A man can also just go to Thailand for a few months or for good and meet a special Thai woman there. This option isn’t for all, but it might be perfect for some categories of men, for example, those who have remote jobs.

Pros & cons of independent trips to Thailand:

➕ Chance to learn a lot about the culture

➕ Direct communication with Thai ladies

➕ Beautiful and not too-expensive country

➖ Costs a lot more than a dating site membership

➖ No guarantees, a lot depends on luck

👩‍❤️‍👨 Meeting Thai girls in your home country

Not all Thai girls immigrate only after they find a husband. A lot also become labor immigrants or come to the US and other countries to study, so sometimes, men don’t even need to go anywhere to meet a Thai woman.

Pros & cons of searching for a Thai bride in your home country:

➕ Direct communication with Thai women

➕ A Thai woman won’t need to assimilate into a new society after getting married

➕ No problem with visa and immigration

➖ A lot depends on luck

➖ Harder to meet a Thai woman who’s 100% motivated to start a family

How to meet Thai mail order wives? The choice is yours, just consider all the benefits and drawbacks and make your decision.

How to Get a Thai Bride

There’s no one-size-fits-all scheme for getting a Thai wife, but there’s an algorithm of actions that can help a man find a Thai girl, start a relationship, and marry her in the near future.

Find the site that will help you achieve your goals

“There are hundreds of sites claiming to be able to connect a man with his perfect Thai bride online. However, most won’t work well enough for you personally. That’s why it’s so important to choose among multiple options, do some research on each, set the priorities, compare the platforms, and then make a choice. If you make a well-informed decision and find the site that meets all or at least most of the criteria you have, you’ll be more likely to succeed. Let’s say it’s SakuraDate and analyze other stages on the example of this particular website.”

Test it to know perfectly how the system works

“A niche website isn’t a place where you can just swipe left, swipe right, and message someone until you agree to go out for coffee tomorrow. It’s a complex system. For instance, on SakuraDate, members can start live chats, send Letters, audio messages, video messages, files, and virtual or real gifts. There are two types of search and some extra features, and the costs for using them are different, while some are free. Analyze the system before and not after you make a purchase, and you’ll be able to use the platform more effectively.”

Get a good online dating profile

“Thai women for marriage will be picky, and that’s explained by the fact that she’s not just looking for a boyfriend to date for two months in Thailand. Most girls on Thai dating sites want to meet future spouses, and they take it seriously. Many would skip a profile without photos and detailed information about a user, so if you don’t want this to happen, improve your personal page. On SakuraDate, you can describe yourself, and the word limit is huge, as well as the partner you are looking for. Just use this chance.”

Use search & matchmaking features to find a special Thai woman

“Most Thai women for marriage you’ll meet on the site will be attractive. However, it doesn’t mean that contacting them all is a good idea. Be picky, too, and use search filters and special matchmaking services to find someone who’d really be your perfect match. On SakuraDate, you’ll be able to see suggested profiles and use extended search filters and swiping, and profiles will be detailed. Take the process seriously and make a choice based on information about the user instead of making random emotional decisions.”

Develop a strategy and communicate with Thai women until you meet the one

“You need to get a Thai girlfriend, build an emotional connection online, and meet in real life. So, communicate. Use Letters or chat in the case of SakuraDate, and once you meet someone who seems special to you, start using video messaging, audio messaging, and other services that can help you get emotionally close to a Thai bride.”

That’s how you can get a Thai mailorder bride pretty fast and without spending a fortune.

Thai Mail Order Brides Price

❗Though you see terms of Thai bride cost and price, it’s important to emphasize that you can’t buy a Thai woman for marriage, nor is there a price you can pay to get beautiful Thai brides over the mail. These terms are just an old-fashioned way of describing all the costs associated with getting a Thai mail-order wife.

I’ll make a rough estimate of the Thai bride cost for 2023. Keep in mind that your total might be a bit different, depending on your preferences and budget, but knowing what to expect is always smart.

Fees of International Dating Sites

It’s not that easy to get an estimate of how much you can spend on a dating website, as a lot depends on which of the sites to meet Thai brides you choose and the length of your search and communication. All the best Thai dating sites are credit-based, meaning you don’t have a fixed monthly price to pay but pay only for the services you actually use. On average, singles spend around $100-$200 on such dating websites, and it takes around 2 months to find a Thai wife, so the average total is $300.

“If you are searching for budget-friendly options to find a Thai bride online, consider these dating websites:
SakuraDate — from $2.99 for 35 credits (discounted price) to $200 for 1,000 credits. All new members get 30 credits for free after registration and email confirmation.
EasternHoneys — from $2.99 for 20 credits (discounted price) to $149.99 for 750 credits. You can get 20 free bonus credits and 10 extra for email confirmation.
TheLuckyDate — from $2.99 for 2,000 credits to $179 for 80,000 credits.”

Traveling Expenses

Eventually, all Western guys come to meet their Thailand mail order brides IRL, and here is the average cost for that:

Round-trip tickets (From New York, USA to Bangkok, Thailand): around $1,113
Accommodation: $72 per day for a standard double room
Local transportation: about $12 per day for taxis, local buses, subways, etc.
Food: from $17 per day
Entertainment: $19 per day

So, the total for 1 week in Thailand is $1,953, and 2 weeks in Thailand will cost you around $2,793.

Visas

You can legally bring your mail order bride Thailand to the US as your fiancee if you are a citizen on a K-1 visa. The cost of obtaining this visa stays the same:

Filing I-129F and Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) — $535
Visa application processing fee and Form DS-160 — $185
Medical examination — $50-$200
Filing Form I-485 to adjust the status of your Thai wife and get a Green Card — $1,225

So, the total visa expenses for your future Thai wife are around $2,200.

Wedding

That’s the trickiest part to calculate, as a lot depends on the preferences of your future wife and you. Also, some experts don’t take into account the cost of the wedding for the Thai bride cost at all.

On average, the cost of a wedding in the US is around $29,000, and having the wedding ceremony and reception in Thailand will cost you around $6,500-$16,000. But you can also opt for a small civil ceremony, which will cost you only the cost of the marriage license for $30-$93, depending on the state.

Author’s Comment:

“Western men should also know about one important tradition known as Sin Sod, which is deeply rooted in Thai culture. Sin Sod is a dowry that is paid to the parents of a Thailand bride to honor their work of raising their daughter well. The cost of the dowry depends on the status of the Thai mail order bride you choose and is, on average, 100,000- 300,000 baht ($2,800-$8,500). There is also a tradition of Tong Mun, 24-carat gold that you give to your future Thai wife (that’s equivalent to the engagement ring), and there is no set sum for that.”

How to Save Money When Looking for Thai Women

Of course, getting a Thai wife is not cheap, but if your budget is tight, here are a few tips to cut costs:

Keep an eye on those credits. Thailand girls are fun to chat with but spend credits on Thailand women who meet your criteria.
Pick the right time for traveling. Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and the cost of flights and accommodation in season is way more expensive. To get better prices, travel to meet your Thailand girl in April-June or September-October.
Go for a smaller wedding. Choosing a civil ceremony and small reception will save you thousands of dollars and still create the same great memories.

Plan your expenses every step of the way. Being more rational than emotional will help you stick to your budget.

Success stories

“After losing my first wife, I remained single for almost a decade and thought that I wouldn’t ever be able to love again. Don’t get me wrong; I tried dating. But every time, it wasn’t right. One of my colleagues met his wife, who was Asian, through a dating website and asked for help. My thought process was, “If I can’t find someone here, why not try overseas?” That’s how I met charming Thai girls, or should I better say Thailand mail order brides. The best thing about this site was that I was meeting Thailand brides, not just women who were not sure what they wanted. That’s how I met Lamai. I was amazed by her beauty from the first moment I saw her, but her personality and femininity were the things that stole my heart. Now that we have been married for over a year, the thought of never falling in love again makes me laugh. If any of the guys here think that their love life is over, believe me, you need to meet gorgeous Thai women. Their charm will heal your wounds.”

“I can’t say that my story is interesting because I joined SakuraDate just out of curiosity. I’ve heard a lot about overseas brides and about the women who are open to international marriages, but I wasn’t sure how they worked. My curiosity led me to one of the popular sites where I met my Thailand mail order wife. Our story started with chatting nonstop for 2 months, sexting, and being so emotionally open. I never thought that I could be so vulnerable with another person and that she’d accept me as I was. I didn’t feel any cultural differences or language barriers, as I got the feeling that I had just met my soulmate. And I was sure that it would last. As of now, we are going through all of the legal status adjustment process, which is not easy, but it doesn’t rock our boat. And we plan to grow our family soon, as my Thai girl wants a lot of children, and I don’t mind that either!”

Cons of Finding a Bride from Thailand

Many Thai brides still follow the tradition of Sin Sod, aka a groom is expected to pay a dowry
English proficiency is very low in Thailand, so it can be challenging to communicate with local women
Cultural differences impact the way Thailand ladies see relationships and family

Relationship Advice:

“Being ready to have differences is essential for building a relationship with a Thailand woman. It doesn’t need to be hard, but having cultural and mentality differences is unavoidable. The key here is not to keep your thoughts to yourself and then bombard your partner with all of the things she does wrong but to find a way to communicate productively. Being tolerant and accepting is vital. If you face language barriers, hiring a tutor, even for a few months, can make a big difference. Finally, in terms of Sin Sod, which is the equivalent of making a present for her parents, giving money is easier than choosing a ton of presents, which usually equals the same amount of money.”

Thai Bride Interview

The best way to learn the reasons why local ladies become Thai mail order brides and want to meet foreign husbands is to actually ask them. I’ve been chatting with many Thai brides online, but the one who agreed to do an interview was a member of SakuraDate, Chelsea.

Q: Chelsea, how did you decide to be a Thai mail order bride?

A: Well, I can’t say that there was a particular moment when I decided to be a Thai mail order bride, as I frankly have no idea that women who are looking for husbands abroad are called that. I joined the site to meet someone special, fall in love, and marry a decent person. I think of myself as just a Thai girl looking for love, not a mail order bride.

Q: Why did you join SakuraDate and not any other site?

A: I’ve used other dating services, but most of the foreign men on them weren’t looking for anything serious. They wanted to sext and exchange nudes. Though I think that the sexual part of an online relationship is fun, I value meaningful connections and am looking for a serious relationship, not something casual. When I found SakuraDate online, I read a few reviews, and most of them emphasized that there are Western men ready for commitment. That’s why.

Q: You are such a gorgeous and talented girl. I’m sure you have many Thai suitors. So, why do you choose to date foreign men?

A: Thank you! To be honest, I can’t say that I had that many guys who liked me, as there are so many Thai girls that local men just don’t need to make much effort. I want to meet someone who will love me for who I am, take care of me, respect me, and be ready to embark on an adventure together filled with love, laughter, and the joy of pursuing our dreams side by side. I believe that Western men are better for that. They are known to be good husbands and fathers.

Q: How long have you been using this site, and what is your experience with foreign guys so far?

A: Oh, let me think…probably for 3 weeks or something. Many guys message me, and most of them are quite decent. The majority of my suitors are guys from the US who are interested in serious relationships, and I like that a lot. I’ve noticed that many want children. That is something I also see in my future.

Q: Do you feel cultural differences or language barriers when chatting with men?

A: My English is not perfect, but I practice a lot and understand everything, so no, I can’t say I feel the language barrier. And if there is something I’m not sure about, I just ask. And about culture, I never thought about that…All the men I’ve chatted with for a while were very respectful, genuine, and interested in talking and getting to know me. Also, they were open to talking about their experiences and plans for the future. I think that I’ll be able to tell more about that when I’m in a long-term relationship.

Q: I see that you have quite a successful blog; do you tell your flowers that you are a Thai mail-order bride?

A: I don’t use the term “Thai mail-order bride,” but I think I’ve mentioned that I’m single. My blog is more about my love for art and my works; I don’t think people care about my personal life.

Q: What do you expect from your experience on the site? What type of man do you want to meet?

A: I hope to find a loving partner who wants the same things in life. Someone who is a passionate, driven individual who values a healthy lifestyle and appreciates the arts. I feel like SakuraDate is the right place for me. I’ll tell you when I’ll meet my future husband 🙂

Why Do Thai Women Look for Foreign Husbands?

As we learned from Chelsea, some Thai girls search for partners abroad as they are ready to start a family and want to meet a decent match. American and Western men, in general, are known to be better husband-material and caring fathers. Also, many Thai brides want to have bigger families, which is something many foreigners are also up to. Another thing worth knowing is that there are many stereotypes about mail order brides like they are gold-diggers or want to marry for a Green Card, but it’s just an outdated misconception. Some Thai women can be motivated by their hopes for a better future, but most of the women online just want to love and be loved.

Thai Mail Order Bride Statistics

Here are some figures that put American-Thai relationships in perspective and give you a better idea of your chances of a successful marriage with a Thai bride:

Thai women outnumber local men by around 1 million, seeing as they make up 51.5% of Thailand’s population.
In 2022, 349 Thai girls received K-1 visas to come to the US to marry Americans, though the number was almost 1,000 in pre-pandemic 2019.
Over 10% of Thai brides entering the US with K-1 visas bring along children from previous marriages.
The divorce rate in Thailand is around 38.5%, which is around the same as the average divorce rate of mail order bride marriages.
The average age gap between American men and their Thai brides is around 3.5 years, with men being older, as is typical worldwide.

While Thai mail order brides aren’t as common as they used to be before the pandemic, they remain popular among American men, especially considering their youth and dedication.

Thai Mail Order Bride Scam

According to the FTC, online romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, doubling the losses from $547 million in 2021. Around 70,000 victims reported their troubles, but the real numbers could be even higher. Although it shouldn’t deter you from seeking love online, it’s a stark reminder that you must be extra careful when using dating sites, even the ones with a solid reputation and good reviews.

While scammers always come up with new ploys to steal your money, they usually fall back on the same strategies, such as:

⚠️ Their profiles are too good to be true until you look closer. The photos may be gorgeous, but a quick image search will reveal their real owners. And the profile details will keep clashing with the messages you receive.
⚠️ They are happy to chat but dodge video calls and IRL dates. One or two missed video chats could be a coincidence, but after the third strike, it becomes a pattern and a disturbing one.
⚠️ They profess their undying love and instantly ask for your help. Common refrains include an illness of a relative and troubles with law enforcement. Regardless of how heartbreaking the stories seem, you will likely never hear from them again after wiring the money.
⚠️ They want to know everything about you, including your SSN. Sharing your sensitive personal details, including your address, phone number, and credit card information, is the fastest way of getting in trouble and losing money.
⚠️ They send nude pictures and want yours in return. While it may be a great way to keep a long-distance relationship alive, exchanging explicit photos and videos in the early days will make you vulnerable to blackmail.

All things considered, Thailand mail order brides are no more prone to manipulation than other nationalities. Therefore, if you remember the common scams and keep an eye out for potential treats, you should be perfectly safe. And if someone’s behavior seems sketchy, remember to block and report them to stay safe and help other daters avoid trouble, too.

How to Bring a Thai Bride to the US

When all is said and done, and your Thai girlfriend accepts your proposal, you’ll probably want to bring her to the US to formalize your relationship. Like all bureaucratic procedures, it’s a lengthy and convoluted process, but it all boils down to several crucial steps:

File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiance) to signify your wish to marry a Thai girl on US soil.
Coach your fiance through collecting the necessary paperwork and taking a mandatory medical exam.
Get your fiance to file Form DS-160 (Application for a Nonimmigrant Visa) with a local embassy or consular office.
Bring your Thai bride to the US and get married within 90 days of her arrival. You’ll need to file Form I-130 if you miss the deadline to avoid your fiance from being deported.
Help your Thai wife file Form I-485 for permanent residency and adjustment of status and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to help her find a job.

I highly recommend you consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services websites to learn more about the process. You may also require the services of an immigration attorney.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just another exotic vacation destination but also a source of gorgeous, loving wives, as hundreds of Americans can attest. Moreover, international dating platforms ensure you don’t need to relocate or take time off work to meet your perfect match. Instead, you can use niche sites to find a mail order bride from Thailand, and this guide will help you choose the best platform, woo your lady, and bring her to the US to get married.

FAQ

How many western men marry Thai mail order brides?

Thousands of Western men marry women from Thailand each year, attracted by their charm, cultural richness, and the genuine connections they form.

How to find a Thai wife?

Using an international online dating site is the easiest and most effective option. However, you can also try to attend local Thai events in your city or plan an exotic vacation to Thailand to find a wife.

How much are Thai brides?

If you spend $300 on online dating site fees, around $3,000 on a trip to Thailand, and $2,000 on immigration paperwork, the bottom line discounting wedding expenses will be around $5,300. The wedding ceremony in the US can add up to $29,000 to the cost.

How to marry a Thai woman in Thailand?

You’ll need to fulfill eligibility criteria and declarations, translate, authenticate, and submit them before setting up a prenuptial agreement with the help of legal counsel. You’ll need to register your marriage before planning the ceremony and reception.

How to bring a girl from Thailand to the US?

Start by filing Form I-129F before helping your Thai bride apply for a K-1 fiance visa (Form DS-160). Once she receives the visa, you can help her travel to the US and ship her belongings. K-1 visa requires you to get married within 90 days of her arrival to the US.

If I decide to get a Thai mail order bride, will it be the same thing as if I decided to rent a wife in Thailand?

Not at all. Marrying someone is a commitment for life, based on love and respect, not a temporary arrangement or transaction.

What to do when you marry a Thai woman?

That depends on your relationship plans. Traditionally, a husband moves in with his wife’s family and cares for them. However, with international marriage, a Thai bride is more likely to move in with her foreign husband.

What are the main pros and cons of marrying a Thai woman?

Pros: Cultural richness, deep family values, and a supportive partnership. Cons: Possible cultural and language barriers, and the need for legal navigation for international marriage.

What to expect when you marry a Thai woman?

Expect a loving relationship with someone who values family and tradition. Also, be ready to learn at least basics of Thai culture and possibly work through language and cultural differences together.

Can a foreigner marry a Thai woman? Yes, foreigners can marry Thai women, but they need to comply with Thai marriage laws which involve proper documentation and legal procedures.

What is the legal age for marriage in Thailand? The legal age for marriage in Thailand is 17. However, individuals under 20 need parental consent to marry.

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