Hey there,

I'm an Aussie marrying a lovely Thai girl.

I need to know what I am expected to pay for the following in Baht:

1) Sin sod (dowry) she's from Bangkok and is 34: ______ baht
2) Jewelery gift to my bride: ______ baht
3) Wedding ceremony for 200 guests: ____ baht


If anyone has gotten married in Bangkok in the last 3 years Please help!!!!!!!

Many thanks,

Harry

Wait... you're buying her?
I don't understand #1

Wait... you're buying her?
I don't understand #1

Its tradition, mate. Can't be explained rationally or in the context of modern ideas, except, perhaps, the simple fact that people are more happy receiving money than not receiving money. Personally, I agree with Imperfect Ending in that I won't be paying any dowry and the whole keeping up appearances thing is a disgusting part of my own society that I dislike.

That said, it all depends on social status and perception of social status. Since you're a foreigner (and assuming you are white) they will expect a hefty payout, but again, its all about the time and place. You're the best judge of your soon-to-be in laws and what kind of people they are.

Some will give you the dowry back.

think it optimisticly, no offensive
is the cost for raising the bride for bride's parent.

for a fun irreverent explanation of amount
http://www.stickmanweekly.com/Weekly/weekly239.htm
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the bottom line is that the amounts vary wildly (and widely) depending on exact financial/social circumstances (and virginity degrees :D ) of the persons involved

there are many things you have to ask yourself when trying to answer this type of question.
not to be rude but you have to look at the type of thai girl your marrying, and what she and also her family expect from you. the wedding i went to over last summer, there was alot of money spent; 25mill baht for dowry.... a hell of alot of gold and cars. i've not seen anything less than 10 million so far at the weddings i've been to, but these are thai thai weddings. not sure about farang thai wedding.
good luck with the wedding

200 guests is ok, count 500/ head for mid-range hotel and 1,000/head for luxury hotel. guests here in thailand give quite a lot and you may end up with guest enveloppe = cost of ceremony. for the jewelry, i dont think it is tradtion but you can alway do it ;) you also have the option of renting nice peieces of jewelry. for the amount of downie, it depends on family status of your future wife, 300,000 can look a lot for some people but it can look ridiculous for some highso family (add another 2 zero plus a house). that is all up to you, but keep in mind this money is usually just for the face (and even sometime use to pay for ceremony), and be worry if it becomes an important item in the decision.

Remember, you are the MAN.
Do it your way.

Good luck, but I think hard on a budget..