Infidelity and divorce rates in Thailand
Thailand, known for its lively nightlife and beautiful scenery, attracts millions of tourists every year who are looking to relax and have fun. But sometimes, things go a little too fun. In recent years, the country has seen a big rise in cheating, and it now holds the title of having the highest infidelity rate of 51% in Southeast Asia, according to Insider Monkey. Seeing an increasing number of Infidelity and Divorce rates a mix of cultural influences and a party scene that never sleeps, it’s no surprise that infidelity has become a growing issue in Thailand.
Cheating Thai women
However, on the other side of the gender spectrum, a similar pattern exists. In Thailand, infidelity among women is also significant, with recent statistics showing that 59% of married Thai women admit to cheating on their partners. This makes Thai women the second most unfaithful in the world, just behind women from Ghana. Compared to neighbouring countries, Thailand’s infidelity rate is much higher, with nearby nations reporting almost half the rate of cheating seen in Thailand. For example, Malaysia only has a rate of 39%
A prime case of this problem is a TikTok video that recently went viral among Thai netizens after revealing that a cheating couple was communicating via YouTube’s search history. The TikToker shared a screenshot of the couple’s search bar exchanges, where they sent messages to avoid being caught on traditional messaging apps like LINE or Facebook Messenger. Many users expressed disbelief at the unusual method, while others noted similar instances of cheating through unconventional platforms like Shopee. Despite the stir it caused, some netizens suspected the post was just a ploy for attention.
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Cheating Thai men
Unfortunately for Thai men, Recent data indicates that 56% of married Thai men admit to cheating, making them the most unfaithful globally. This increased infidelity between Thai men is also driven by culture. By cultural practices like the “mia noi” (which translates to “little wife”) and the influence of Thailand’s well-established sex industry. In Thai culture, gender roles historically allowed men more leeway when it came to extramarital relationships. This created an environment where male infidelity was somewhat tolerated or accepted as long as the man continued to fulfil his responsibilities to his primary family.
In some cases like In Pattani, Thailand, a man named Praphat Khampud shot and killed his girlfriend’s father after discovering she was married with children. Following a hostage situation, police persuaded Praphat to surrender. Later, while in police custody, he committed suicide. The incident highlights the tragic consequences of deception and betrayal.
Percentage of cheating married men by country:
🇹🇭 Thailand: 56%
🇩🇰 Denmark: 46%
🇮🇹 Italy: 45%
🇫🇷 France: 43%
🇩🇪 Germany: 40%
🇺🇸 United States: 39%
🇧🇷 Brazil: 38%
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 36%
🇷🇺 Russia: 35%
🇦🇷 Argentina: 34%
🇨🇭 Switzerland: 33%
🇸🇪 Sweden: 32%
🇯🇵 Japan: 31%
🇳🇱…— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) August 31, 2024
Cause of cheating in Thailand
With those eye-opening stats about infidelity, you might be wondering why it’s so common in Thailand. Several factors contribute to cheating in Thailand, ranging from niche cultural influences to societal issues. Below are some of the key drivers behind the high rates of infidelity in Thailand.
The cultural context of Thailand
Thailand’s well-known sex industry is a major factor influencing attitudes toward infidelity. The normalisation of the sex industry in society has made Thai locals not think twice before cheating. Historically, Thailand has been more permissive of extramarital relationships, especially among men. The “mia noi” (literally “little wife”) tradition is one such cultural norm for men.
Often, with the knowledge of their legal wives, thai men have long-term extramarital relationships. These women are not seen as mistresses in the Western sense but as secondary partners who may even receive financial support. While the practice is more discrete in urban, modern settings, the concept still influences a growing number toward fidelity.
Tourism and nightlife in Thailand
Thailand’s 24-hour nightlife, driven largely by tourism, has normalised casual relationships and affairs. In major cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, the nightlife and the sex industry are highly visible, creating an environment where casual hookups and non-monogamous relationships are extremely accessible and easy. This exposure, combined with the presence of sex workers and casual encounters in the tourism sector, contributes to more relaxed attitudes toward infidelity.
Online dating platforms used by Thai people
With an increasing number of online dating, it is now a common way for people in Thailand to connect, especially with the growing popularity of apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Thai-specific platforms such as ThaiFriendly and Thaiflirt.
While online dating has contributed to the rise in casual relationships and infidelity. The anonymity and accessibility of these platforms make it easy for users to engage in multiple relationships simultaneously, blurring the lines of commitment. Additionally, the increase of tourists using these platforms to seek short-term relationships further reinforces the culture of casual dating in Thailand, often leading to situations where cheating occurs without significant social backlash.
Divorce rate in Thailand
In Thailand, infidelity and divorce rates have increased over the past decade. Recent reports indicate that the rate has increased from 27% in 2006 to 39% in more recent years, positioning Thailand among the countries with the highest divorce rates in Southeast Asia. In 2022, there were 146,160 registered divorces, reflecting a steady upward trend in marital separations.
Men
Among Thai men, the divorce rate has been significantly influenced by high rates of infidelity. Studies suggest that 51-56% of Thai men admit to extramarital affairs, yet 61% of these men continue to stay married despite their actions. This phenomenon is influenced by cultural norms that historically afford men more flexibility in maintaining extramarital relationships, such as having a secondary wife.
Women
In Thailand, women who engage in infidelity are more likely to face marital dissolution compared to their male counterparts. Studies show that only 44% of women who cheat remain in their marriages, while 47% experience separation or divorce. This reflects the societal pressures and expectations placed on women, and where men cheat for sexual desire but women cheat for other reasons, infidelity often results in more immediate consequences such as divorce.
Infidelity rate globally
In general, surveys suggest that around 20-25% of married individuals worldwide have engaged in some form of cheating at least once during their marriage. Countries like Thailand, the United States, and France report some of the highest rates while in France, around 43% of people acknowledge cheating at some point. In contrast, countries like Japan and the Philippines report lower rates of infidelity.
Psychology of cheating
When it comes to cheating, many factors contribute to people cheating, it is a complex problem that has many sides to consider. Cheating often starts from unmet needs in a relationship, such as emotional dissatisfaction, lack of intimacy, or feelings of neglect. Additionally, individuals who cheat may seek validation, excitement, or escape from personal stress or dissatisfaction. From a psychological standpoint, infidelity is linked to impulse control issues, attachment insecurities, or underlying personality traits like narcissism or low self-esteem.
In a country like Thailand, where relationships and family honour are closely tied to one’s social identity, infidelity can be devastating. The “loss of face” associated with public or private revelations of cheating can increase psychological distress, particularly for women, who may face stronger societal judgment. This cultural and emotional strain can lead to chronic stress, depression, and relationship instability, highlighting the suicide rate and mental health implications of cheating in Thailand.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.
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