When a Thai says they are married, it is often in the Buddhist, though not neccesarily legal sense. Of primary importance is sanctification and blessing by monks, which is enough for many couples who see no need to officially register their marriage, or who choose not to do so for other practical reasons. As in many parts of Asia, the wife is still seen by society as being subordinate to her husband, and a marriage is sometimes likened to an elephant, where the wife is the hind legs.