Thai Family Structures
In Thailand there is a much stronger company in the family compared to our western culture. Often live several generations under one roof. The parent’s house for example is bequeathed to the youngest daughter, she together with her husband in return accommodate her parents when they are older. The oldest man of a Thai family is the patriarch, the other family members have to act in accordance with his decisions. In Bangkok every days live adapts more and more to the western developed nations but in the country the old traditions continue to exist almost unchanged. As a tradition a Thai man has to meet the whole family of the bride and get the total consent before he can get engaged. Only then he can propose to her parents for the hand of their daughter. Do both families agree the date for the wedding is fixed. But the date for the wedding is delayed until the groom has finished his apprenticeship. The bride’s parents get bride-money from the groom, a kind of compensation for the upbringing consisting of natural produce or money. Many a time this is returned to the bridal couple on the wedding day. In the country the newly married often stay with their parents until they have the first child.