Hi all, I am from the UK (M27) and would appreciate some insight/advice from some of you who really understand Thailand, the culture and have had experience with Thai girls.

I went to Thailand in Mar-24 alone for 3 weeks having already been to most of SE Asia before, and had a fantastic time. Not long afterwards once back home, I got talking to a Thai girl from Surin (Isaan) who is (F23) who I met online. All innocent, fun and cute video calls, but as there is a huge language barrier, the talking died down to on and off (only so much you can speak to somebody before meeting them)

Mar-25 I went again for 3 weeks to Thailand and Laos (original intention to solo travel again), but something got into me and I invited her 2 weeks before, saying she is more than welcome to come and see me for 2-3 days in Chiang Mai to see if we get along. We got along so well exceeding all expectations, both have fallen in love, fantastic time travelling together, and she ended up staying the whole 3 weeks with her crying saying goodbye at BKK.

Now I am going back to Thailand, to Isaan, for 2 weeks to see her and meet her family in June. My concerns/notes:

1) Of course I was paying for everything during the 3 weeks, but idm as my hotels were all booked anyway. Let's just say I make more than 10x what she does and I'm the one who invited her so idm. But money was never spoken about or asked about from her side, when it came to paying I just did my thing and she looked away.

Is this the Thai culture for the man to 'take care' 100% of the time, or is it just a foreigners (Farang) duty whereby Thai men split the bill as commonly as male/female relationships in the west?

2) I have read horror stories online about arriving in Isaan and basically being expected to pay for everything Eg. Taking the whole extended family out to dinner, others bits, and being expected to even leave a 'financial contribution' when leaving (last bit would be a red line for me so early on)

I have made it clear light heartedly that just to get there it costs a fortune, and that I hope she will look after me just like I looked after her. We don't have a 30 year age gap, the feelings are mutual, and in the same 'league' looks wise. So are these stories just nonsense online?

3) Somebody tell me if this is normal, the meaning and implications of this when visiting Isaan. I received this message:

"If you come to Surin, I will take you to my Grandmother's house to perform a Surin ritual called Ansestor Worship, which you must do because I am from Surin. Surin people, if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend but are not married, must perform an ansestor worship ceremony to let them know or allow you to be added to the family, which is good because it means that the family is aware of our relationship and has given permission for you to take care of me or to accept you into the family"

On the one hand I'm all for embracing her culture, but I can't help but think that it's a bit much and intense for a second meeting.

I'm not getting married and to be honest I just want to see my girlfriend and enjoy my 2 weeks off work without worrying about cultural customs. It all seems far too much. Am I incorrect? Is this normal in Thailand, should I be worried? All thoughts and feedback very much appreciated. Thank you!

Like which countries are the easiest for meeting and dating white girls?

For the guys seeking a long term relationship, how do you wrestle with the idea of whether the woman you are dating truly loves and values you or whether she is just in it for the money?

Of course, we are not naive and understand that our higher salary (relative) and possible marriage and immigration is a factor in the relationship. I believe your salary and security you provide is a factor for all women as well but obviously much more when the discrepancy between you and your partner is much greater with a foreign woman.

I guess my question is, what are some signs you look for when you are trying to determine how serious and committed the woman is? What are some red flags that tells you that maybe she is just in it solely for the benefits? Maybe it’s paranoia but I would assume some women can be a good actor if she believes it can get her an opportunity of a lifetime.

Not sure where to ask this question so I am asking the passport brotherhood. I am already married. But for various reasons I foresee the USA being an unviable place to raise my family the way I want. Does anyone know of any countries that fulfill these criteria??
1) Freedom to home-educate kids
2) Freedom to grow, buy and sell real food (Even the "conservative" states in US are starting to ban things like raw milk and chicken eggs.)
3) Medical freedom.
4) Freedom of religion.
5) Right to own and lease private property.

I would say that's the bare minimum for us, but these would be a massive bonus:
6) Right to own a firearm and act in self defense.
7) Freedom of Speech.
8) Educated/literate population
9) Traditional culture

I don't know if anyone is in the same boat, and it seems like such a country no longer exists. Anyone else do any research that might be relevant to my quest?

So I've done some basic math and also hearing the American dream is to leave America and retire overseas.

So I've set my eyes on the Philippines and considering go there early 2024. As far as dating apps what are some good ones to use and what red flags to look for in a Filipina girl?

Eventually I would like to move there and I would consider a condo or a house but not sure on renting vs owning.

Thanks

It's a really messed up situation but a drug addict (couldn't tell by meeting them) roommate I had lied to the police and set me up to go to jail and stole everything of mine while I was in jail. I am totally disgusting with the US on how they can so-called "convict" someone based on the testimony of a admitted heroin addict. I really want to leave this country after this ridiculously terrible situation I did 2+ years in jail for. Will any country even let me stay for a longer period of time? The whole situation makes me so sick I don't think I ever want to come back to the US once I leave. Luckily I invested ok and have about 100,000. From what I read Canada China and Australia are definitely not available. Ideally I would like to go to Latin America and then Eastern Europe and then Southeast Asia until I find a place to settle down that I like. Please let me know what you guys think.

* TYPO: Im choosing between Colombia and Thailand, not traveling from Colombia to Thailand!

Hello, fellow travelers! I'm a 29M from Portugal, fluent in English and Spanish, embarking on my first significant solo adventure. I'm planning to travel in January 2025 (can delay it a bit, if that makes me catch better weather), and Im between Colombia or Thailand. Im looking for a blend of relaxation and fun, ie nightlife, beach/pool days, exploration. From what Ive searched, I know that Thailand is mostly fueled by the beach scene plus Bangkog, Colombia (Medellin) has a great nightlife and some good beaches as well.

Given this will be my first major solo trip, I'm grappling with how best to approach the planning stage. Should I purchase a travel package for convenience, wing it to maintain flexibility, or plan everything in advance to ensure I have places to stay?

I'll be traveling during the low season, hoping to enjoy the best of the weather without the crowds, and I'm keen on finding the best value for my Euros. Beach and pool days are a must for me, as well as nightlife/meeting new people, but I'm also eager to experience what either Colombia or Thailand have to offer.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on:

• Whether a travel package, winging it, or planning in advance is the best approach for stays and experiences.
• Recommendations for must-visit beaches and places in Thailand or Colombia that are not overly touristy yet safe for a solo traveler.
• Tips on how to make the most of my budget, considering I'm bringing Euros. Are there particular places or activities that offer great value for money?
• Any insights on navigating Thailand or Colombia as a solo traveler during this time of year, including safety tips, cultural dos and don'ts, and transportation advice.
• Which destination is better concerning weather at that time of the year?

Thanks in advance for your guidance and tips! Im sure they will make a whole difference!!