Sinsod is a traditional Thai custom in which the groom gives a cash gift to the bride’s family on the day of their wedding. The amount of sinsod is typically negotiated between the two families, and it can vary depending on the bride’s social status, education, and family background.
The origins of sinsod are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of bride price, which was common in many cultures around the world. In bride price, the groom’s family would pay the bride’s family a sum of money in exchange for the bride’s hand in marriage.
In Thailand, sinsod is no longer seen as a way to buy the bride, but rather as a way to show respect for the bride’s family and to demonstrate the groom’s financial ability to support his new wife. It is also seen as a way to ensure that the bride will be well-provided for in case of the groom’s death or disability.
In recent years, the practice of sinsod has been declining in popularity, especially among younger couples. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing cost of living, the rising number of women in the workforce, and the changing social attitudes towards marriage.
However, sinsod is still a common practice in many parts of Thailand, and it is likely to continue to be practiced for many years to come.
Here are some additional things to know about sinsod:
- The amount of sinsod is typically between 100,000 and 500,000 baht (US$3,000-15,000). However, it can be much higher in some cases.
- The sinsod is usually given in cash, but it can also be given in gold or other valuables.
- The sinsod is not a legal requirement, but it is considered to be a very important part of the wedding ceremony.
- The sinsod is typically returned to the couple after the wedding, but this is not always the case.
If you are planning to get married in Thailand, it is important to discuss the issue of sinsod with your partner and their family. It is also important to be aware of the current trends and expectations surrounding this tradition.
For me, my husband understood how this was very important to my father’s “Face” in the community, being I am his only daughter and to show everyone even though I am from rural poor Isaan, I am considered worth something by my husband.
My husband spent around US $5,000 on gold jewelery for me to wear at the ceremony.
Sinsod was provided in Thai baht 1,000,000 ~ $33,000 US dollars.
I never ever asked my husband for 1 penny of sinsod. He was very familiar with the custom and wanted to do this for my father.
My husband had a company come and let me pick out a wedding gown from approximately 25 different gowns.
Makeup and hair artists hired to the big day.
My husband did the traditional wedding walk through the village will all the villagers. The sinsod and gold was carried by two boys on silver platters.
My village is very poor and invitations were sent out and we received approximately 40,000 thb in gift money.
There was a huge reception where 500 people showed up for live music, singers, dancers, pig roast and a feat fit for a royal.
It was my absolute dream come true and I will never ever forget my husband’s kindness to do this for me.
I find that most of the expats that complain about sinsod is because they do not have any money at all to give. Thai girls foolishly believe all expats are rich even when they are told they are not rich.
I am pretty sure NO Thai family wants their daughter marrying a poor expat. Aside of loss of face, it will make for a very, very hard life.
I think the best thing you can do expats, from day 1, is tell the 100% truth and make it stick. If you are broke, tell the girl and make her understand with facts photos of where you can from, bank accounts, etc. If you have no way to make a living where you can afford a house, land, car, kids, etc. be clear up front. You don’t want to be surprised with a divorce
I think you will find many younger expats want the girl and are not honest or forthcoming.
In Thailand, it is much more than love, it is a necessity to be taken care of and provided for.
If you are too broke for sinsod, you are probably too broke to ever buy land, a house, a new car which is what every bride wants to have.
Maybe you should do the girl a favor and let her go find someone that can afford to take care of her?