Thai Dowry - Sin sod

Thai dowry  must be one of the most discussed issues on Thailand web boards. The Thai dowry system is known as the 'Sin Sod'. Traditionally, the groom will be expected to pay a dowry or sin sod to the family, to compensate them for the loss of their daughter. The dowry or sin sod is also to demonstrate that the groom is financially capable of taking care of their daughter. The idea of "paying" for your bride is deeply embedded in Thai culture and is considered absolutely normal. Most Westerners however find this idea somewhere between distasteful or an absolute scam. The concept of dowry is not a Western concept as many Westerners believe in romantic love and that money has nothing to do with it. Usually, the dowry is symbolic and will normally be returned to the couple after the wedding

Dowry (Sin Sod)

Thai parents tend to view marriage as being based on financial security. Hence the dowry or sin sod.No Thai family would want their daughter to marry someone who does not have an interest in the financial security of the family.

This makes the dowry a must during a Thai wedding ceremony. Look at dowry from a Thai perspective.Cultures and traditions are different. As an example when a Thai man marries a woman he would generally move into the family home.  It would then become his responsibility to manage his in-laws business be it a farm or a store. He would also be tasked with taking care of her family members and anyone related to her family. Should he fall into financial difficulty her family would then support him. The concept of dowry or sin sod even though alien to Westerners shows how closely knit Thai’s are compared to Westerners who are more individual in deed and thought. What is normal in the West such as “old age homes” or old age pensions are not standard in Thailand. Children take care of the family during their retirement years.  The dowry is therefore important in Thai culture.

In Thailand inheritance of the family home and family land is generally through the female children.  Dowry however is not linked to it directly. The husband of the daughter in the family would therefore reap the any benefit of all that might have been achieved by his wife’s parents. Unfortunately being a foreigner you don't benefit from the equation. Firstly a foreigner cannot own land or a house in Thailand in his name. (Consult a reputable law firm to discuss your options). It is the lack of benefit that most foreigners object to paying dowry.  Even though some Westerners object to the concept of dowry, many simply disagree with the amount payable. The amount of dowry paid usually depends on the social status of the family and/or the level of education of the bride or her income alternatively both. A dowry of a million baht for an uneducated woman is unheard of. A Dowry for an average middle class educated Thai would normally be in the region of 100,000 Baht.

This varies as an example, should the bride be a divorcee or a ‘'Mia Maiy' - a spoiled/ruined wife, normally no dowry is paid. If she has a child or children from a former marriage or relationship no dowry is paid either.

Thai Dowry is a touchy subject in Thailand with Westerners.  Normally you or someone in your family approaches the Thai woman’s parents to negotiate” Tong Mun" and "Sin Sod." Tong Mun which literally means "gold engagement" is in reality 24 karat gold jewelry given to the bride.  The concept is similar to an engagement ring in the West. Sin Sod is the dowry itself. The word "Sin" means riches. This could be anything of value. In Africa it would include farm animals, land and such.  "Sod” on the other hand is the act of storing or in this context holding the "Sin". Hence the term Sin Sod or dowry.

The "Tong Mun" or engagement ring will be presented to the bride at a ceremony called a "Phitee Mun," which normally takes place at the bride’s parent’s home. This is mainly attended by family members and shows acceptance into the family. You and your prospective bride are now viewed as a "Koo Mun" which literally means "tied or joined couple," (engaged party). Ever seen a Westerner in Thailand with loads of string tired around his wrists? He partook in a "Bai Sri Soo Kwan" or engagement ceremony. The engagement ceremony concludes with each guest tying a string around the wrist of the bride and that of the groom, while giving the married couple their blessings, followed by the placing of a garland of flowers around the couple’s necks. This is followed by the “Koo Mun,” or the actual wedding ceremony a few weeks later with the presentation of the dowry.

Dowry however does not play a role when registering a Thai marriage. There is no need to show that dowry had been paid as it is not part of the legal system. Dowry is a tradition not a law.

Consult a reputable law firm in Thailand to handle your Thai marriage registration and/or a prenuptial agreement.  They will do all the necessary translations and processing once you hand over the required documents.
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Thai Traditional Wedding

Often Thai Buddhist weddings are social weddings and the legal papers will be done later on if you need them for any legal purpose.

Wedding Preparation

The day before the wedding during the evening the Buddhist ceremony would commence (วันสุกดิบ).  It is during this Buddhist ceremony that the couple has to pay homage to the ancestors of the bride. During this ceremony the couple would wear just their ordinary clothing. There would normally be nine monks present and they would proceed to sit on their straw mats with a bottle of water and a glass before them. The couple would then sit at what would best be described as an altar closest to the first monk. A scared or holy thread is then twirled around the head of the bride and groom and unrolled into the monk’s hand.

Closest to the first monk there would be a bowl of water with a candle inside. It is this holy water that would be used the following day. The first monk holds a special fan in one of his hands.  The monks would pray rest and then start to pray again. After this pray they leave and go back to their temple.

Ceremony before Wedding Day

The following morning, the nine monks would arrive again. This time they will sprinkle the holy water from the day before on those who are present. This time the bride and groom would wear traditional Thai dress for the wedding itself. The couple would now kneel close together and a holy string would again be strung in a circular motion around the head of the bride and then around the head in a circular formation of the groom, joining them. Theye would then proceed to Wai (ไหว้).

There are nine trays each containing small dishes placed before each monk. Prays are said and the couple would then give each monk money. Monks are not allowed to touch money so the money is placed into nine envelopes and handed out. They eat and then go back to the temple. During the retreat season non weddings are held as the monks are not permitted outside of the temple.

Door Ceremony

Way back then a traditional Thai wedding ceremony would have a “Door Ceremony” where the groom would open the gates on route to the house of the bride. In order to open the gates as each gate the groom had to provide a gift. These gifts become larger the closer the groom gets to the house of the bride. Nowadays the doors are being replaced by girls holding onto a chain. At each part of the chain the person normally the sisters of the bride would ask if he is wealthy enough to care for their sister and family. Each time he would present them with an envelope of money. Each time he passes from one to the other, the audience would cheer.

Wash  Feet Ceremony

The “Door Ceremony” is followed by the “Feet Washing Ceremony”.  Some of the ceremonies are no longer really practiced. The husband would stand on a chair while the wife would bow at his feet. She would then proceed to wash his feet and wai (ไหว้). This is to symbolise her allegiance and respect of her husband.

During this time the dowry is shown to all the guests. Normally this dowry is returned to the couple after the ceremony and shows only that the groom is financially sound to take care of the family. This would be the normal traditional Thai wedding. Even if the marriage is not registered, those in the village would still view them as husband and wife. As a Westerner you would have to register your marriage for legal and visa purposes.

Shell Ceremony

The final procedure for a traditional Thai wedding is that the couple kneels on a small pedestal with clasped hands. They would have garlands around their necks and a village elder would say a few words.  Each guest would then arrive and pour holy water out of a shell onto their hands and saying a few words. They also hand the couple an envelope filled with money and the couple would reciprocate by handing them a small wedding memento. This lasts for a few hours.

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Marriage in Thailand ;Traditional Wedding Ceremonies ; Thai Customs and Rituals

Is it legal?  What is dowry?  How come?

Speaking of Thai marriage, there are two separate matrimonies (types of wedding) taken place in Thailand. One is reckoned as a Buddhist religious ceremony of traditional Thai wedding with several unique rituals observed step-by-step. The other is an official procedure of legal marriage registration. Nowadays, a procedure of legal marriage registration more often than not is preceded, followed, or deliberately coincided with the wedding ceremony, if any.

Wedding Planning

To comply with Buddhist religious beliefs, and to uphold the cultural and traditional heritage, most Thai girls (and especially the parents) would be very happy to have a marriage ceremony of traditional Thai wedding, albeit the fact that it is not legally recognised as a marriage. The legal marriage in Thailand is effected in person at any Thai amphur (Civil Registry Office) countrywide, a governmental office that handles all registration matters regardless, be it a foreigner marrying Thai, a Thai or foreign couple. Marriage certificates issued in Thailand are recognized as such by the authorities of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Australia, the USA, Canada and likely many other countries. In fact, we know of none it will not be legal.

Marriage Registration Made Easy

Click on  Thai Marriage Cerificate  to see how it looks like.

The routine of legal marriage registration isn't too complicated. Produce all required documents, present them to the officer at amphur ... and shortly after, you'll have your marriage certificates. Although, one shouldn't enter into that bureaucratic procedure lightly. For the sake of tranquility, you will be better off contacting the experts at thai_fiancee_visa@th4u.com, who specialize in the preparations of all relevant provisions, including translation and certification of all required documents. Take the hassle out of registering your marriage in Thailand. A complete marriage registration service of mixed couples (foreigner marrying Thai) is only THB 15,000 (~US$ 500.00). A prenuptial (premarital) agreement binding under the Thai Law* and tailored to your specific needs can be arranged upon request.

* - Counties with an Anglo-American based legal system viewed marriage as a matter of contract between two consenting adults. The terms of marriage contract are dictated by laws of the country (state) where the married couple lives, unless they have a prenuptial agreement ('prenup' for short) containing different terms. Since so, a prenup based on Thai law shall not only preclude the unforeseen impacts or unwanted consequences, but it may also entail rather noticeable privileges.

Wedding Ceremony

Ritual of bonding the bride and groom by sacred strings -- a focal point
of traditional wedding ceremony performed in the Northeast of Thailand

According to Thai customs, a couple traditionally become engaged during a ceremony known as thong mun. This is literally the giving of gold by the prospective groom to his fiancée. Parents, friends and relatives will attend this ceremony. In place of a diamond ring as common in the West, Thais opt for the gold, normally in the form of jewellery. Actually, it is almost 96% pure gold made in Thailand. When traded locally, its weight is measured in baht. One baht of gold is equals to 1/2 a troy ounce or 15.2 grams. In practice, an odd number is never given (as it were for a couple), so the minimum should be two baht of gold.

Dowry – SINSOD

Thai marriage at large, and definitely, the ceremony of traditional Thai wedding interlinked with an ancient tradition called sinsod (sinsot). A custom of paying a dowry (dowery) presumably to compensate a family of bride “for mother's milk”.


A concept of sinsod was initially brought in to ensure that one's daughter does not marry below her potential standing in life. To stipulate that her social, financial and professional status and reputation is preserved and secured.


Before the in-law family accepts you, they should know who you are, and whether or not you are a suitable suitor. There is no set amount, the sum of sinsod is typically determined on the one hand by suitor's perceived wealth, and on the other hand by the “value” of the future wife. Her beauty, personality, background, education and other qualifications, if she is a virgin, or has got a child, and so forth.


It is rather customary to “negotiate” the amount and terms of sinsod. But bear in mind that by and large Thais reckon all farang (Thai name for caucasians) as rich and wealthy. Even though the odds are that you're already aware of the beauty and attentive to the mindset of young Thai girls, it will not hurt to have a look at the title Thai Sexy Outfits.


As an aside yet practical for some fellas comment, and without any attempt to overlook the value of Thai brides, a dowry is normally waived in case of re-marriages.


Nowadays, many parents-in-law hand the dowry back to the married couple as a wedding gift, some families do not require a dowry, and some need to keep the money. Traditionally, sinsod is reciprocated by the parents-in-law. More often than not, a part of the money is used to pay for the wedding ceremonies, parties and other related expenses. Dowries or sinsod payments range from THB 50,000 to 250,000 and up, although these upper figures are rarely asked for, except the marriages amongst celebrities being motivated by extraordinary figures to create sensation

Thai Style Wedding

Bonding ceremony of marries during Thai traditional wedding in central Thailand
Thai bride and farang groom are greeted by guests with best wishes on their marriage

In the past and until today, for the most part wealthy Thai women often forgo the official marriage registration for a variety of reasons, in particular because they loose scores of legitimate civil rights. Instead, they prefer to perform a ceremony of traditional Thai wedding. This marriage is taken quite seriously by all concerned, and regarded as a lifelong commitment made by the couple. In the eyes of Buddhist religion, the marriage is recognized and sacred, albeit the fact that in contrast to other religions, a religiously sanctioned marriage is void in Buddhism.


Thai Traditional wedding ceremonies and rituals need not be conducted in the presence of monk and are usually performed at someone’s home. Simply put, there is no such thing as “Buddhist Wedding Ceremony”, and if monks are present at the wedding, they are not directly involved. Whenever monks are invited, which is happened quite often, there always should be an odd number: 3, 5, 7 and the maximum could be 9 monks.

According to Buddhist faith, to assure a lifetime of love marriage or what is called “a marriage made in heaven”, there is an old Thai ritual of 'Merit Gift' -- a donation to the local wat (Buddhist temple) to perform a wedding blessing ceremony. Even it is not directly related to marriage, a merit-making ceremony would mean alot to the bride-to-be and in turn to her family, to have a gift made in their name by you. It shows that you care about her religious beliefs, value the Thai ways and respect Thai culture.

Thai Traditional Wedding Ceremony

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