Stereotypes and clichés abound when talking about Thailand and, more specifically, the enigmatic female gender of this fascinating country. In a land where the natural beauty of its landscapes is only matched by the natural beauty of many Thai women, some would argue that one of the difficulties faced by those who live in or regularly visit Thailand is the general awareness of sex as a business. both nationally and globally.

The question of trust revolves around this knowledge. Mixed ethnic relationships originate and develop in Thailand as in most other countries, through friends, colleagues, family and social gatherings. Cultural differences aside, these relationships generally suffer the same ups and downs as any other and, therefore, trust depends on the couple’s commitment to the relationship. However, by developing a relationship from less conventional methods such as those offered in Pattaya, Patong or Soi Cowboy, the issue of trust becomes less vague.

Here, stereotypes sadly ring true, much to the regret and lament of many unsuspecting visitors to this paradise. Faithfulness is the first trust issue. Can a girl be trusted to give up casual sex that makes a living by paying to drink, flirting, and sometimes escorting men or women back to their residences? The simple answer is, of course, a resounding “no”. Trying to convince yourself that this ‘Pretty Woman’ scenario will end in the heroic salvation of a lost girl, true love, and a happy ending (1 in 3 is not a total loss. I hasten to add) is just one Hollywood fantasy. .

The question of money is, as always, at the center of all relationships and this question disintegrates trust in all demographic groups in Thailand. Opportunities seized to free non-nationals from property and cash are everyday occurrences. From the poorest farm worker to the wealthiest landowner where despair or greed takes hold, human nature and relentless laws on the rights of foreigners ensure that acts of trust with respect to finances and property invariably give liberties are taken as a result, but individuals are rarely punished. or recovered assets.

Due to the prolific nature of the sex industry in Thailand, mutual trust is not easily achievable. A cheated foreigner may believe that he has a girlfriend who trusts him and whom he trusts, but in reality this is impossible when they both know that temptation and solicitation by men present themselves in almost every situation, from grocery shopping. until work and have a beer.

Understanding this allows a certain degree of confidence, but not in the usual sense … confidence that any indiscretion is hidden from the public and never interferes with the family.

Trust is important in any relationship, but a little insecurity can ensure protection and peace of mind regarding the safety of your hard-earned savings and belongings. A funny anecdote comes to mind when asked about confidence in a Thai woman. When told that he was paranoid about his Thai fiancee, and that he got her to sign prenuptial agreements and other guarantees before they were married, he replied: ‘When did Noah build the ark? Before the rain, my friend, before the rain.