Just reading G4's Xmas post and Bacwaans reply, got me thinking what is a TG's outlook on gold.
I'm sure we have heard all the bad stories of it straight to "Cash Converters" as soon as the BF turns his back, but a geniune TGF, what is her outlook on, if you buy a one or two baht gold necklace or similar for her.
What does it mean in the context of the relationship and where it is heading, other than burning a hole in your wallet for starters for a material object.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
It's an asset that is on show for all to see that like Bacwan said can be traded at a whim. I don't think they hold the same sentimental value for 'The Gift' as we do or I do!
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
I do agree that sentiment rarely comes into it.
In its simplest form it's security for someone on a low income who may hit hard times.
I don't think most trade it on a whim, unless you are dripping in the stuff and you spend money like water anyway. There is usually a compelling reason, and many will hock and buy back after things get better.
For TG it may have special significance you'll never know about, finding out how serious things are etc. ("Look mum, 2 baht necklace, ok for get tourist visa to Aussie now?").
Mostly though it seems to be for wearing, showing to others on social occasions that you are (Still) doing ok etc. There is a lot of pressure from that quarter along the lines of "What have you got recently".
Last edited by Changone; 29th November 2011 at 14:39.
And where the hell was Biggles.....?....when you needed him last Saturday....?
If you look at Farang tradition... The diamond ring can be used in a similar way, In a marriage break up this could and does get pawned for instant cash... especially as it no longer holds any bearing of the wedlock.
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
My ex remade her diamond ring...Originally Posted by PatongBeachBoy
As for Tg buy a Pandora..
C1 echo's what I have found. Definitely not on a whim if has reached the Family pot. But different families have different values. But have also see Joop Joop at the airport and straight to sell.
"Man cannot discover New Oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore"
I have asked Nui recently if she still has the gold ring I bought her in Phitsanulok, or if she has "lost" it. I made a point of telling her I bought it for her as a gift to remind her that I am thinking of her, and hoped she would still have it when I come back. She assured me she still has it and wears it always, and I will be able to see when she meets me at the airport!
After reading discussions over on a different forum about jewelry being sold , I was a bit paranoid about it, so told her a couple of times on the trip not to sell ring. Seems to have worked.
[SIZE="3"]"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
Mark Twain[/SIZE]
I brought Noy a gold Ring last year for Xmas, and to this day she still wears it everyday. But honestly I would not put it past her to sell it if she really needed to. The Gold I was talking about that she sold to go on a holiday to Patong was given to her by her now passed away father...
I think if it is a small item like a ring, or watch it is less likely to be cashed in, as against expensive gold chain or block.
I think it's, as has been said, they view it as a safety net if they get into hard times, just as we cash in shares, and then buy more when things are good, or to help out family to get ahead. I have seen many parents sell shares to help kids get the deposit for a house, or to pay for grandma's retirement home.
I think the main thing is the timing, if it is gone 3 weeks after you have left, then it's a money grab, if it is 6 months later and the crop has failed, or flooded, then I think it's ok. To me it is even more ok if there are problems, and she doesn't ask/expect your help, and is prepaired to sell what she has instead.
"Of course you love me darling, I handsome man 55555"
Gold is looked on as insurance for the hard times, however they have to pretty bloody hard. TG's don't have the support we have to fall back on. I left my engagement neckace with Sureeporn in case she needed it If I could not send money for her and daughter. Floods food shortages work shortages? no dole there and the TG's are usually trying to be dutiful daughters and take care of parents et al. Don't skimp on the engagement ring - necklace. It will give her great face and pay dividends with you in the family by demonstrating you can take care of her and that she is truly valued by you. That what my local Thai wives tell me. Spot
555...yes and some of the family will also be thinking its there for me if I need it as well....555
Good points Spot, and welcome to TD!! Just curious tho, how many "local Thai wives" do you have???!! 55555
[SIZE="3"]"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
Mark Twain[/SIZE]
Just a question Spot or other BM's with the knowledge. The necklace as Spot mentioned is not just a engagement item ? or in some cases is it a necklace in lieu of a ring for engagement.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
I was looking for info regarding Engagment process in Thailand and Gold is the way to go. Unlike here a Western woman would like a diamond. I am also told that a Min of 2 Baht (approx 31 grams) of Thai gold (96.6%) is required for the engagment. As for the Ring or Necklace I am not sure what is the way to go. I would think being a Thai/Western Relationship would go a little from both cultures. Go the Thai gold with no diamond but stick with the western ring idea...
Just my thoughts..
I think it needs to be an odd number i.e. 1,3,5,7,9 baht
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
Seems like good thoughts to me G.
There is no hard and fast limits but minimum might be
Engagement
2 Baht Gold
Wedding
2 Baht Gold
+
100K THB
By the time you get married she will already be wearing the 2 baht supplied by you for show, and sooner or later all her friends will want to see the "Engagement ring" as well so you might as well factor that in now.
And where the hell was Biggles.....?....when you needed him last Saturday....?
Would be happy with that..... Don't think I am that lucky. MIL already doesn't like me
C1 the 100K here is this on top of a sin sot as well, what will this be used for ?
You met up with her daughter when she forbode and then sneaked her daughter out of the country G4, so I think maybe a harsher word than "doesn't like" might apply 555.Would be happy with that..... Don't think I am that lucky. MIL already doesn't like me
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese
On a good note, she still has no idea Noy is here. Just have to last til Feb and she will never know 555
I never heard of any family being happy with missing out on the formalities.
These usually include handing over the cash before taking daughter OS.
In our case, Dad was kept in the dark until we had a date for when the wedding would be, not too much after he found out.
And where the hell was Biggles.....?....when you needed him last Saturday....?
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