Thailand urged to do more to help singles find love

reader · June 29

NOTE — They list every conceivable reason other than they’re gay.

From Thai PBS World

The increase in those choosing to remain single is a global phenomenon. In Thailand, a recent survey indicates that more and more people are opting for the single life.

They say being single enables them to be more focused on their personal growth and goals and gives them greater opportunities to become more independent and leave traditional norms behind.

The Thai government is being urged to work harder to help couples find love, encourage marriage and reverse its plunging birth rates and thus reduce adverse socio-economic implications.

Why do Thai people stay single?

The National Economic and Social Development Council recently revealed findings based on a 2023 household socio-economic survey.

These show that 23.9% of Thais are single. In particular, the share of singles in the reproductive age group (15-49 years old) reached 40.5% in 2023, a rise from 35.7% in 2017.

Interestingly, the majority of single people are living in cities. One-third of them (mostly females), hold at the very least a bachelor’s degree.

One of the main factors associated with singlehood according to the survey is social values.

Singles can be classified into three main groups;

(1) Single Income, No Kids (SINK) describes single people with no kids, who enjoy a happy life, spending money on food, travel and expensive communication tools to spoil themselves;

(2) Professional Aunt, No Kids (PANK) are singles aged over 30 who are well educated and well paid but have no kids and they spend money taking care of children in their family;

and (3) Waithood defines singles who choose to wait for love, partially due to not being ready for it. The majority of them are less educated and live on limited income.

Cultural expectations and different expectations in a relationship also play big roles in choosing to remain unattached.

In Asian culture, for example, being married means facing up to high expectations from the family. Women are expected to take care of the children, run the house and go out to work.

A 2021 survey by a leading matchmaking and dating agency in Thailand revealed that over 76% of female respondents said they don’t date a man who makes less money than them and 83% of them reported that they don’t go out with men shorter than them.

Meanwhile, about 59% of male respondents said they don’t date females taller than them, while 60% of them said they don’t take up with divorced women.

Fewer opportunities to meet new people is another reason why some Thai people stay single.

Continues at

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-urged-to-do-more-to-help-singles-find-love-and-boost-falling-birth-rates/