Dating in Thailand as an expat
Moving to a new country presents a whole host of challenges. From deciding where to live, figuring out the employment market and of course, the culture, uprooting your life and living in a different nation isn’t easy.
Sometimes, the adjustment process can even be a little isolating.
If you’re looking for a special someone to make living in Thailand a little less lonely, then here’s a guide on dating in Thailand.
Read on to find out more about popular dating apps, matchmaking agencies, and places to meet new singles.
Other expat-centric guides to check out:
- 6 LINE accounts that foreigners should follow
- SHA hotel rankings and what they entail
- Insider guide to work visas in Thailand
Dating apps in Thailand
The first step is always the hardest, so why not start with the most convenient and low-effort way to meet other singles?
With thousands of profiles at your fingertips and no need to actually leave your house in order to meet anyone just yet, browsing dating apps is probably the quickest and easiest way to get a feel for your dating pool.
Here are some of the more popular online dating services in Thailand outside of Tinder.
1. ThaiFriendly
Originally a website, ThaiFriendly is now an app geared towards foreigners looking for relationships with Thai women.
In fact, users don’t have to physically be in Thailand to use the service. So, it’s possible for you to start testing out the waters before even setting foot in the Land of Smiles.
Image credit: Google Play Store
To ensure compatibility, the app allows you to filter potential matches based on their income, occupation, and views on children.
The platform also encourages its users to be selective about who they’re speaking to, instead of casting a wide net: you can only send one message every 10 minutes.
For premium users, Thai Friendly allows you to send unlimited messages as well as filter matches based on their education level and language abilities.
Premium memberships start at US$25.95/month.
ThaiFriendly on App Store | ThaiFriendly on Google Play
2. Tastebuds
For some, music taste is a more important indicator of compatibility than occupation and education level.
If this sounds like you, or you’re simply looking for some company for your next concert, then we’d recommend downloading Tastebuds ASAP.
Only available for iOS users, the app allows users to upload their music libraries or manually key in their favourite artists.
With this information, the system will then match you with those who share similar music tastes.
How I imagine any Tastebuds date to go
Image credit: Pinterest
If you’re looking for a storybook romance complete with a soundtrack, then this is the app for you.
3. Happn
If similar interests and music taste are just meh factors in terms of compatibility, while convenience and proximity take precedence, then we just happen to have the right app for you.
Happn is a location-based dating app.
With Happn, you can view all other users that are within a 250M radius of you at the moment as well as scroll down to see who else you’ve crossed paths with.
The platform allows users to message all others, without the need to wait for a “match”.
So, if you’re sitting in one of Bangkok’s coffee shops and are too shy to speak to that cutie at the next table, you can send them a message on Happn instead. That is, if they’re also registered for the app.
Image credit: ThnkFilm via Tumblr
If you’re a guy and reading about messaging first already gives you the heebie-jeebies, then the next app on our list will be a treat.
Happn on App Store | Happn on Google Play
4. Bumble
We know, we know, you’ve probably already heard of Bumble.
It’s also likely you know that female users on the app are in charge of messaging first. Although, something else worth noting is that they only have 24 hours to do so, unless a male user chooses to ‘extend’ the period.
Image credit: Apps Gag
So, in short, men only have to sit and wait for their matches to send them a fun pickup line and even have the opportunity to ‘bump’ their spot in women’s lineups through the extension function.
Image credit: Gadget Hacks
We also wanted to spotlight the fact that the app has a BFF function for users who aren’t necessarily looking for a soulmate, but wouldn’t mind making new friends of the same gender.
This function is definitely useful for those who have just moved to Thailand and haven’t found their squad yet. In fact, this writer found her first friend in Thailand through the app.
Bumble on App Store | Bumble on Google Play
Matchmaking agencies in Thailand
If dating apps sound like too much work, fret not.
Thailand has a myriad of matchmaking agencies that can help take all the work out of searching for your ideal match, leaving you only to worry about how to get ready for the date.
Here are two of the most popular English-speaking matchmaking agencies in Thailand.
1. Bangkok Matching
The first agency on our list has been around since 2006 – yes, it hurts us too to realise that’s over 15 years ago.
Image credit: Bangkok Matching
Bangkok Matching prides itself on being a safe and effective agency.
All users are required to undergo a background check, list out their dating objectives as well as partake in a phone interview before the whole matchmaking process starts.
This is so their consultants know exactly what clients are looking for.
After getting a feel for what you’re looking for and looking at their database, Bangkok Matching will suggest one of three packages that start from ฿8,000 (~USD244).
Prices depend on how selective your criteria are as well as how wide a net you’d like the agency to cast.
Bangkok Matching
Address: 8 T-One Building, 20th Floor Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 9.30AM-6.30PM Thursday – Saturday, Monday – Tuesday (Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays
Nearest Train Station: BTS Thonglor
Telephone: +66 8 6399 0935
Bangkok Matching website | Google Maps
2. MeetNLunch
Another recommended matchmaking service is MeetNLunch, an agency that first launched in Singapore back in 2004.
Similar to the aforementioned business, MeetNLunch prioritises their clients’ privacy, safety and happiness.
In fact, your first date happens at the agency itself.
To start off, users are asked to go through a 30-minute consultation either in-person or on the phone. Here, the pros will get a feel for your personality, what you’re looking for, and which package best suits your needs.
Seems like the platform understands our dating woes.
Screenshot: MeetNLunch
Matchmaking services start from ฿8,000 (~USD244) and can go up depending on your requirements, which coaching services you opt for, and how long you’d like to keep the agency on retainer.
MeetNLunch
Address: Amarin Tower 9th Floor Lumpini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 10AM-7PM Monday – Friday | 10AM-6PM Saturday – Sunday
Nearest Train Station: BTS Chidlom
Telephone: +66 2 652 0044
MeetNLunch website | Google Maps
Where to meet other singles
Dating apps and matchmaking services aside, it’s also possible to meet someone in Bangkok organically. Yes, as in a meet cute like in Rom-coms.
With such a massive city like Bangkok, we’d suggest starting off your soulmate search by doing what you love. That way, you and whoever you meet will already have something in common.
Here are some options.
Social Interest Groups
Our number one recommended spot to meet someone is at a fitness centre.
It’s a low-pressure environment where everyone is trying to better themselves, ensuring that people you meet will have similar levels of ambition and drive.
However, we would also like to reiterate that respect and consent are key. Surely, someone who’s squatting tens of KG with headphones in is probably not looking to strike up any conversations.
Gyms
Thailand is home to a wide range of fitness centres ranging from household gyms like Virgin Active or Fitness First, to more niche clubs like Absolute You that caters to yogis and Pilates junkies.
For those who are interested in meeting someone in the stables a la a Vincenzo, we’d recommend trying to sneak into the Royal Bangkok Sports Club with a member.
Thrill seekers, we’re sure you’ll be able to find an adventure buddy and/or date at one of Bangkok’s rock climbing gyms.
Online
If going to a new fitness centre without a buddy seems daunting to you, then don’t worry. We guarantee you’re not alone.
In fact, Facebook and Meetup have tonnes of groups dedicated to connecting people with similar interests.
The range from recreational sports leagues, beer-tasting groups and even language enthusiasts.
Bars & clubs
Of course, a guide to dating wouldn’t be complete without a section of the most happening bars and clubs in Bangkok.
Here are our top-three favourite joints that promise entertainment, as well as pockets of quiet where you can chat with your prospective date.
1. Havana Social
Though technically a speakeasy, Havana Social is one of the most popular clubs among expats and locals in their 20s-40s.
The establishment has multiple floors, with the first holding the dance floor and cocktail bar.
For ultimate pre-revolution Cuba vibes, though, we’d suggest heading up to the Cigar Lounge.
Havana Social
Address: 41, 3 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 5PM-11PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: BTS Nana
Telephone: +66 8 0647 7409
Havana Social Facebook | Google Maps
2. Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Located on the Marriott Bangkok, Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge is for those who are looking for a classy experience.
Whether it’s the sunset or moonlight illuminating Bangkok’s skyline, there’s just something about being so high up that’ll make people feel like anything is possible. Pretty sure we stole that line from a Rom-Com.
Paging Nick Young.
Image credit: @octavemarriott
If you’re looking for a sky-high experience that won’t induce an episode of vertigo, then maybe the next bar will be more your speed.
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
Address: 2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Opening Hours: 5PM-11PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: BTS Thonglor
Telephone: +66 2 797 0000
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar website | Google Maps
3. Escape Bangkok
Escape is an open-air tropical bar that sits on the fifth floor of EmQuartier.
The mock-thatched roofs, beach-themed cocktails, Kygo-esque tunes and tiki torches will make you forget you’re actually in central Bangkok.
So, if your horoscope says something about meeting your soulmate while strolling along the beach, why not try your luck here before driving three hours down to Hua Hin?
Escape Bangkok
Address: 689 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 5PM-11PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: BTS Phom Phong
Telephone: +66 2 003 6000
Escape Bangkok website | Google Maps
Trust the process
Adjusting to a new country and its culture can be a pretty difficult experience, so it’s totally valid to want to find a partner to go through that with you.
Although, you don’t really need a reason to start putting yourself out there. With Valentine’s Day coming up, love is in the air and there is no better time to safely start dating in Thailand.
That doesn’t mean you have to rush into anything or try every single app. As the saying goes, love finds you when you least expect it. So, we suspect that if you keep doing what you enjoy, you’re bound to meet someone who shares the same interests as you.
We wish you a happy Valentine’s Day and hope it’s all you wanted it to be and more.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Left):@octavemarriott, Tirarichardz via Freepik, The Economic Times
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