The phrase “Till death do us part” is becoming increasingly outdated as the concept of rental wives gains popularity in Thailand, offering services that can last anywhere from a single day to several years, depending on the payment terms. These services range from casual companionship to acting as tour guides, providing a substantial income for young women or those struggling to make ends meet in the competitive modern world.
A new book by Lavert A. Emmanuel, Thai Taboo: The Rise of Wife Rental in Modern Society, explores the male loneliness that urbanization can bring. In cities like Pattaya, there is a rise in clubs, bars, and even restaurants where Thai or foreign men can meet “black pearls” or dusky women looking for a more transactional arrangement than the typical short-term encounters. These informal agreements often involve fees based on the woman’s looks, age, education, and, in some cases, fluency in English. Emmanuel’s book even recounts instances where clients wanted their “black pearl” to meet them at the airport and accompany them 24/7 during their frequent trips to Thailand—nothing to do with traditional marriage. Despite being widespread in Thailand, this practice exists in a legal grey area, as reported by Puntid Tantivananghaisal for Asean Now.
However, some critics on social media argue that renting a wife is hardly a new concept. They point out that many foreigners visiting Thailand for business or leisure have long rented bar girls to stay with them for the duration of their trip, or even travel together to neighboring countries. These men dislike the idea of constantly switching partners. It’s not even necessary to visit a red-light district, as several apps now facilitate such arrangements. The costs for these services range from US$500 to US$4,000.
