The Traditional Customs for Thai Women

In the past different attitudes were commonplace regarding the roles of men and women of Thailand.  For example, when a male baby was born a slate and a pencil were placed beside the baby.  The idea was that this baby boy should grow up to become a man of knowledge and understanding of the world.  However, if the baby was a girl a needle and thread would be placed next to the baby instead.  This would mean that this little girl ought to grow up to become a good housewife.  When this same baby boy got a little older he would be sent to study at a temple.  The same-age girl would have to stay home and learn to do household chores.  An old Thai saying goes like this: The charm at the tip of a ladle makes a husband love his wife all of his life."

In the old days a woman could not select her own husband.  Her parents would make an arrangement with the parents of a man they believed to be suitable for their daughter.  Such an arrangement was generally based upon social and financial status.  Therefore, once she was married a Thai woman's whole life was to be fully devoted to her husband and family.  A traditional Thai wife was expected to show respect to her husband every day of her life.  She would cook good food for him, sleep at his feet when going to bed, take care of all household work, and wake up before him in the morning to begin preparing food again.  Punishment for disobeying these expectations was usually harsh.

The influence of the West was probably the single greatest influence that brought about changes for the lives of Thai women.  As the influence of the Western world became greater, the role and status of women in Thailand also began to improve.  It is true that to outsiders Thai women may have been treated unfairly by men for a very long time.  However, careful readers should also remember that the women of the past were taught from the time they were very young that this was the way life must be for them.  The cultural environment they lived in all their lives made them intimately familiar with these practices.  Some women even considered it a matter of personal pride to make their husbands as comfortable as possible!

Best regards from your good friend,

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.