Love: Siam style

One of the long known aspects of Thai tourism is the sex trade. It covers all the gambits of interests, and unfortunately cross legal lines all too often. In fact, earlier in my trip three Australian men were arrested in Pattaya for child pornography and having sex with minors. I have serious issues with anyone who takes advantage of children. Unfortunately, Thailand has become a breeding ground for this kind of sicko. Other forms of sex tourism are legal and quite publically promoted. In Phuket, you couldn't walk down the street without being offered access to the closest ping pong show or lady boy showcase. In fact, one of the most popular shows is Simon's; an all lady boy extravaganza. In Chiang Mai, I came across the highest numbers of the most common situation; older western man hooked up with young Thai woman. I am talking about guys in their mid-40's up to 60's with women in their 20's. As I understand the concept, men arrive
for their holidays and the first stop is a local 'farong' bar (farong = foreigner) which generally has a 3 to 1 ratio of Thai women to western men. They get the drinks flowing and the girls flock around. The women are looking for a sugar daddy, someone who has the potential to take the back to their home country or set them up in their own love nest in Thailand. The women are most interested in knowing what the man does for a living and what resources he has available. Looks, age and other commitments are not important at all. These relationships can last for as little as a night or can go on for years. The women doat on the fella, hanging from their arms like the latest status accessory. But they carefully extract all they need as well. A trip home to meet the family soon follows so he can see where she comes from, how supportive the family is, and most importantly, how hard their lives are. A few dollars would sure make life a little easier.
And did father mention that his motorcycle needs new brakes, and my younger brother needs books for school. Now, I have no issue with this set up. The guy is happy, he has a hot chick on his arm. His ego (and other parts) are higher than they've been in years. She is getting wined and dined and her family maybe getting a few perks in the process. In speaking to a guy in Chiang Mai who is engaged in one of these relationships, one thing struck me as funny. He had been with his lady for 3 months (he is here on long term assignment with his company). He is divorced. I would guess in his early 50's. He has two sons; one in college and one working in technology. He says they have talked about marriage and the possibility of her going back to the UK with him. Here is the funny part. In Thailand, she is deadly jealous. He says they rarely go out anymore, she won't let him out of her sight. She knows that a quick trip to the nearest farong bar and
she can be replaced. However, he is not keen on bringing her back to the UK for the very same reason; far too much competition. He also has not mention his relationship to his sons. He thinks they might disapprove. He expecting to be heading home within the next two months, and hasn't a clue what to do. By the way, I got all of this information poured on me by him, while his lady was sitting right next to him. She barely speaks any English, but has the nodding and smiling down pat. The entire time we were chatting she had her arms entwined around his torso and nuzzled his arm. He hardly seemed to notice. As I got up to leave, he wished me a safe trip and told me to enjoy the rest of my time in Thailand. I wished him luck and walked off wondering what the outcome would be. Given the fact that he revealed all of this to a total stranger in a span of 30 minutes, I would guess he is leaning towards returning home solo. Perhaps with an annual holiday
back to Chiang Mai.
There are all kinds of relationships that draw people together. As long as everyone involved are doing so by their own free will, and with mutual respect, then who am I to judge. Good luck Edwin!