The Values of the Thai Women in the Northeast to Marry across Cultures

Abstract

The study consisted of three main objectives: 1) to study ways of life of Thai women in
the Northeast (Isan) who got cross-culturally married, 2) to investigate factors and causes of
making a decision to get cross-culturally married, and 3) to find out values of Isan Thai women
who got cross-culturally married. The results showed that: Regarding the way of life of the Isan
women who married across cultures before marriage with foreigners. Their main factor in living a
simple life was to consume simple Thai food. Their house was built in order to meet the needs of
the main use, not emphasize the exquisite and beautiful house. Their clothes in the normal time
was simple. The main reason why Isan women made the decision to have a foreign husband was the repetitive
poverty and to return gratitude to their parents. It was the value of being a good daughter to raise a parent. And because
of marriage to a foreigner, it often results in better quality of life, money, opportunities and stability in life. For the
value of Isan Thai women married across cultures, they wanted to marry foreigners in order toelevate themselves in
the aspects of economic success and life stability.