‘Wife Rental’ Trend in Thailand: A Controversial Custom Gaining Traction

GG News Bureau
Thailand, 30th Nov. In recent discussions across Southeast Asia, the concept of a “pleasure marriage” in Indonesia has drawn attention, but a more controversial trend is gaining ground in Thailand. Known as the “Wife on Hire” industry, this custom has become a growing phenomenon, particularly in Pattaya, where women from disadvantaged backgrounds offer companionship to foreign tourists for a specified period.

These women, often referred to as “Black Pearls” in Thailand, enter into temporary marital arrangements, offering services akin to that of a wife during the stay of the tourists. This practice has become so widespread that it now contributes to a significant industry, largely taking place outside of Pattaya’s notorious red-light areas and nightclubs.

A newly published book titled Thailand’s Taboo: The Rise of Wife Rental in Modern Society by La Vrit Emmanuel has fueled much of the recent conversation around this issue. The book explores the intersection of love, commerce, and controversy, shedding light on the growing business of wife rentals in Thailand. While it remains a controversial subject, especially for those who view it as commodifying relationships, some young women see it as an opportunity to secure a livelihood, with women earning anywhere between $1,600 and $116,000, depending on the terms of the contract.

The practice operates on a flexible basis, with the “rental” period lasting from several days to months, depending on the arrangement between the woman and her client. In some cases, these temporary marriages have even led to real marriages between the women and their customers.

Despite its controversial nature, the Thai government has acknowledged the existence of this custom, recognizing it as part of certain cultural practices that reflect influences from neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea. This temporary marital arrangement has sparked global debates, raising questions about ethics, economics, and the commodification of relationships.