(1) Yes. I give him a small amount each month deposited into an account here at home. He has the only ATM card, and the money is without any strings whatsoever. He can spend it, save it, give it to relatives etc etc etc. I rarely look at the balance.Quote:
Originally Posted by Thaiquila
The amount deposited (which has not changed since I started this 6 years ago) is not even close to covering living costs for a month living on a farm in Isaan.
(2) No. I would not think it would be an amount large enough for him to consider it a reason to continue an unwanted relationship (but of course, that's just a 'feeling'). Obviously I could not test this for veracity until he (or I) decide to actually put it to the test by ending everything. Since neither of us seem to be willing to do that, I'm not sure whether this observation will satisfy you or anyone else.
I think you are quite correct in at least parts of your observations regarding Thai guys gettting older and losing their "looks" ... as well as economic "attachments" having real and important dynamics in relationships ~ be they with Thais or whoever.
I'm just trying to point out that in the minority of cases ~ (and I agree they are a minority situation) ~ i.e. successful long term relationships between Thai men and farang . . . . the "looks" factor and the "economic" factors can be relegated to a station that is much further down the list of importance than it will obviously be for relationships which are ~ by their very nature ~ more transitory and impermanent.
Cheers ...