Interested in Dating Thai Guy from College.

[Miharu21]

Hello, I am new on here and a bit new to Thai culture. I want to learn the language and the culture as well as the food to make my crush happy. I find Thai culture to be very interesting. I am American, mostly mixed. He is half Thai and half German but lived most of his life in Thailand. He now goes to school with me in America. I do not know how to approach him though because I don't want to offend him. I have known him for about 2 months so far but whenever we are in a room alone, he tends to stay quiet and distances himself if I ask anything about him. But when there are other people around, he is talkative and likes to tease me. I touched his head yesterday, not knowing that that was bad. He said why you touch my head for? But he did not get mad at me or show he was mad, he just said I was weird. But he will not let me hug him though and will push me away to sit down, jokingly.

There aren't many articles on how to date a Thai man. There's mostly just dating Thai women. I would like for us to get to know each other and go on a date but how can I do this without him distancing himself or getting shy around me when I ask? Or me offending him?

[paul_au]

Why you beating around the bush, it's quicker and easier to just ask him out.

[khonrai]

hi

You should be asking this on dear abby

YOU are both young ask your friends or just be honest like Paul said and ask him outright. but from your writing sounds like he is not into you

He is half Germain have you been on the Germain forums asking how to approach him.

with a bi-racial background he is probably more western than Thai

another thought if he has grown up in Thailand with money and status
he may think you are below his status..

[Miharu21]

Yes I believe he is more western but still has Thai values like the touching of the head and feet. I don't touch anything with my feet and I always bow my head when stepping over something. But he shared his food with me, lets me feed him and allows me to tickle him. Sorry if me saying his racial background is offensive, I know about German culture, just not Thai culture.

[badfish]

Yes I believe he is more western but still has Thai values like the touching of the head and feet. I don't touch anything with my feet and I always bow my head when stepping over something. But he shared his food with me, lets me feed him and allows me to tickle him. Sorry if me saying his racial background is offensive, I know about German culture, just not Thai culture.

This Thai value of not touching the head is something I've never experienced. I've had people I just met jokingly touch me on the head whether by slapping or playful push and I can do it back. I've never felt like it's an area to be wary of. I tend to think this is even less common in the younger generation like you're talking about because I see things like my wife's nephews and kids playing together and even putting their feet on their heads.

[paul_au]

I know my former Thai girlfriend used to touch me on the head from when first meeting.

[badfish]

I know my former Thai girlfriend used to touch me on the head from when first meeting.

I hate to break the news to you Paul, but a slap in the face is usually considered a sign of disrespect.

[Lime]

This Thai value of not touching the head is something I've never experienced. I've had people I just met jokingly touch me on the head whether by slapping or playful push and I can do it back. I've never felt like it's an area to be wary of. I tend to think this is even less common in the younger generation like you're talking about because I see things like my wife's nephews and kids playing together and even putting their feet on their heads.

Kids don't know the difference if they are not taught and kids do to kids any way. Touching head is okay if a senior does to the junior but not the other way around. Also, a woman is not allowed to touch men's heads but they can do to the boys/teens (if the boys/teens allow) By all mean, touching not slapping. I wouldn't touch my big brother's head but I would do to my nephew or someone younger.

[Lime]

Yes I believe he is more western but still has Thai values like the touching of the head and feet. I don't touch anything with my feet and I always bow my head when stepping over something. But he shared his food with me, lets me feed him and allows me to tickle him. Sorry if me saying his racial background is offensive, I know about German culture, just not Thai culture.

Why would he let you feed him if he was not interested in you?

[Susana]

You say he will 'stay quiet and distance himself' if you ask questions about him.

Sometimes people are not comfortable with being asked questions about themselves from someone they are just getting to know, even if they are attracted to that person. Maybe you could try approaching him with neutral topics such as college, classes, food in the cafeteria, tv, movies, etc. That way, maybe he will come to feel more comfortable with you and gradually move on to more personal topics.

Enjoy the process of getting to know your new friend.

And by the way, I think he will be impressed that you respect Thai culture enough to not touch his head.

Chok dee, kha.