Blackmail? Son got his girlfriend pregnant.

[fileeep]

Mind telling us whom you're referring to? Just wondering.

Hi Marie, it is an Australian expression when referring to guys getting heated over a subject….’settle down ladies’ like two old chooks (chickens) in a barn yard. It is certainly not meant as a sexist remark.

Same old Paul comments and again, has ruffled someones feathers and sucked them in to an argument….(mission accomplished Paul)…both parties stated that they do not care if anyone agrees with them or not…so they will argue about that….

Emu, are you still out there?

[xfiles20001999]

"settle down ladies" is also an expression used here in the states.

[paul_au]

100,000 baht - you should snap their hands off. How much do you think it would cost to bring up the child? The girl won't be left to do it on her own. She's made a mistake (though she's not legally old enough to call it her mistake), and her family will be there to support her and the child. Your wife's boy has made a mistake and you get the chance to get away with 100,000 baht.

It comes down to extortion. The reality is if the girls family want the pleasure of keeping the baby, then they should pay for it. If the boys family want to keep the baby, then the boy should pay for it.
If know one wants the baby and they don't believe in abortion, then there are plenty of childless couples in western countries that are wishing to adopt a new born baby but can't get one, at the same time they would cover all medical & legal costs plus a bit more for good will.

[Betti]

abortion is illegal in Thailand.

[PeaBrain]

As a very last resort, particularly in rural areas, I would think a Baht would go a lot farther if you bribed the police for protection against the extortionists. This way it is a one time bribe, not an ongoing ordeal, and it would make for some good feelings with the police if you intended to live in the area. The parents certainly were not too interested in letting the daughter know about the consequences of getting pregnant. Why should they get the money? Do you really think it will go to the well being and schooling of the baby or a whiskey party? Is it not in the precepts of Buddhism that the parents are responsible to protect their children, hmm?

[emu]

I see that the son has a responsibility to the child, and to the girl who also played a part. As a minor, she cannot be held responsible. A parent does not stop being a parent after a payment. There are a lot of things to consider here. The paternity is one of those. If he is the father, he will not get off scott free. I'll make sure he faces up to what he has to.

So at the moment, we are in limbo until we arrive at the end of April. We will have talks with the parents, and with the son, and make our decisions based on that.

My problem, is that I am too generous, and when it's time to say no, it's harder. But if I have to, I will.

Thank you all for your input. I appreciate it.

[PakDude]

Hi, if I were you I'd get your step-son to take a paternity test when the baby arrives but as he and the girl are both minors I don't understand the demands for money are being made. Oh, the joys of being a step-parent!

[emu]

This whole business is now done and dusted. We had an awesome holiday, the wedding was massive, and I have learnt a lot.
As soon as I can, Ill relate it all in a trip report. Soon.

[Betti]

wedding.....? whoa. good luck to all.... especially that poor little thing that's about to be born in these circumstances.