Clinic opens for Isan women planning to wed a foreigner

A celebrant washes the hands of a couple during a traditional wedding, and advises them about married life. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

KHON KAEN: For women planning to tie the knot with a foreigner, a visit to a clinic in this northeastern province could be high on the list.

Its staff will give them tips on how to adjust to their new life with a foreign husband, and what they could expect if they go to live overseas.

Better understanding of new languages and culture were needed for women in this position, Social Development and Human Security Minister Anantaporn Kanjanarat said at the opening of the clinic in Muang district on Wednesday.

"It could help reduce the risk of a breakup after marriage, or after they move to a new country," he said.

The clinic is the first in the upper northeastern region. The area has more women from Thailand marrying foreigners than other regions in the country. (continues below)

Social Development and Human Security Minister Anantaporn Kanjanarat talks to a foreigner and Thai women during the opening of a clinic for northeastern women about married life with a foreigner, in Muang district of Khon Kaen on Wednesday. (Photo by Chakkrapan Natanri)

In 2010 there were 27,357 foreigners living in the northeastern region, 90% of them living with their Thai wives, based on statistical research by the College of Population Studies at Chulalongkorn University released last year.

In 2004, half of the 19,594 women from the region who were married to foreigners lived in Udon Thani, Khon Kaen or Nakhon Ratchasima, the researchers said. The majority of foreign husbands came from Europe, north America, Australia or New Zealand.

The researchers' findings were based on figures from the National Statistical Office and the National Economic and Social Development Board.