Dowry and Thai society

Abstract

 In the past, until now the dowry culture has always been a part of Thai society, no matter what era. Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, or the dowry culture in different regions have been different in the past. However, now, the new generation has started to view the dowry culture in a negative rather than a positive way. Because sometimes, the bride and groom are asked for a dowry that is too high from the bride's parents. And some couples' relationships end up breaking up just because the groom cannot find the assets that the bride's family has specified. Moreover, when the dowry is related to society and showing social status, as can be seen by bringing glasses, rings, money, and gold to put on a tray at the wedding to show social status, leading to the emergence of a dowry rental business. You can rent money or gold to put at the wedding. When the wedding is over, you return it to the company that rented it. In the past few years, the dowry rental business has become very popular because the dowry rental business itself almost makes a full profit. From the dowry that is a symbol of a wedding to turning it into a business. When this is the case, will the dowry culture still have the same value as in the past? This article explores the historical development of the Thai dowry system and analyzes the social issues associated with it, including the ongoing discussion over its relevance and preservation in contemporary society.