Pattaya Women’s Collective Security: Study of 76 Participants Reveals Farang Relationships Amidst Online Risks

The pursuit of security shapes lives in complex ways, and new research illuminates how women in Pattaya, Thailand, navigate this challenge within the context of relationships with foreign men, often referred to as ‘farang’. Taylor Robinson and Rikke Bjerg Jensen, from Royal Holloway, University of London, conducted ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with 76 women to reveal how they actively seek security through these relationships, viewing them as vital, and sometimes their only, option. The study demonstrates that women strategically present themselves online, mirroring advertising techniques used by local businesses, and adopting perceived ‘Western ideals’ to enhance their prospects. Crucially, the research highlights how these women develop collective security through knowledge-sharing, protecting themselves and each other from the significant online risks of scams and abuse encountered during their search for a farang, offering valuable insight into digital security within marginalised communities.

The study identifies that these women often perceive relationships with ‘farang’ as a primary, and sometimes only, avenue to achieve financial and personal security. They actively adopt and mirror perceived ‘Western ideals’ in their online profiles, mirroring advertising strategies used to attract customers, as a means of increasing their prospects. The research also details how the women navigate a range of online security risks, including scams and abuse, which significantly shape their search for a ‘farang’. Finally, the study demonstrates that the women develop collective security mechanisms through knowledge-sharing, protecting themselves and each other throughout the process.

Economic Vulnerability and Digital Relationship Strategies

This research reveals a strong connection between economic insecurity and the digital strategies employed by Thai women seeking relationships with foreign men. The women are not simply lacking digital skills; they are operating within a context of significant financial hardship, and seeking relationships with ‘farang’ often represents a strategy to alleviate this insecurity. Digital literacy, therefore, is not about general computer proficiency, but specifically about navigating the risks and opportunities presented by online relationships and financial transactions. The women are actively learning what they need to survive in this environment.

The research demonstrates that these women exhibit collective intelligence and peer-to-peer learning, actively sharing information, experiences, and strategies with each other, both online and in person. This collective knowledge is a crucial resource for mitigating risks. A local centre serves as a hub for this learning, but the exchange of information happens between the women as much as it does through formal instruction. The centre’s role extends beyond formal training, functioning as a social space where women build trust, share information, and collectively address their vulnerabilities. The study highlights the importance of trust networks and authentication in the women’s security practices. A significant part of their approach involves assessing the trustworthiness of potential partners, sharing information about known scammers, verifying identities, and relying on the collective knowledge of the group.

Online Personas and Security for Thai Women

This research details a two-month ethnographic study of women at a centre in Pattaya, Thailand, combined with interviews with seventy-six participants, revealing crucial insights into their digital security practices. The study demonstrates that these women often perceive relationships with foreign men, or ‘farang’, as a key means of achieving security, often representing their best, and sometimes only, option. The women strategically present themselves online, mirroring advertising techniques used by bar owners to attract customers, actively shaping their online personas to appeal to potential partners. The study meticulously documents the online security risks these women navigate, including scams and abuse.

Importantly, the women developed robust collective security strategies, sharing knowledge to protect themselves and each other throughout the process. The data shows that women rely heavily on shared learning, particularly through online groups and at the centre, to navigate the complexities of online dating. Participants described the centre as a strategic advantage, providing access to experiences and knowledge from women who had successfully secured ‘farang’ relationships and even moved abroad. This collective knowledge extends to identifying and avoiding scams, a prevalent threat in online interactions.

Women detailed patterns used by scammers, such as sending excessive messages professing love and requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The research demonstrates that women actively share information about known scammers, posting photos and stories on platforms like Facebook and Line to alert others. One 41-year-old woman from Isan created a dedicated Facebook page, a “hotline for scammers”, to facilitate this knowledge sharing and build collective protective practices. This collaborative approach extends to “scanning” potential ‘farang’ partners, assessing their personality and willingness to share personal information as indicators of genuine interest and financial stability.

Online Profiles, Security, and Transnational Relationships

This research presents findings from ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with seventy-six women in Pattaya, Thailand, revealing how they navigate digital security risks while seeking relationships with foreign men. The study demonstrates that these women often perceive relationships with foreigners as a key strategy for achieving financial and personal security, influencing how they present themselves online. They actively adopt and mirror perceived ‘Western ideals’ in their online profiles, mirroring advertising strategies used to attract customers, as a means of increasing their prospects. The research further highlights that the women developed collective security practices, sharing knowledge and strategies to protect themselves from online scams and abuse encountered during their search for a partner. Importantly, the study acknowledges that prioritising access to benefits, such as financial stability, was often considered more important than strict security protocols, suggesting that effective digital security education must be grounded in the lived experiences and practical needs of individuals.