Life in ThailandThai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
'Quality' dating services catering to career-oriented professionals have been springing up by the handful around Bangkok recently. Having noticed the dating plight of several attractive, smart, career-oriented (and very busy) single women in the capital, the phenomenon really began to make good sense.
One acquaintance, a pretty Thai woman in her late-20s with an MBA from one of the UK's top-rated business schools, works as a wealth management consultant for one of Thailand's top banks. Last weekend she took the opportunity to reveal to me her dating aspirations.
“I'd like to find a business-minded American in his mid-30s. I want someone mature who can really help me out with my [business-related] ideas and dreams. Young guys [my age] are okay to hang out with but I want someone who can push me. I've dated older Thai business execs, although I prefer the American drive and perspective,” she said. “And my fortune teller said I'll be married within a year - I'm excited!”
Her plan so far consists of attending 'Western' chambers of commerce events in the hope of finding 'Mr Right'. When asked about dating agencies, she smiled with furrowed brow and gave an ironic laugh.
“A dating agency? No, not for me,” she said.
If fate doesn't drop that bright young American exec into her lap, perhaps she'll give the dating service another thought.
Agency-bound
Since it's possible that other readers may share some of my friend's apprehensions, I decided to take a closer look at a few of the new 'quality' dating agencies popping up around Bangkok.
Bangkok singles too busy chasing 'success' now have several matching agencies to help them find their ideal partner, including: Meet'n'lunch; Bangkok Matching; It's Just Lunch Bangkok; We Match, and Who Is Match, to name a few.
I met with two of the 'priciest' agencies as a 'potential client': Meet'n'Lunch, and It's Just Lunch.
After sending an email of interest to both agencies, I received a call from the former on the same day, and one from the latter after three days.
On the initial phone call, both agencies wanted to know my age, nationality (28-year-old American), location of residence, and occupation. It's Just Lunch asked me several questions about myself, and then about the type of person I'm looking for. They then invited me in for a chat to 'get to know me' in more detail.
Meet'n'Lunch, on the other hand, refrained from finding out about my interests on the phone, but asked whether or not I had a work permit, and then made an appointment to learn more about me at a later date.
The interview
Arriving at the posh All Season's Place, an impressive building that houses several elite corporations, I did feel a bit shy telling the woman at the lobby reception desk which office I was visiting (It's Just Lunch).
In the office waiting area I was asked to fill out a form describing a few of my habits (smoker, non-smoker, and so on), and the type of person that I'm interested in (religion, body type, ethnicity, etc).
In the meeting room, the consultant, a friendly
young Singaporean woman, began to drill me about my personal interests,
and the traits I'd like to see in a potential date. The process wasn't
so tedious; it was actually quite fun and enjoyable, as I did learn a
bit about myself.
After an hour of questioning I was given the package rates: 24,000 baht
(US$687) for 12 dates within one year (the cheapest of the two), and
40,000 baht for a package that also includes dates in Singapore. When I
asked why I should use their dating service, the consultant replied
“image”. I suppose with high price also comes high 'image'.
Compared to It's Just Lunch, Meet'n'Lunch had a
somewhat more 'casual' feel. I made my way through their office at
Amarin Tower without too much embarrassment. This could have been due
to a newfound 'comfort' with dating agencies, or due to the fact that
Meet'n'Lunch is a 'local' company (whereas It's Just Lunch is
headquartered in the United States).
The friendly, casualness (or even Thai-ness) of Meet'n'Lunch was
appreciated. However, this shouldn't translate as a lack of
'professionalism', as both companies were very professional in terms of
their attitude and approach.
The interviewer at Meet'n'Lunch, an attractive young Thai woman with
excellent English, asked me a series of questions in 'fives': five
things I most like about myself; the top five things I look for in a
suitable partner, and so on. When all this was finished, she laid out
the rates: 5,000 baht for one date; 12,000 baht (three dates); 17,000
baht (five dates); and 77,000 baht (10 dates), all within a one-year
period.
Thus, when comparing rates, at It's Just Lunch, you're limited to a
package with a large amount of dates, but a cheaper rate compared to
Meet'n'Lunch; at Meet'n'Lunch, you're not restricted to a package with
a large amount of dates, but those single dates are costlier than It's
Just Lunch.
Dating success
I received a phone call within two days of meeting with It's Just Lunch
saying they had found two matches (success). The possible dates sounded
committed to their careers and held high positions within their
organizations. Meet'n'Lunch contacted me exactly one week later saying
they found an ideal person for me.
While I hope this article serves to provide an indication of what's
required when applying to join dating agencies with a view to utilizing
their services, at the end of the day it's clearly down to the
individual to decide whether or not to take the plunge.
-James Vernon can be contacted at jamesjvernon[at]yahoo[dot]com.
Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
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