Koh Samui for women
Although Thailand may have an unfair image of being a single man's playground, littered with bars and prostitutes - it is actually one of the safest and most enjoyable countries for woman to visit alone. Koh Samui is also a safe and relaxed island for women to visit. There are many cross-cultural relationships on the island, and although most involve male foreigners with Thai females, plenty of foreign women also have Thai hubbies. Thais are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and even find foreigners quite attractive, so don't be surprised if your receive compliments. Although some Thai men are notorious for their sweet talk, they are all generally harmless and remain polite, although care should be taken when drugs or alcohol are involved as their tolerance is quite low.
At the very least you are left with the freedom to travel around freely, feeling safe and comfortable with plenty of helpful and friendly people, both Thai and foreign, to mingle with or simply get assistance from. As a women traveller in Thailand you care spoilt with numerous great value spas to pamper yourself, wonderful food, cooking classes, massage schools to keep you busy, and of course relaxing beaches. Getting around is convenient on the easy-to-manage scooter bikes, which suit men and women equally.
Safety
There is little cause to be suspicious of friendly people. Obviously, you should use your better judgment, especially if people are asking you to spend money. But generally Thais of both sexes avoid confrontation and men are unlikely to bother you. There are a few things you should bear in mind though. Thai women are typically quite modest (except for bargirls), so dress modestly, and do not touch or flirt with men in public.
People on Samui will be quite friendly and helpful towards you and in general almost all areas of the island are safe for walking in, even at night. Use common sense and stay away from deserted beaches and roads, also avoid and seedy bars and nightclubs. If you are alone, it’s probably best to limit your drinking so that you have your wits about you and be especially careful accepting drinks from strangers at large gatherings like the full moon party as there have been instances of drugging.
Culture and etiquette
Sexual equality may seem a long way off in the male-biased society in Thailand, but there are a number of complex cultural norms regarding sex roles that cannot be easily changed. The stereotypical image of the subservient Asian women taking care of her man has to be understood in context, and it is important to bear in mind that many types of behaviour or linked to acceptance amongst family and peers. Trying to stop a Thai woman from looking after her man, even if he is a foreigner, could result in a loss of face for her, as she may be considered a bad wife. As Thailand rapidly modernises, many of the less acceptable habits are slowly disappearing, but it’s a slow process.
Women contribute a very and important role to Thailand's character. Thai women make up more than 60 per cent of the workforce, and can be found everywhere from construction sites and rice paddies to high-ranking government positions. Although Thai women are seriously under represented in government, they usually control the family finances and make many of the important decisions.
Prostitution is an issue that many foreign women in Thailand have difficulty coming to terms with. However, a different set of values and ethics motivate people here and it's a sad reality that many young girls are forced into the sex trade for economic reasons. Most of them are from the poor northeastern region of Isaan, and many simply have material ambitions. These girls typically find that the benefits of sending home significant sums of money to their poor families and gaining huge amounts of respect in their village far outweigh the private loss of self-esteem they might feel.
In the tourist go-go bars you may find girls who appear to be enjoying their job. This is generally part of the deception. In reality most are tied to their work through debt or the threat of violence. On the other hand there is also a large portion of free-spirited girls who enjoy singing karaoke and hanging themselves over strange men for a living, especially when the alternative is a mundane factory job. Although Thailand doesn't have a huge problem with child or forced prostitution, it does also exist.
Sisters on Samui is a woman’s only group that meets every third Wednesday of the month for lunch at different venues around the island. It is a great way to meet other women of all nationalities, who live on or are visiting the island. A percentage of the meal price is put aside each month and at the end of the year a significant donation to a mutually agreed deserving cause is made, so everyone benefits. For more information contact Sue at sec@poppiessamui.com
