The sinsod

Before a traditional wedding the groom's side presents a สินสอด, money and often gold, to the bride's parents. It's displayed at the engagement or wedding ceremony and counted with some ceremony. The amount depends on the families' status (ฐานะ), the bride's education and region, and it is negotiated between the families, sometimes with a go-between. Many families give part or all of it back to the couple after the wedding as a start-up gift; others keep it as thanks to the parents for raising their daughter. Foreigners sometimes see it as buying a bride; most Thais see it as respect and security. Talk openly with your partner about expectations, early.