"I Can't Believe Thailand Is the Infidelity Capital"... Thais Shocked by Unexpected Results

Thailand Tops List of 20 Countries With Highest Infidelity Rate... Over 51%
Influence of 'Mia Noi' and Sex Industry... Only Asian Country in the Rankings
Thai Internet Users Respond: "Unbelievable"

A couple enjoying a date in downtown Bangkok. Unrelated to the article. Pexels

Thailand has been found to have the highest rate of spousal infidelity in the world. The rate stands at approximately 51%, surpassing half of the population, and Thailand is the only Asian country to make it into the top 20 rankings.

According to local media outlets such as Khaosod in Thailand on August 5 (local time), research conducted by BedBible and Insider Monkey on infidelity rates among married couples in various countries ranked Thailand at the top.

The report states that the proportion of people who admitted to infidelity was 51%, showing a significant gap compared to Denmark, which ranked second at 46%. The list was followed by Germany (45%), Italy (45%), France (43%), and Norway (41%), with most of the top 20 countries being European.

Infidelity Rankings by Country. seasia

Experts point to the cultural practice known as 'Mia Noi' as a key factor behind this phenomenon. This is a system in which extramarital relationships are tacitly accepted, allowing a man to have a 'minor wife' in addition to his official spouse.

Another factor cited is the significant role of Thailand's sex industry. The structure in which sexual relationships outside of marriage are economically active, intertwined with the tourism industry, is also considered a major reason. Some scholars have described this structure as a "relationship valve" that relieves social pressure.

In response, local internet users commented, "Isn't there something wrong with the survey?" "It's surprising that Thailand is a leader in infidelity," "No matter what the culture is, cheating is wrong," "I've heard that even if the wife knows, she sometimes lets it go," and "Although the society is open about sex, it's questionable whether this leads to happy marriages."

The top 20 countries with the highest infidelity rates are as follows: Thailand (51%), Denmark (46%), Germany (45%), Italy (45%), France (43%), Norway (41%), Belgium (40%), Spain (39%), Finland (36%), United Kingdom (36%), Canada (36%), Greece (36%), Luxembourg (36%), Austria (35%), Brazil (35%), Iceland (35%), Netherlands (35%), Portugal (35%), Sweden (35%), United States (35%).