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Find out here what the sparkle of wedding rings in Thailand really says about love and when diamonds first dazzled Thailand
In recent months, the headlines have been saturated with news of celebrity engagements, each announcement accompanied by close-up photographs of sparkling diamond wedding rings.
Whether it is Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner flaunting a stone so large it has become a global talking point or Charli XCX opting for a refined solitaire paired with a bold, unconventional band, the public appetite for these symbols of commitment remains insatiable.
Thailand is no stranger to this fascination. When actress Davika “Mai” Hoorne revealed her engagement to Chantavit “Ter” Dhanasevi, the excitement was just as much about the ring on her finger as it was about the happy news itself.
The History of Wedding Rings in Thailand
The idea of a wedding ring as we know it today is not native to Thailand. Historically, Thai marriages were sealed through a series of ceremonial steps involving the families of both bride and groom. The most visible symbol was the exchange of gold during the khan maak procession, where the groom’s family would present gifts to the bride’s family to signify readiness and commitment. The value of gold was not only symbolic but practical, as it could be kept as family wealth and passed down through generations.
How the Diamond Entered the Picture
The use of a diamond ring as a marker of engagement was introduced to Thailand during the early 20th century when Western customs began to influence urban society, particularly in Bangkok. European jewellers and global advertising campaigns promoting the diamond as the ultimate emblem of eternal love found fertile ground among the growing middle and upper classes.
Once adopted, the diamond ring began to merge with Thai sensibilities. While the Western tradition focused on the romantic promise between two people, in Thailand the ring also became a gesture of respect towards both families. Its presentation during engagement ceremonies is often witnessed by elders and relatives, making it not only a private token of affection but also a public statement of readiness for marriage.
Thai couples today, much like those in the West, often pay close attention to the size and clarity of the diamond. For some, the choice is deeply personal and tied to the meaning shared between them. For others, the appeal lies in the sheer presence of a large and impressive stone. Carat weight can be a matter of pride, and social media has made it easy to compare rings in a way that adds competitive glamour to the tradition.
Yet beneath the surface of this modern sparkle, the wedding ring in Thailand still carries the quiet weight of taen jai or a token of the heart. It is an object that speaks both of romance and of family honour, embodying values that run deeper than its market price.
Young Thais are Redefining the Wedding Ring Tradition
There is also a generational twist emerging. While many older Thais still prefer gold as the main form of wedding jewellery, younger couples are experimenting with rings in minimalist settings, coloured gemstones, or even alternative materials that better reflect their personal style. For some, the significance lies not in the cost of the ring but in its story, perhaps a design inspired by local craftsmanship or a stone chosen for its symbolic meaning rather than its size.
Wedding rings in Thailand are therefore a meeting point between global trends and Thai cultural identity, carrying with them a lineage of ceremonial practice and the artistry of making a promise.
