An Irish man who met a Thai bride 20 years his junior online has paid her family a FIVE-FIGURE dowry to get married.
Richard McAllister, 64, met Nathapapas Jaratponkul, 44, over the Internet several years ago and struck up a romance with her as they communicated by email.
Earlier this month Richard and Nathapapas, a former shopkeeper, threw an engagement party at a new-build house in rural Surin province, Thailand.
Richard McAllister, 64, with Nathapapas Jaratponkul, 44, at their engagement party
The Irish IT executive paid a five figure sinsod to marry the shop keeper
Richard, who worked in IT in London, laid on bowls of gold jewellery and cash for the doo – while dressed in traditional Thai clothes.
The couple are now due to get married next year after Richard handed over ”several million Thai baht”, according to local media.
Piles of cash laid out on show
The payment – equivalent to around £40,000 or more – is known as ”sinsod” and given to families of the bride to show appreciation for raising a well-rounded daughter and provide financial security for their family.
It also helps them to ”save face” in front of other villagers in the heavily money-orientated Thai culture.
