

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, 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.
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.