Abstract

This paper draws on empirical research examining the narrative accounts of Thai women now living in England following migratory marriage. The focus on Thai women as ‘mail-order brides’ (Esara, 2009; Sims, 2008; So, 2006) has given incentive for the United Kingdom (UK) to become a favourable destination for Thai women pursued by western men. Regardless of this, there is little focus on the integration and experiences of Thai women within families and their communities (see Charsley, et al, 2011; Chuenglertsiri, 2020; Sico, 2013; Statham, 2019). This qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, explores the narratives of seven Thai women following marriage migration to England. The findings identify that the women have little or no support, narrating a deep dependency on the husband emotionally and financially, resulting in isolation given impetus through language and cultural barriers. The women have been, and are vulnerable to domestic abuse, with some reflecting on heinous sexual violence. Coercive and controlling behaviour is also evident in ensuring the women conform to their gendered positioning in the home. Unfortunately, through marriage migration the women are dispersed around the country, and I suggest this has resulted in a hidden population within society making the women a hard-to-reach sample.