[9V4i8xw1]

Dear All:
Most of what I have learned is about Thai marriage ceremonies, some of the funeral rituals, and how families in Thailand generally live in an extended family home. What I am wondering, is does this still ring true? I did some research from a site that posted stories that younger Thai's wrote. It seemed to me that they are headed off in the direction of living on their own, with their own immediate families (husband, wife, and child). The problem seems to be that when they do that, they are so sticken with poverty that it seems to make no sense.

I was also told by a classmate (he had a friend that was from Thailand) that realationships are kept very private, and it is disrespectful to interfer in that relationship. To date, I have found no affirmative reasearch on that.

I think that just like in the USA, every family culture varies, but there must be some common threads. My thought is: you can only find out so much about the Thai culture in books. Yet, is the research current enough, and is it really what happens? I do not expect anyone to write my paper, but wanted some first hand knowledge. Any suggestions, comments, or observations would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help!
Mandi