Chumphon (Thailand) – A durian trader posted via Facebook an offer promising 10 million baht (S$425,300) in cash, among other incentives, to any man who succeeds in winning the heart of his 26-year-old daughter. The lucky guy must also agree to continue operating the family business.
“I won’t ask for a single baht in dowry from him but will instead give him 10 million baht in cash, 10 vehicles, a house, two durian markets and a daughter who graduated with honours from Assumption University and has a master’s degree from Sun Yat-sen University in China,” he said on March 2 (Saturday) in his Facebook account.
Even though it seems like a fairy-tale deal, the businessman was not joking.
When reporters approached Mr. Anont, he said that he doesn’t have much time to spare because his daughter might be too old to get married.
He added that he was ready to retire and therefore, pass on his durian trade legacy to the next generation. Retirement from the durian trade which he maximised for 20 years would also give him the chance to focus on his amulet business.
He owns two durian markets in Chumphon, including one at Uay Chai market located in tambon Wang Takor of Lang Suan district.
Requirements
What does it take to pass the screening of Mr. Anont?
The entrepreneur mentioned the ability to buy and select durian. Furthermore, his future son-in-law must be diligent. The father noted how he built his business from the ground up and would like to extend the same opportunity to the potential candidate. He said he was willing to get to know the lucky guy as they work together.
Mr. Anont is not looking for someone who is rich and well-educated. “The man who will join my family must be good and must not be a gambler. Importantly, he must be hard-working and truly love my daughter,” said the father.
Contrary to the typical reactions to arranged marriages, the daughter, Ms. Kansita Rotthong, is all right with the whole idea.
Ms. Rotthong, who is the youngest and only single daughter of Mr. Anont said, “At first, I thought my dad was joking, but it turns out he’s seriously looking for a son-in-law. My siblings and I respect his decision.”
“A decent man who works hard and loves his family is good enough for him,” she added.
Ms. Rotthong jokingly added that since her older siblings already had families and she was the only one single, “My dad may fear he won’t know his son-in-law in this life.”
With his daughter’s approval a done deal, the only heart left to win over is Mr. Anont’s.
Any updates on the prospects and turn of events will be posted.
The story first appeared in the Bangkok Post.