SPONSORED – Bangkok, the city of singles, where getting a date is a piece of cake. But finding someone you actually want to go on a second date with? Well good luck with that.
There’s definitely a lot of pessimism about meeting someone special in this fast-paced metropolis. Especially when you consider the following the best ways of finding a mate:
Networking events
Meeting interesting people is a sure thing at one of Bangkok’s many regular business mixers. But while many of these Westerners have an impressive career, they’ve also likely got a long-term abroad.
Nightclubs
Because excessive drinking, really bad pop music and an ongoing guessing game of “Is she or is she not a hooker?” is always a good time.
Fancy hi-so drinking establishments
This is where sophisticated, ultra-civilized people go to sip cocktails and soak in each other’s elegance. Although, what’s so civilized about hi-so cheating scandals and the constant drama of gigs and geeks?
Khao San Road
The best place to engage in titillating conversation about hostels and 12-hour bus rides, with someone who is only in Thailand for a few more days anyway. You’re into doing long distance, right?
Go-go bars
No explanation needed on this one. Let’s put it into the infamous words of Tupac: “You can’t turn a hoe into a housewife.”
Take a university class
University is actually a great way of meeting new people, especially in the Thai system of learning that emphasizes collectivity and working together. Just be prepared to wear a school uniform and drop thousands of baht on a higher education.
Fashion shows
The only love connection you’re going to make here is with a new designer dress or a fabulous gay boyfriend.
Jam sessions
Come for the music, but don’t expect to have long thoughtful conversations (or for that matter, hear anything at all) after a few hours of heartbleed and earbleed rock.
Art openings
Beautiful paintings, thought-provoking installations… but don’t you just wish sometimes you could skip the pretentious chitchat with some people?
Yes, when you put it that way, Bangkok’s dating scene is a little depressing.
But what about Paktor? This is a dating app that effectively does away with all the fuss and frustrations from above.
On Paktor, users scroll through photos and either like or dislike them. Users are only introduced when there’s a mutual interest. That means there’s no rejection, and none of the initial awkwardness of meeting face-to-face.
You can also get to know somebody before you invest your valuable time. Forget about the exhaustion of event-hopping and buying drink after drink at the bar. On Paktor you are certain to meet interesting people at your own leisure and convenience. That’s why a lot of office workers use the app. There’s also a safety feature, preventing Facebook accounts with less than 50 friends from signing up. Your Facebook friends will always be hidden in your Paktor searches, providing ultimate anonymity.
When you put it all into perspective, it does sounds pretty good. With more than 50 million profile ratings and 200,000 matches since launching, Paktor’s active users are expanding at an overwhelming rate. According to the website site, the app has helped over 500,000 singles find their other half.
Is Paktor a revolution for expats and Thais alike? In our breakneck, technology-efficient society, maybe a social networking app is the easiest way of meeting someone new after all.
Photo: Paktor
Reader Interactions