Thai Groom Sued for Skipping Wedding Because He Can’t Afford $6,000 Dowry

The groom, Boonyang Sawatdee, 26, of Sa Kaeo, and his whole family decided to bail on their wedding because they were not able to raise the dowry that both parties agreed on during the proposal.

The couple’s ceremony was supposed to be held at the bride’s, Arunee Jaengkrachang, 24, home in the village of Khao Din in tambon Yanree of Kabin Buri district on Sunday, according to Bangkok Post.

Both Boonyang and Arunee’s families reportedly agreed that the dowry was to be set at 200,000 Baht ($6,025) in cash and five-baht weight of gold.

The 26-year-old groom visited his wife’s house for the final preparations for the ceremony on Saturday.

Arunee’s family called Boonyang on the day of the wedding and told them that he was already on his way to her house and that he brought his relatives with him. Unfortunately, several hours passed and there was still no sign of Boonyang at the bride’s house. Arunee’s relatives tried to call his phone again, but to no avail.

The 24-year-old bride’s family later learned that Boonyang was not able to pay the dowry. Arunee, after hearing this, got very emotional and fainted.

It turns out that her parents Chaowarit Jaengkrachang, 48, and wife Sriprapa Phudbomuang, already covered most of the expenses from the wedding, which cost around 66,000 Baht ($1,987). They felt very embarrassed in front of their guests.

Arunee’s relatives demanded Boonyang to pay wedding party expenses, and they have now filed a complaint to the police against the groom and his family.