The practice of polygamy, or having multiple wives, in Thailand has a rich historical heritage that dates back centuries.
While you would be hard pushed to find a man in Thailand with multiple wives today, the practice of having a second partner, a “Mia Noi” (เมียน้อย), meaning “minor wife” or “second wife”, still exists, particularly among wealthy men who can afford to support a second wife.
A Mia Noi is a woman who is involved in a consensual, extramarital relationship with a man who is already married. In contrast, a “Mia Luang” refers to the principal or first wife in a polygamous marriage
Here’s a brief explanation of these two terms:
Mia Luang (เมียหลวง)
- The term “Mia Luang” translates to “main wife” or “first wife” in Thai.
- In traditional polygamous relationships, the Mia Luang holds a higher status and may have been the…
