| Do you like farangs? |
Author: Head not Heart
Date:
2 Mar 2549 21:27
Hello Everybody!
There are so many farangs in Thailand nowadays, what is happening? May I ask if you like farangs? If not, why and who?
Thank you. |
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| Reply # 31 | |
Author: C.
Date: 13 Jul 2550 18:01
I am being brought to the police station by a Thai woman for slander because her husband, my friend lied to her and she is jealous. So dont talk to me about the land of smiles |
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| Reply # 30 | |
Author: thaifan
Date: 7 Feb 2550 09:31
Foreigners visiting Thailand is not unique.
Every country has visitors from overseas.
Air travel is getting cheaper, due to budget airlines.
Once poor Asian countries like China and Korea are prosperous, and now their citizens can afford to travel.
In Sydney you will find many tourists from Japan, China & Taiwan.
And Australia has many Asians who have been naturalized as Australian citizens.
Western tourists contribute quite a lot to the Thai economy.
Tourists visit Thailand, due to the beauty of the country and the people, who have a world wide reputation as being friendly.
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| Reply # 29 | |
Author: Thulsa Doom
Date: 28 Nov 2549 02:17
@ BTS
Do you think Thai people are the only ones to give a fruit name to foreigners?
Here are Khon Thai and all Asians no matter where they come from, called "manao"...
I personnaly ve never been hurt to be called "farang" or "maksida" in Thailand. |
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| Reply # 28 | |
Author: fatam19
Date: 26 Oct 2549 13:19
Thailand is Thailand so the moment you step on this land, don't go and say "We do it like this in the states". You can't always have it in the American way! |
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| Reply # 27 | |
Author: BTS citizen
Date: 25 Oct 2549 15:02
I also don't like the idea of calling a foreigner farang (I am Thai, head to toes) If we are Kon Thai why cant they be Kon American or Kon Eungkrit etc.
And one thing regarding bar and prostitution, those women who works in a bar or prostitute themselves, they are complaining nothing.
so why should we?
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| Reply # 26 | |
Author: Duang Dao
Date: 27 Aug 2549 23:59
Answer to # 25,
'Farang' refered exclusive to the Westerner only, the white race.
'Tangchart' applied to all foreigners of other races, excluding Westerners.
It goes back to the time of colonial days. France had Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam under their belt. These are our closed neighboring countries. Thai share strong tide in cultures and trades. That's how we come into contact with a lot of French those days. Thai call France ' Farang- set' , it means 'white race'.
You know how Thai are, we prefer using short terms, like
Saudi Arabia = Sa- u
Merzede Benz = Benz
Farang-set = Farang
You got the picture.
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| Reply # 25 | |
Author: Big Brother of Siam
Date: 26 Aug 2549 11:40
Can someone please explain in detail the difference between "farang" and "tangchat?" I am confused as hell. |
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| Reply # 24 | |
Author: Anti-Farang
Date: 30 Jul 2549 13:17
Most of farang (white races) have a thougt that they are superior than all yellow & black. That's why Thai Woman No. 21 faced her problem in her office. I have worked with French guys, all of them boost a lot and over-act in many unacceptable way. However, I was told that farangs who work in Asia are those who cannot find their jobs in their own country, so they have to look for better fortune in Asia & Africa. None of the excellent ones would desert their motherland to face difficulties in overseas countries. That's why we have seen only their dark side. |
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| Reply # 23 | |
Author: Thai Woman
Date: 28 Jul 2549 23:16
Thanks for your good advice and in future I will have to say some thing to them as well. Thanks a lot once again! |
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| Reply # 22 | |
Author: David Kerr
Date: 28 Jul 2549 04:29
Thai Woman #21
Well done for your posting, I think you are almost in a position to resolve your problem with the use of bad language in your office. Having expressed yourself so well here you are obviously confident enough and I hope your confidence stretches to being able to say, politely, "Excuse me, I do not like hearing such language and I would appreciate it if you would not use it in my presence again". I realise many Thai people would find it difficult to be so direct particularly with their boss but it does work. I have used this on many occasions with people ranging from Managing Direstors to labourers. |
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| Reply # 21 | |
Author: Thai Woman
Date: 23 Jul 2549 09:15
Though your question seems to be a straight forward question, all right you mentioned "head" & not "heart", I'd like to express my feeling when I have to work with many French in office. I always feel uncomfortable when they use a bad word in office, for example, when their computer screwed for some reasons, they will use always "F..." word.
How to handle such annoying situation in office, I am thinking that they are downgraded themselve as noone will respect them at all, especially he is a manager in office.....very bad manner using bad word especially in front of woman.
I am trying to think how it would be with Thai office working people when they upset with their PCs. It would be hard to hear such words from them in office, and I am sure of it.
I am trying to cope with these sort of people...trying to get annoy and upset...and continue to work as I know they won't be here forever... Any one have good advice...I would love to hear from you.
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| Reply # 20 | |
Author: David B
Date: 7 Jul 2549 07:27
We can keep race out of this question. It is a question of definition.
Tiger Woods father is a farang, is he not ?
If we define farang as "foreigner" then that includes all races (except Thais). The question invites generalisations.
It so happens that most foreigners in Thailand are white Westerners, and they stand out. Japanese visitors are part of the scene, but not such a large part, and quieter.
Some locals object to the sex tourists and perhaps 50% of tourists to Thailand are sex tourists. Alcohol is part of the volume equation as this is usually used to increase profit.
There are two sides to this story, one is the customer, one is the supplier. One should not target only one side of the equation if one is to try to contol or criticise the practice. So a schitzoid attitude prevails in Thailand where money is part of an acceptance of human weakness and tempers the ideals of purity associated with a Buddhist culture.
Most objections arise from the visibility of the business, which, back home in the west, is usually more discrete.
It is typical for the groups visitor to become highly visible in their determination to enjoy themselves, and to be more boisterous than they would at home..
As has been said "sexpats" behaving badly brings embarrassment.
I have seen loud Americans mentioned above and have seen them in Paris. Suddenly the French waiters lose their understanding of the English language but will continue to sell the beer until the loud visitors become detrimental to the business.
We can compare Pattaya etc. with places like the red light district in Amsterdam, with Germany where prostitution is legal and controlled... and see if Thailand is to create a more wholesome image.
The sex business areas become tourist attractions in their own right for curious foreigners.. not just the usual sexpat visitor. I have seen older American women groups happily touring Amsterdam red light district and gaining new acceptance and enjoyment from the spectacles on offer to what they may consider the "weaker sex." |
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| Reply # 19 | |
Author: Don D.
Date: 5 Jul 2549 00:07
I like David Kerr's and the replies from those who were able not to generalise!
We are all humans no matter where we're from.
There are pleasant and there're some unpleasant humans.
Race, skin colors, cultures etc. are no indicators to who the individuals really are!
In all, a very stupid question on a normally very interesting topic. |
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| Reply # 18 | |
Author: konthai
Date: 27 Jun 2549 12:12
This topic is like non sense to asks like this Question.But in poositive attitute I graet to shere idea with respect to each others.
For my idea. I pround that foreinger love to set on our country .That shown Thailand is a good place in the world that people like to come, not only "Farang" but others such as chinese indian combodis lao we can live togethr like brothers hood ,with understanding and respect to humanity.THis is strengh of Thailand.
Nationality can not level man goodness.
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| Reply # 17 | |
Author: Office Girl
Date: 16 Jun 2549 13:59
I do not like farang married men in their home who come to Thailand and kept saying that Thai Woman whom they met at bars...as my wife to office colleage...... It is terrible...bad manner no responsibility...these people one day have to learn big lesson in life.....probably they do not know that this is unacceptable in Thai society...to many women... |
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| Reply # 16 | |
Author: Patrick
Date: 15 Jun 2549 13:01
I am "farang " and I don't like the word "Farang "its to general .
Most of the farangs you find in the bars are farangs who save the whole year and come to feast in the Thailand bars . Don't be fooled most of them alto they behave as arrogant rich kings they mean and have nothing in their own country . Please don't generalize not all farangs are like that. |
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| Reply # 15 | |
Author: Thomyam
Date: 24 Apr 2549 18:46
To John #14
Khun Somrata,
I am very sorry to hear of your situation, my heart goes out to you. To emigrate your wife would have to marry and get a visa for herself and the children. Were you legally married to your wife under Thai law? If so she would have had to get a divorce, if she did not then her new marriage would be illegal.
If Thomas Cleary is a Irish national, it is an Irish name,he would have to register any marriage with the Irish authorities. They don't have an embassy in Thailand but are represented by an Honorary Consul. (see details below) Try them first and explain your situation because as a father you do have rights.
He may be Irish but travelling on a British passport, many do, so you should try their embassy if the Irish consul fails.( see below)
I don't know how much they will co-operate although I'm fairly sure that you have a legal case and they are obliged to help but you must have some documentry evidence such as marriage certificate as well as those of your daughters births with you named as the father. As you you have access to e-mail perhaps you should e-mail both with your details.
chock dee, thomyam
British Embassy
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Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 305 8333
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| Reply # 14 | |
Author: John
Date: 21 Apr 2549 05:11
I am a Thai. My name is Somrata Sae Tang. I left Thailand to work in Singapore in 1998 leaving my wife and two children. Contacts and Money was senty from Singapore to them and contact via mail was lost only in 2002.
I returned to Thailand in 2006 hoping to see my children and I went to the province Mahasarakham where my daughters were. I was informed by the locals that my wife has left me for a 'White Foreigner' taking my two underaged children now 14 and 11 with them.
I returned to Bangkok and after further investigations via exc-pat network. I found out that in my absence, my wife went to work as a hostess in Sukhumvit Soi 33 and got to know an Irish Man named Thomas Cleary.
If my wife want to follow him for love, I believe she should not be taking my underaged children along with her. The reason is that
1) We had a legal binding aggrerement made at the district office that I was granted custody of my daughters.
2) As administrator of my late mother's estate, my younger daughter is one of the beneficiery.
My Daughters: 1) Naluemon Yanan currently age 14 to 15
2) Panida Sae Tang currently age 11.
Both were from Mahasarakham province. Please note that I have filed a missing person report of my daughters and hope to know if my daughters are still in the country or have they been taken to Ireland or London. If so, I will travel there to retrieve my children back from Ireland.
Please advise on any follow up details that I should make and please pity a father who sorely misses his daughters.
Thank you and regards.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger
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| Reply # 13 | |
Author: from the sidelines
Date: 12 Apr 2549 01:24
to reply # 1
Im a farang but of Asian decent, yes I agree some farang do walk around like kings and queens, but who ever said that you should treat them as such?
to reply # 12 you say.....Many tourists (esp. men) who visits Thailand glorifies how beautiful and cultural the country is, but shows lack of respect towards women. And when the women complains to other Thai people of how they've been treated, word goes around and the stereotype develops even more
and that is different to Thai men?? Many Thai women that I have spoken to have had enough of Thai men being butterflys etc drinking gambling and being lazy, but that cant be all Thai men can it? That would also apply to farang men too!! |
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| Reply # 12 | |
Author: Baye
Date: 5 Apr 2549 15:57
I am a Thai woman, went to an international school, have travelled around the world and studied at a university in the US for several years. I have lots of "farang" friends and I have great respect for diversity.
However, when I was about 13 years (about 11 years ago), while walking down Sukhumvit Road int he evening, a farang man approached me and asked for sex. I was immediately frightened and walked away really fast. Luckily, he wasn't persistent so he left me alone. I'm sure I looked 13 and young - wearing jeans and a simple sleeveless shirt - no heels - no makeup - I'm pretty sure I wasn't oozing sex in any way. So it made me sick that some random tourist would be so disrespectful and mistaken me as a prostitute. From then on, I couldn't help but ignore older farang men who approach me wherever I am in Thailand. Plus, some of my friends have had the same experience as me. When I turned 18 and moved to the states, I realized that westerners in their own country can be totally different and made loads of good American friends.
I came back to Thailand about a year ago and the same thing happened outside Tony Romas in Sukhumvit. I understand that some prostitutes work around that area, but still! It's very disrespectful and you wonder how the stereotype of "dirty farangs" emerged.
Some farang men I've conversed with in clubs have told me that they think most Thai girls are stupid with the exception of me (haha - what a boost to my ego). But hey, that doesn't mean that you have to quickly assume that all Thai girls are willing to have sex with a westerner.
Many tourists (esp. men) who visits Thailand glorifies how beautiful and cultural the country is, but shows lack of respect towards women. And when the women complains to other Thai people of how they've been treated, word goes around and the stereotype develops even more.
Show some respect people! |
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| Reply # 10 | |
Author: European Observer
Date: 2 Apr 2549 07:35
Hello, I am french
I strikes me that they are so many similarities between our two beautiful countries
1. Our countries have the same population and the same superficy.
2. Our countries have the best food in the world: best western food and best asian food, it s not even discutable
3. Our countries have the most beautiful women respectively in the western and the asian world
4.Our countries are one of the most coveted touristical destinations in the world as they are amazingly beautiful and diverse in their landscapes
5. Our countries have one of the most respected cultural heritage in the world and we preserve it quite well.
6. Our countries people prefer leisure to work :)
7. Our countries are in political turmoil with the left trying to regain power. I m neutral in that matter. Let s see what happens for the best of our countries.
8. Our countries are one of the most tolerant for religions and cultures in the entire world.
9. Our countries are bound to be friends and develop our relations and cooperation
Best regards and good luck to the thai people
Au revoir
A frenchman |
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| Reply # 9 | |
Author:
Date: 30 Mar 2549 13:08
My comments as a woman, I believe many women would think same way as mine. We found that many foreign men come to Thailand and they like to hang around at bars with local women....What we have seen make us think they should find something else better to do when they come to visit Thailand, they do not look good around that red light areas. |
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| Reply # 8 | |
Author: David Kerr
Date: 30 Mar 2549 02:42
Hello Head not Heart. Firstly I'll identify myself as human, others may say white, European, Scottish or farang none of those is terribly important but if they help people with identity it's OK. Secondly I confess that the majority of "farang" I have met in Thailand I do not consider to be acceptable examples of my or other "farang" societies. I have witnessed arrogance, rudeness and generally uncivilised behaviour that shames me. Equally I have met "farang" who are fine examples of humanity and people who truly love Thailand. We are all individuals and we behave in many different ways. We have different reasons for visiting Thailand both good and bad. Finally I will tell you that I did not like Thailand the first time I visited (Bangkok and Cha Am) basically because of the behaviour of American/European/Australasian tourists; having decided to not condemn Thailand based on that experience I am in the process of planning my 13th trip to Thailand (NOT Bangkok and the beach) and hope once more to have the joy of being with wonderful people. I will, as I always do, endeavour to ensure my behaviour in Thailand does not cause offence. |
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| Reply # 7 | |
Author: Fred in USA
Date: 29 Mar 2549 03:17
Sawat-dee krahp!
I accidentally found your forum and find the discussion very interesting. I believe it is healthy to talk about such things if we do it in a spirit and effort to learn about one another. I was fortunate enough to spend one year in Northeast Thailand in 1969-70 and it was one of the most fascinating and enjoyable experiences of my life. I was very impressed with how friendly and respectful the Thai people treated me. I came away with a deep affection for Thailand. If I had to choose one country of Asia or Southeast Asia in which to live, it would be Thailand.
The question of liking or not liking someone sometimes is because of the way we are taught growing up. I think human beings have a natural tendency to cling to their "tribe." Outsiders may be viewed with suspicion and view anyone who is seen as different in some way compared to our family and close friends. People may be less willing to accept them into the "tribe" or clan. However, as human beings, we have the ability to become more educated and more logical. We have the power to change our minds and accept people no matter where they come from. We can learn to not only get along as friends, but learn to appreciate the differences in our cultures.
One of the things that I found interesting in Thailand was seeing Buddhist monks who took Christian Bible classes. (No I do not work for a church) Of course, the monks did not want to become Christians. They just wanted to gain a better understanding. It is when people may feel threatened that their way of life is under attack that they are more likely to act with prejudice. I am the same way. I do not want to change my way of life, but I enjoy learning about other cultures. I approach Buddhism, foreign history, and societies of other lands with respect and fascination. I do not think that the "American" way of life is necessarily any better than a way of life in Thailand. For me, my way of life is best for me, but I understand why a Thai person would think that the Thai way of life is better. Perhaps it was our destiny to live life in this way. In some ways, I envy the way that people in Thailand have blended their religion, apparent respect for the monarchy, and culture into their lives. At the same time, if a Thai person wishes to live in America and he or she is happy with that decision, then I am glad for that person.
I think Americans in general do not have specific feelings toward Thai people. A Thai person will be seen generally as being Asian. Americans may think that person is Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, since there are many, many people of this origin in America. Americans are not familiar with the Thai language, so speaking Thai would not be recognizable. Also, many cities in America have many different nationalities, so a Thai person does not stand out any more than other Thai people. If you tell someone they are from Thailand, then perhaps there will be curiosity, but there is no real reason to feel negative about any Thai person. Look, there are people who are prejudiced against other races in every society of the world. Even though America is the "melting pot" of the world, there are still people who will not treat other races or nationalities with respect or equality. I can tell you, however, that a bad attitude is no longer acceptable in American society. Yes, there are people out to make money who will take advantage of those who not have much money. Even white Americans face this problem working for bosses in corporations who do not care about their workers as people.
When I was in Thailand, I felt respected, although I must admit I was very conscious of being in the minority. When I was in Thailand, I could go many days without seeing a single white face except for mine in the mirror! I once fell in love with a Thai woman, but I did not feel I was worthy in the traditions of her family. I came from a city where white people are 99 percent of the population! So being a minority person was a new experience!
As for the use of the word "farang," I'm not sure if it has the exact same meaning as when Americans use the word "foreigner." We do not generally think "foreigner" is a negative word. I think we must always consider the context of words. If your meaning is kind or friendly, that is okay. If you say it to insult, then that is not good. In other words, if "farang" is simply a way of expressing that I am from another country, there is nothing wrong with that. But if you say "farang" to say, "There goes another one of those damn Americans!" then that is not so good. Ha!
You have to also ask yourself, what is an American or what is a Thai? What does it mean to be Italian American or African American. If my ancestors came from Germany in the 1700s, am I still German, or am I purely American? But before my ancestors on my father's side were in Germany, they were in Switzerland? Now am I Swiss? Before that they were in France? Am I French? On my mother's side, they came from Wales and Ireland. Am I Irish? Am I Welsh?
What about Thailand? Is there truely a Thai person? If their ancestors were from China, are they Chinese? What about the Khmer people from Laos? Or immigrants from Vietnam, or people come to stay generations ago from India or the Philippines? This begins to seem absurd, don't you think? When I was young, people used to ask me what my nationality is. I often answered, "Earthling!" because my attitude was, "What does it matter?" I only want to know to study my family history.
Perhaps there is some other influence. I would be willing to guess that there is much prejudice against people who had ancestors in Burma. Yes, I am well aware of your history and that centuries of war does not help form good feelings. Perhaps that is a key to relations between our countries. Thailand and the United States have always had very good relations. But relations between the United States and Vietnam were not so good for many years. During World War II, the United States were very unkind to its citizens of Japanese heritage. Perhaps one can understand if you have family killed in battle, then you may look at all people from that country badly.
As for the sex trade, one must take a very objective point of view. Men being men, if you offer them easy access to women selling sex, then many of those men will take advantage of that. If you took away that opportunity, then the men will act more properly, or at least, not be so open about it. I am not saying it is anybody's fault. It may be difficult, but put yourself in the shoes of a man with a strong sex drive. He sees some of the most beautiful women in the world who willingly take their clothes off and offer their bodies for a price that is very cheap. It is a temptation that is too easy. I don't think it has anything to do with Thai women. If sex was this easy in their home country, or any country they visit, then they would probably take advantage.
I do not form an opinion of all Thai women because of those who do sell their bodies. At the same time, I do not form an opinion of the people of another country because of men who spend too much time in a bar. I think there have always been men who spend too much time with drink and women. I do not condone those who have no self control, but it is sort of like the American drug problem. Much attention is spent on hating and arresting drug dealers and those bring the drugs into our country. But what about the people who use drugs? If they did not use drugs, there would be no drug dealers. But then, can a person who buys drugs help it? Are they not sick from being addicted? This is an argument that can apply to many different questions of morality and behavior.
When I am in another country, I try to be respectful of the laws and customs. I am ashamed of those who are behave badly because worry that others may think all the people in my country, including me are not good people. I remember my wife and I visiting Dublin, Ireland, and we went someplace that served dinner and had a show. Most of the people in the showroom were Americans and most were polite. At one of the tables was a group of Americans from one company who were loud, obnoxious, and would not shutup during the show. I was very embarrassed, even though I was not part of that group. My wife and I told them off after the show.As an American I do not want to be thought of in the same way.
So I hope you will continue to judge people by their character and manners and be patient when they accidentally make mistakes because they don't know the custom. And do not judge because of what governments do. Only 1/3 of Americans currently agree with our own government! If you see men running with the prostitutes, then it is okay to think badly of them. But if you see a man giving a monk a gift in the morning, then judge accordingly. Learning to ignore the color of one's skin has been a long lesson for Americans. I will admit not everyone has learned this lesson, but at least the great majority of Americans feel this way. I wish all young people, including Americans and Thais could have the opportunity to travel to different cultures to gain greater understanding.
ด้วยความปรารถนาดี
Fred
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| Reply # 6 | |
Author: Nee
Date: 17 Mar 2549 19:59
This is not a good question because we have been taught that foreign people do not like to be called farang. We should call them Europeans or Americans.
Also, how can you say you like or not like someone by their skin colour? Everyone who comes to Thailand as a guest should get polite treatment from the Thai people. But, at the same time the government should not admit so many single men to our country who want to make holiday in bars.
Only single European or American men who have a proper work permit should be able to enter Thailand. That would make clean many of our bar places where foreign people go to drink and make crime. Families should always be welcome. Also it is a fact that Japanese men always show good behavior in our country.
By the way, Reply # 1 says that we are a third city. What does this mean? We are the Thai and never could be third anything. The reason so many foreign people want to holiday here is because Thailand is for sure the most beautiful country in the world.
I write today in this forum so that the foreign people can know the opinions of the Thai. |
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