When Farangs Go Native

[F4UCorsair]

I cringe when I see them, strutting, waiing, instructing others on the Thai language... there may even be a few posting on this thread.

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[MrPatrickThai]

^^

Is this what the new farang generation are interested in?

 

A slow news day? 

 

How on earth this crap article out a crap 'newspaper' is on the news forum beats me.

 

 

[MaeJoMTB]

9 hours ago, Tchooptip said:

The farang kee ngok you hear is nothing to do with bird or shit, as many beginners of Thai wrongly think.

Absolutely it is a prefix like in keekiat/lazy ,keeleum/absent minded, keeai/shy,  and many traits of character.

So nothing to do with the kee excrement, like the many kee nok on your car or the kee kwai in which you have just walked 

•  

Actually the 'kee' used as a prefix for a noun (aka 'kee nok') does mean 'shit'.

The 'kee' used as a prefix for a verb/adjective translates as 'person who xxxx excessively'.

 

with noun

kee nok = bird poop

kee maa = dog poop

 

with verb (or maybe adjective)

kee maow = drunk (person who drinks excessively)

kee kiat = person who is excessively lazy

 

Difference is prefix for NOUN or VERB ..... got it?

Edited February 1, 2018 by MaeJoMTB

[ZeVonderBearz]

2 hours ago, isaanbanhou said:

probably best to give up and go home

And leave Thailand to the old boys who've been here the longest and now spend their time telling others to go home. 

[impulse]

17 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

I would agree that may appropriate for you, but I'm very white, old, wise, rich and educated.

(not to mention hansum)

  

But I acknowledge that all of those attributes are accidents of being born to the right parents, into the right country.

 

Except for the hansum part.  Truth be told, I'm butt ugly.  Though my parents were pretty attractive people.

 

[isaanbanhou]

4 minutes ago, ZeVonderBearz said:

And leave Thailand to the old boys who've been here the longest and now spend their time telling others to go home. 

 

Stay and be as whiny as you want,  i could give a flying .... 

[johng]

14 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

XXX Dry?, unlikely .... more likely XXX droopy.

I understand it to mean  thin/scrawny  opposite of fat

though maybe very occasionally after too many beers it could be droopy

[MrPatrickThai]

13 minutes ago, MaeJoMTB said:

Actually the 'kee' used as a prefix for a noun (aka 'kee nok') does mean 'shit'.

The 'kee' used as a prefix for a verb translates as 'person who xxxx excessively'.

 

kee nok = bird poop

kee maow = drunk (person who drinks excessively)

kee is not always negative and can mean other things apart from doing something excessively. 

kee fong, kee klaat, kee glaeng, kee now etc. More of just showing a personality trait. 

[johng]

13 hours ago, Neeranam said:

If they're being called stingy, it's ngok.

My (shouldn't be    ) wife tells me that gnok is used for someone who is covetous,greedy, unwilling to share, always wanting more ? I suppose stingy does fit in with those descriptions.

 

I would use  Kee Neiow for stingy.

[ballpoint]

The two biggest ironies of this thread are:

 

Westerners who "strut" about, wai-ing everyone and everything around them, are accused of going native, when the natives don't behave like this - a bit like accusing an Asian who goes to Texas and struts about in cowboy boots and a stetson, firing a six shooter in the air while shouting yippee-ai-yay and spitting tobacco everywhere, as going native. (though admittedly, there could be some truth in that for some parts of Texas).

 

Westerners who speak Thai, or are making the effort to learn it, are looked down upon by some, as Thais should all be able to speak English.  That many of those who do the looking down upon can be found on other threads, lambasting immigrants in Western countries for continuing their own traditions, wanting to introduce their own laws, and being unable to speak the language, just adds to the irony.

 

In short, who gives a khee what anyone else thinks?  Do whatever makes you happy, just don't expect an entire country to adapt its ways for you.

[MaeJoMTB]

9 minutes ago, ballpoint said:

In short, who gives a khee what anyone else thinks?  Do whatever makes you happy, just don't expect an entire country to adapt its ways for you.

If they want my money, they have to adapt.

Adapt or don't get paid .........

[SABloke]

18 hours ago, Dmaxdan said:

I can open a beer bottle using another. Does that mean I've gone native?


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I crack the bottom of my M150 on my elbow before I open it. 

[PatOngo]

1 hour ago, MaeJoMTB said:

Actually the 'kee' used as a prefix for a noun (aka 'kee nok') does mean 'shit'.

The 'kee' used as a prefix for a verb/adjective translates as 'person who xxxx excessively'.

 

with noun

kee nok = bird poop

kee maa = dog poop

 

with verb (or maybe adjective)

kee maow = drunk (person who drinks excessively)

kee kiat = person who is excessively lazy

 

Difference is prefix for NOUN or VERB ..... got it?

Surely someone can out Thai this!

[Franko666]

2 hours ago, Blackheart1916 said:

.......wear a dress!

Yeah, blokes do a lot of that in Thailand as well

[Chrisdoc]

 
So, in an exchange like that, which farang has gone native? 
 
Is it the one who returns a greeting with a reciprocal greeting- like they would back home, or the one who returns a greeting with a gesture that indicates they know they're of a higher status than the person who waied them?  (Edit: which would be considered quite the snub back home, BTW)
 

 
Now, that's going native...  And not in a good way.
 

I work in retail here and there. Some customers think they should get respect because I am only a salesperson. I give them respect but still think they are a- holes. I live with a Thai family out of town without much farung contact. They are nice to me but deep down, because I am a foreigner I am sure I am at the bottom of their social order. The OP might think he is above the shop person but deep down they probably think he is just another farung with no social status.

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[isaanbanhou]

2 minutes ago, Chrisdoc said:

 

 

 

 

I work in retail here and there. Some customers think they should get respect because I am only a salesperson. I give them respect but still think they are a- holes. I live with a Thai family out of town without much farung contact. They are nice to me but deep down, because I am a foreigner I am sure I am at the bottom of their social order. The OP might think he is above the shop person but deep down they probably think he is just another farung with no social status.

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"they probably think he is just another farung with no social status..."  like a retail clerk?

[Chrisdoc]

"they probably think he is just another farung with no social status..."  like a retail clerk?

Yes probably true. Actually musician needing to make extra money here and there.

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[Tchooptip]

1 hour ago, MaeJoMTB said:

Actually the 'kee' used as a prefix for a noun (aka 'kee nok') does mean 'shit'.

The 'kee' used as a prefix for a verb/adjective translates as 'person who xxxx excessively'.

 

with noun

kee nok = bird poop

kee maa = dog poop

 

with verb (or maybe adjective)

kee maow = drunk (person who drinks excessively)

kee kiat = person who is excessively lazy

 

Difference is prefix for NOUN or VERB ..... got it?

I have said:

Absolutely it is a prefix like in keekiat/lazy ,keeleum/absent minded, keeai/shy,  and many traits of character.

So nothing to do with the kee excrement, like the many kee nok on your car or the kee kwai in which you have just walked 

Then you repeated the same explanation and asked me got it? Mykaodjy 

 

[Stargeezr]

When you know and understand what Kee-Nok means then you

have been in Thailand a long time. It does not hurt being a bit too polite, as that is better than being like a hi so who does not wai, hardly anyone, except relatives, and other hi so people. I would rather see  a faux pas, of some farang waing an honest hard working waitress, who gave good service, than to wai a corrupt person.

Geezer

[LomSak27]

22 hours ago, Misterwhisper said:

I cannot even begin to describe how much I cringe when I see foreigners waiing everyone from supermarket cashiers to restaurant waiters, fish mongers in the wet market to go-go dancers, totally convinced that staying in the kingdom for a couple of months has made them "native" and that they're doing the right thing.

Do you really see this?? Really!?. Its been years since I have seen anything like that and it would have been in tourist central Chiang Mai or Pattaya.

Here is one for you who pay attention, local radio jocks and internet sites had a thing 4 or 5 years ago now, urging listners TO NOT speak thai with farangs who speak thai. Yep you heard me. Instead they were told to not speak, write down an answer on paper, or with basic yes or no response. IE don't talk with them.. 

That to people who speak their language. So don't get the idea your appreciated in many circles, just because you are not joe tourist and know something about Thailand. 

If you don't know this by now, you should.

[kurtmartens]

21 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

Of course, I'm sure the vast majority of us here as tourists automatically made our best attempt at a wai, when receiving a wai!

 

It's called 'being polite' - when unaware of the countries' culture and customs.

Who knows.  Can't speak for others when they first came as tourists.  I never did.  But, I'm me.

[thaibeachlovers]

23 hours ago, Misterwhisper said:

I cannot even begin to describe how much I cringe when I see foreigners waiing everyone from supermarket cashiers to restaurant waiters, fish mongers in the wet market to go-go dancers, totally convinced that staying in the kingdom for a couple of months has made them "native" and that they're doing the right thing.

 

Even worse are those fellas I occasionally bump into at a bar,  those who think they have matured into genuine "Thailand experts" by spending two short vacations here and who feel compelled to start lecturing me about the Thai way of life, what to do and what not to do and who brag about their fantastic Thai-language skills (usually consisting of a few disjointed and wrongly pronounced words), and who are entirely ignorant of the fact that I've been living here for well over a quarter of a century, speak the local language almost fluently, and yes, know when, how and whom to wai. Brrrrr... shudder.

LOL. We are aligned on the cringe when "seeing silly tourists giving wais to people they shouldn't". I have to resist the impulse to run over and slap them a few times.

 

One of my less than pleasurable occasions was on a train on the last ( immobile ) leg of the journey into Hua Lumpung when a particularly obnoxious farang lectured some unfortunate Thai as to the failings of the Thai Rail system, given he ( the farang ) knew so much about Thai railways ( not )

 

Happens even with those that should know better. I've met farang business owners been here long enough to know better that think certain "elements" of Thai authority can do no wrong, despite any evidence to the contrary. I guess on some the saffron glasses stay in place.

[johnhw]

21 hours ago, DM07 said:

There is nothing wrong with accepting certain trades and being generally a nice person.

What I hate are the Thai'er -than- Thai, who will blindly find excuses for every $4!tty behavior.

An a-hole is an a-hole, no matter Thai, farang or Thai'er-than-Thai and despicable behavior does not become "better" because it is a local way of life!

I read this and am totally ashamed of myself!!! Just bussed back to ChiangRai from MaeSai with a fat, tattooed, black sunglassed and baseball-capped  falang who had his arm resting on his pack beside him--the only unoccupied seat on the bus. Three feet away was a small hill tribe lady struggling unsuccessfully with an infant in her arms. After a good while, it took the ticket collector to ask him to move his bag and give the lady and kid the seat.

 

I am ashamed, because I'm one of your "Thai'er -than- Thai" folks because I had this incredible urged to punch this bag of excrement in his cool-dude white face, not realizing, of course,  that if I had the wisdom and experience of long-timers here, or especially the wisdom of these TV strings, I would realize this behaviour is no worse than among Thais themselves. .....probably worse....and me with my scant experience here is unqualified to make a judgement.

And no, have never yet seen this done by a Thai (and would have the similar urge if it did)

[thaibeachlovers]

21 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

Of course, I'm sure the vast majority of us here as tourists automatically made our best attempt at a wai, when receiving a wai!

 

It's called 'being polite' - when unaware of the countries' culture and customs.

Speak for yourself. Even back in the stone age of pre internet, I knew not to wai due to the intricacies of it that we for the most part will never understand. It's hardly the equivalent of shaking hands, which is something the ''wai aficionados" don't understand.

A smile and a nod/ slight bow are all the acknowledgement needed.

[ZeVonderBearz]

3 hours ago, isaanbanhou said:

 

Stay and be as whiny as you want,  i could give a flying .... 

Most don't give a flying .... good to see there are still people who care 

[MaeJoMTB]

8 minutes ago, johnhw said:

I am ashamed, because I'm one of your "Thai'er -than- Thai" folks because I had this incredible urged to punch this bag of excrement in his cool-dude white face, not realizing, of course,  that if I had the wisdom and experience of long-timers here, or especially the wisdom of these TV strings, I would realize this behaviour is no worse than among Thais themselves. .....probably worse....and me with my scant experience here is unqualified to make a judgement.

And no, have never yet seen this done by a Thai (and would have the similar urge if it did)

If you were as Thai as me, you would treat hill tribe people worse than Mr. Tattoo. 

[thaibeachlovers]

4 minutes ago, johnhw said:

I read this and am totally ashamed of myself!!! Just bussed back to ChiangRai from MaeSai with a fat, tattooed, black sunglassed and baseball-capped  falang who had his arm resting on his pack beside him--the only unoccupied seat on the bus. Three feet away was a small hill tribe lady struggling unsuccessfully with an infant in her arms. After a good while, it took the ticket collector to ask him to move his bag and give the lady and kid the seat.

 

I am ashamed, because I'm one of your "Thai'er -than- Thai" folks because I had this incredible urged to punch this bag of excrement in his cool-dude white face, not realizing, of course,  that if I had the wisdom and experience of long-timers here, or especially the wisdom of these TV strings, I would realize this behaviour is no worse than among Thais themselves. .....probably worse....and me with my scant experience here is unqualified to make a judgement.

And no, have never yet seen this done by a Thai (and would have the similar urge if it did)

I understand your outrage at the scumbag farang that prevented a woman with baby in arms sitting, but what I don't understand is why you couldn't have asked him yourself to remove it. If a millennial, he probably just didn't realise what a tool he was being.

 

Speaking of incredible urges to..................., one of my pet hates in LOS is the practice of Thais to allow small children to occupy seats on public transport while adults stand.

[thaibeachlovers]

2 minutes ago, MaeJoMTB said:

If you were as Thai as me, you would treat hill tribe people worse than Mr. Tattoo. 

or if they were Burmese.

[thaibeachlovers]

22 hours ago, curtklay said:

So what is a foreigner supposed to do when receiving a wai from a store clerk or some other "junior"?

Wai back, ignore them, or flip them the bird?

SMILING would be a good response.

[richard_smith237]

To much thought is always given to this subject (which hypocritically I'm also posting on !).... 

 

Some seem to try too hard to either fit in or to try hard to maintain their Western identity... this seems to encompass the prolific 'over Wai-er' or the type who refuses to Wai anyone.... then there are those who claim they have no wish to mix with other Farangs (they didn't move to Thailand to talk with Farangs!).... 

 

These preconceived notions and attitudes just seem down right daft...  Life is much simpler than some seem to make it... By simply being yourself, being polite and behaving naturally the issues of social interaction are non existent and its easy enough to fit in, develop mutual levels of respect etc.... 

 

I guess this is what the Op points out - Don't lose respect by trying to 'over do it'... just be yourself... it makes sense. 

 

Caveat: If by being yourself you are an ignorant twit then you are facing an up hill struggle!