Please explain this to me...

[Such a Hairy Guy]

I have a confession to make… I am not a good-looking dude. When I get up in the morning, I take one look in the mirror, shave then get away from the darn thing so as not to be reminded I’m not 20 anymore. I shudder to think of the poor souls who must look at this mug for the rest of the day or worst yet in public places.

 

That is why I make a token effort to look reasonable in public, especially when in malls or other areas where many people congregate. A pair of good quality jeans or slacks, nice shirt, shaved etc…

 

Then I see older white dudes with the same predicament I’m in, but somehow don’t seem to be conscious of their affliction. My wife calls it the ‘old farang syndrome’. You know the look… in their 60’s onward, white knee socks over varicosy chicken legs, sandals, safari shorts, Hawaiian shirt that doesn’t quite cover the pot-belly. Oh, and the hat as if they are going on jungle trek. 3 days stubble of course. And typically, a younger Thai wife in tow. (did I mention the flip-up sunglasses?)

 

If everyone else dressed that way it would be understandable, but it seems to be ‘de rigueur’ uniform only for the ‘old farang syndrome’.

 

Even in his heyday Brad Pitt could not pull off that look. So, my sincere question is why? Let’s be honest, beside her deep and abiding love, your wife also married a farang because maybe she thought it would confer a certain prestige to her and family. No doubt, initially she thought she could trot you off and show the world the pride of her life. Now you wonder why she walks 5 paces behind you?

 

After all, what would our impression be in our respective countries if we regularly saw old Asian guys dressed as if they’ve given up, with a younger white woman in tow? Could it be this may be one reason why Thais may have a low opinion of farangs (I said ‘one’ of the reasons).

 

But what do I know? I probably got it all wrong… maybe one day as I get older, I will see the light! I too will discover my inner rebel, stand up and shake my fist in the face of ‘The Man’ and proclaim my freedom: “Enough with societal norms, looking decent and what’s with this hygiene thing anyway!?!’”. Yes, I can see it now… Then, I will be totally free and not caring a whit what anybody thinks.

 

As I immerse myself in my new self-discovery, I will realize there is nothing so alluring to the women folks than a self-assured man. One day as I will shuffle by the food court leaving in my wake the sweet, sweet scent of Aqua Velva, many a young lady’s heart will start a fluttering.

 

So, with due apologies to you my friend, I say – Shuffle on old man, Shuffle on…

[BritManToo]

3 minutes ago, Such a Hairy Guy said:

your wife also married a farang because maybe she thought it would confer a certain prestige to her and family. No doubt, initially she thought she could trot you off and show the world the pride of her life. Now you wonder why she walks 5 paces behind you?

Mine just wanted the money.

I don't believe I've ever met one that wasn't a gold-digger.

[timendres]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Mine just wanted the money.

I don't believe I've ever met one that wasn't a gold-digger.

But, at least we can show a bit of class as we are being fleeced.

[Issannative]

Stopped reading at the word slacks 

[marcusarelus]

You know the guy has never been to Thailand as we all walk behind the wife so we can look at other women.  

[Lacessit]

I've found most women here are less concerned about a man's appearance, and more concerned about the size of the wallet he carries.

[CharlieH]

Flame post removed.

[Yinn]

59 minutes ago, Such a Hairy Guy said:

Could it be this may be one reason why Thais may have a low opinion of farangs

We don’t have a low opinion of farangs. Everyone different. Some is great, most ok, some not good. Same every country. Good and bad people.

 

But the farang you talk about, the Grandpa Fatty Farang with the sex worker “girlfriend”. Walk in restaurant, hotel, street same real girlfriend. Like teenager.

Yes, we think that it stupid. Not just thai people think it, i think every people think it the same.

 

But we know that not all farang the same. If polite, patient, no problem.

[Yinn]

5 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I've found most women here are less concerned about a man's appearance, and more concerned about the size of the wallet he carries.

Where you meet the women?

[Lacessit]

1 minute ago, Yinn said:

Where you meet the women?

Put up a map of Thailand, and throw darts for your answer.

[Isaanbiker]

I knew it! A new TVF poet of the 21st century. 

 

Then I see older white dudes with the same predicament I’m in, but somehow don’t seem to be conscious of their affliction. My wife calls it the ‘old farang syndrome’. You know the look… in their 60’s onward, white knee socks over varicosy chicken legs, sandals, safari shorts, Hawaiian shirt that doesn’t quite cover the pot-belly. Oh, and the hat as if they are going on jungle trek. 3 days stubble of course. And typically, a younger Thai wife in tow. (did I mention the flip-up sunglasses?)

 

What she calls "farang syndrome" is nothing else than a bitter "marriage syndrome" which often starts with verbal abuse then erupts in physical abuse. 

 

Is it possible that your wife and you are making fun of some short legged beer bellied party bouncer on one day after payday?

 

I personally like the Safari shorts that weren't washed for three weeks that they're already shimmering. And when the chicken legs are stuffed into some Army boots, it's even more fun to look at.

 

A decent muscle shirt that lets the belly free movement in all directions is a must have for all of them.

 

A wifebeater is also a great shirt for such a sex- monster on three Viagras who even kept Somchai's wife busy and exhausted, who'd done the job since she was twelve. She walks a bit funny now. 

 

  Could you please explain the Flip Up sunglasses, some wise expat- posters here might want to see and buy them?

 

 

 

   

 

 

[473geo]

I suppose we may all get the age where getting out of bed in the morning is a plus, and be comfortable in the knowledge learned over the years that what others, outside our immediate circle, think of older people, and, our dress sense, carries little, or no effect on our every day lives.

 

[Dmaxdan]

We don’t have a low opinion of farangs. Everyone different. Some is great, most ok, some not good. Same every country. Good and bad people.   But the farang you talk about, the Grandpa Fatty Farang with the sex worker “girlfriend”. Walk in restaurant, hotel, street same real girlfriend. Like teenager.

Yes, we think that it stupid. Not just thai people think it, i think every people think it the same.

 

But we know that not all farang the same. If polite, patient, no problem.

[/

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

Grandpa Fatty Farang?

 

Priceless!

 

[sunnyboy2018]

I am of that age the OP is talking about. We are used to criticism.  We grew up with the anthem: ' People try to put us down just because we get around. We dont care what you all say . Why dont you all just ffffff...fade away!'

We didn't were slacks then and we dont now.

[ianezy0]

Now you wonder why she walks 5 paces behind you?

 

I always thought they did that to watch your sexy a$$ cheeks.

 

[473geo]

I would guess some of these old boys had hair down to their shoulders when they were young, used to a little non conformity I expect, they would have worn faded ripped jeans first time around too. Not to mention 3 inch heels and flares.

[Damrongsak]

1 hour ago, marcusarelus said:

You know the guy has never been to Thailand as we all walk behind the wife so we can look at other women.  

I walk next to my wife, point out various women and then critique them.  "Her boobs are too big. Think they're fake?"  "That one should wear longer shorts.  She has a couple wrinkles on her ass cheeks."  "Look at that one!  She looks good by western standards, what do Thais think of that look?" She, in turn, will point to women in the 150kg and up weight range and say "your girfriend".

 

Those who walk behind, do you hear any snide comments about her leading her buffalo? 

 

"... They come runnin' just as fast as they can
Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man ..."

 

In my case, they come runnin', right past me.

 

[Enoon]

 

"Then I see older white dudes with the same predicament I’m in, but somehow don’t seem to be conscious of their affliction."

 

They indeed no longer have the adolescent self-conciousness that you have sonnyjim.

 

It's all about being older, wiser and more confident and secure in/with oneself.

 

One really doesn't give a s*** about how one looks to others and what they might think of one.

 

You'll be the same when you grow up.

 

 

 

 

[Lacessit]

6 hours ago, Damrongsak said:

I walk next to my wife, point out various women and then critique them.  "Her boobs are too big. Think they're fake?"  "That one should wear longer shorts.  She has a couple wrinkles on her ass cheeks."  "Look at that one!  She looks good by western standards, what do Thais think of that look?" She, in turn, will point to women in the 150kg and up weight range and say "your girfriend".

 

Those who walk behind, do you hear any snide comments about her leading her buffalo? 

 

"... They come runnin' just as fast as they can
Cause every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man ..."

 

In my case, they come runnin', right past me.

 

Get a crew cut and take the beard down to a naval style. You'll be surprised how much younger you will look.

[Puchaiyank]

You're the best!  But you knew that already...

 

One sure sign of maturity is the ability to accept people on their terms and not be so judgemental...????

[jastheace]

8 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Flame post removed.

yep , you got two thumbs up from me !!!!

[thaicurious]

(A) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

"Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that, to others, is either minor or not observable. But you may feel so ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations."

 

(B) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ageism

"Implicit ageism is the term used to refer to the implicit or subconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors one has about older or younger people."

[jastheace]

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Mine just wanted the money.

I don't believe I've ever met one that wasn't a gold-digger.

agree 99 %, but my personal poll being around 751, still polling though, will update any changes

[Skallywag]

You are with your wife looking at old dudes and how they dress -  married life I miss so much - lol

 

Mostly in Pattaya I have noticed outrageous clothing combos and also bizarre hair colorings, styles, wigs or whatever by the over 60's farang crowd at times - to each his own.

Like has been said, if single and wanting company with a lady in a bar, it is only the baht that counts, not how you look most of the time

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, Skallywag said:

Like has been said, if single and wanting company with a lady in a bar, it is only the baht that counts, not how you look most of the time

"if single and wanting company with a lady in a bar, it is only the baht that counts, not how you look most of the time"

Fixed it for ya.

[Curt1591]

7 hours ago, 473geo said:

I would guess some of these old boys had hair down to their shoulders when they were young, used to a little non conformity I expect, they would have worn faded ripped jeans first time around too. Not to mention 3 inch heels and flares.

I had hair to the middle of my back and a beard that went to mid chest. Today, I am clean shaven and sport a buzz cut - different times.

I have never been a shorts  and "wife-beater" guy. I have always worn big boy pants, long sleeved shirts, and real shoes. 

And I shower at least once a day, more often if I go out and about - something often neglected by the guys mentioned in the original post. 
 

 

[PatOngo]

9 hours ago, Yinn said:

We don’t have a low opinion of farangs. Everyone different. Some is great, most ok, some not good. Same every country. Good and bad people.

 

But the farang you talk about, the Grandpa Fatty Farang with the sex worker “girlfriend”. Walk in restaurant, hotel, street same real girlfriend. Like teenager.

Yes, we think that it stupid. Not just thai people think it, i think every people think it the same.

 

But we know that not all farang the same. If polite, patient, no problem.

Thai's likewise!

 

 

 

 

[1FinickyOne]

The way I heard it from a Thai lady - - the Thai lady only walks behind her man so she can keep him in line with a stick... 

[ratcatcher]

8 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

' People try to put us down just because we get around. We dont care what you all say . Why dont you all just ffffff...fade away!'

WHO said that?

[Gecko123]

10 hours ago, Yinn said:

We don’t have a low opinion of farangs. Everyone different. Some is great, most ok, some not good. Same every country. Good and bad people.

 

But the farang you talk about, the Grandpa Fatty Farang with the sex worker “girlfriend”. Walk in restaurant, hotel, street same real girlfriend. Like teenager.

Yes, we think that it stupid. Not just thai people think it, i think every people think it the same.

 

But we know that not all farang the same. If polite, patient, no problem.

Most Thai people think every Thai woman with a foreign guy is/was a prostitute. If there is big age difference between the guy and the woman, they are ready to bet the farm that she is a prostitute. If there is small age difference or she is older than him, maybe not ready to bet the farm, but still think she is/was a prostitute. When woman is same age as guy, they just think the guy not good looking enough or rich enough to get young girl. If woman is older than him, they feel sorry for him, wonder if he has cataracts or glacoma, cannot see clearly.

 

So I don't believe when you say 'Thai people look down on this kind of Thai-farang couple, but respect everyone else.' Many things you say about Thai people I think reflect how Thais would like to see themselves, but doesn't mean in real life that's true. You are talking to people on this forum who have lived in Thailand a long time, not first-time tourists to Thailand who accept everything they hear from concierge at hotel.