Language barrier, stereotypes frustrate new Chinese migrants to Thailand

[webfact]

A woman walks through an alley in the Talad Noi neighbourhood, long home to the ethnic Chinese communities of Bangkok. Photo: AFP

 

OPINION

 

● Unlike earlier Chinese migrants to Thailand, many ‘xin yimin’ are more transient and report finding social interactions with local Thais challenging

 

● Hindered by communication struggles and negative stereotypes, they tend to seek out their fellow Chinese in search of belonging and support

 

Thailand has a long history of Chinese immigration. There are an estimated 7.1 million people in the country who identify as Chinese, forming the oldest and most significant ethnic Chinese community in Southeast Asia.

 

Earlier migrants found success, studies show, by assimilating and integrating into Thai culture, but over recent decades a new generation of Chinese migrants has emerged who do not necessarily aim to settle in their host countries.

 

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These new, more transient migrants may be mainly searching for business opportunities and to pursue a better quality of life, strategically encouraged by China to explore such opportunities overseas as part of its official discourse on xin yimin (new migrants) – even as others simply wish to pursue personal dreams.

 

Thailand became a prime destination for many, and since the 2000s, they have moved to its big cities in substantial numbers. By 2020, the number of new Chinese migrants in the country had reached 77,000 – variously moving for business, education, lifestyle and leisure.

 

Full story: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3172408/new-chinese-migrants-thailand-hit-negative-stereotypes-language

 

-- © Copyright South China Morning Post 2022-03-31

 

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[daveAustin]

If they don’t like it they can always go back home. ????????

[mokwit]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

By 2020, the number of new Chinese migrants in the country had reached 77,000

Would be interested to know if that is PR or Citizenship (more than 100 a year quota), or just various st visas/extensions.

[Thailand]

15 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

If they don’t like it they can always go back home. ????????

I think the majority are looking to improve their lives much the same as the majority of the expats on the forum.

Many are here on education visa extensions with their kids.Many are here because of the oppressive situation in China at the moment.

[Mr Derek]

Is this article for real? Immigrants complaining about language difficulties? What on earth did they expect?
 

Let's face it, we're talking about economic migrants here, not people "pursuing personal dreams" (I wonder what kind of visa covers that?). I take a dim view of Globohomo (globalist homogenisation). If one's country is no good, why not stay and work hard to make it better? Why is it the reflex nowadays to run off to someone else's country and appropriate it for themselves? Yeah, I know. They want more, now.

The point I am making is all about decent behaviour, not xenophobia.

 

And before someone asks what am I doing here - I'm not in Thailand for economic reasons, or in perpetuity. I am stateless, because my own country (the UK) has committed cultural suicide.

 

By the way, "Xin Yimin" sounds like neo-colonialism.

[vidgra]

Countries are just tools, just as doctors, we use them, but never I will be involved more than necessary with any, they all are run by retarded old men or your idiot leaders.

Countries can be changed just like doctors can be changed, no respect for any of them !

 

[CrunchWrapSupreme]

Most should know that the Filipino English teachers have it bad here. Well, I've seen the Chinese teachers treated even worse.

 

You see, most Thais don't know much Chinese, so the method of communication between them has to be English. But since they're Chinese teachers their English isn't very good, thus leading to many frustrations. Their Thai superiors often just ignore them and leave them in the dark about many things. I've had to tell them about school events and visa/WP procedures. These aren't very hi-so Chinese, they've often come from small, rural villages, the reason they've sought jobs abroad. The Thais know this and thus their attitude is very much like, well if you don't like it, go back to your village.

 

The irony is this was at a famous BKK private school, with fancy classrooms decked out in Chinese decor, where hi-so parents pay handsomely for what's considered to be a prestigious language to know. The teachers of this language however, are not. 

[Enoon]

2 hours ago, Mr Derek said:

Is this article for real? Immigrants complaining about language difficulties? What on earth did they expect?
 

Let's face it, we're talking about economic migrants here, not people "pursuing personal dreams" (I wonder what kind of visa covers that?). I take a dim view of Globohomo (globalist homogenisation). If one's country is no good, why not stay and work hard to make it better? Why is it the reflex nowadays to run off to someone else's country and appropriate it for themselves? Yeah, I know. They want more, now.

The point I am making is all about decent behaviour, not xenophobia.

 

And before someone asks what am I doing here - I'm not in Thailand for economic reasons, or in perpetuity. I am stateless, because my own country (the UK) has committed cultural suicide.

 

By the way, "Xin Yimin" sounds like neo-colonialism.

"Why is it the reflex nowadays to run off to someone else's country and appropriate it for themselves?"

 

When was it not?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Isaan sailor]

I too, came to Thailand seeking a better life.  And I too, have run into a language and cultural barrier.  Fortunately for me, I found a faithful, sexy Thai translator at my side, as we go fearlessly forth in the Land of Smiles.

[overherebc]

1 hour ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

Most should know that the Filipino English teachers have it bad here. Well, I've seen the Chinese teachers treated even worse.

 

You see, most Thais don't know much Chinese, so the method of communication between them has to be English. But since they're Chinese teachers their English isn't very good, thus leading to many frustrations. Their Thai superiors often just ignore them and leave them in the dark about many things. I've had to tell them about school events and visa/WP procedures. These aren't very hi-so Chinese, they've often come from small, rural villages, the reason they've sought jobs abroad. The Thais know this and thus their attitude is very much like, well if you don't like it, go back to your village.

 

The irony is this was at a famous BKK private school, with fancy classrooms decked out in Chinese decor, where hi-so parents pay handsomely for what's considered to be a prestigious language to know. The teachers of this language however, are not. 

But the place looks good and looks expensive.

[StayinThailand2much]

And I thought one cornerstone of foreign language education in Thailand was Mandarin...

 

Then again, after more than 15 years of English tuition, starting in pre-school or earlier, how many can string even a simple sentence together? Would be surprised if Mandarin skills were on a higher level.

Edited March 31, 2022 by StayinThailand2much

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

These new, more transient migrants may be mainly searching for business opportunities and to pursue a better quality of life, strategically encouraged by China to explore such opportunities overseas as part of its official discourse on xin yimin (new migrants) – even as others simply wish to pursue personal dreams.

In lay-mans terms... criminals?

[RichardColeman]

Looks like number 73 on the menu has made a lucky escape !

[zzaa09]

Very similar and reflecting of Farang comparatives. 

Very few ever acclimate or adjust. 

Seeking out their own. 

 

????

[realfunster]

I would like to sincerely thank the SCMP for printing this kind of brutally realistic and honest article about the many horrific experiences and challenges faced Chinese expats in Thailand. The tales of woe brought a tear to my eye, and to be honest, I nearly had to stop reading the article as it was so moving and painful but it's better that SCMP readers are made fully aware of the honest truth, which is that Thailand is a god-awful place and they are much better off avoiding it. 

 

They really should try Sihanoukville instead. It's far superior to Thailand in every way.  

[RocketDog]

3 hours ago, Mr Derek said:

By the way, "Xin Yimin" sounds like neo-colonialism.

You got it in one!

Congratulations.

What's obvious to a few  is lost on most.

It's all part of the long game the CCP is playing (and winning).

[trainman34014]

No different from Thai's that go abroad; just go looking for other Thai's to socialise with or work with...legally or illegally !

[Deli]

If they would leave, I would not miss them. Whay don't they move to their commie brothers in North Korea ? Brothers in arms and ideologie = total control of the people, zero freedom of speech.

[cncltd1973]

7 hours ago, Thailand said:

I think the majority are looking to improve their lives much the same as the majority of the expats on the forum.

Many are here on education visa extensions with their kids.Many are here because of the oppressive situation in China at the moment.

From the article:

....strategically encouraged by China to explore such opportunities overseas as part of its official discourse....

 

Read that as an official CCP plan. Infrastructure from China will follow: roads and trains. I'd be more worried if Thais were welcoming Chinese with open arms! China wants its foot in the door for more leverage.

[Highend Expat]

11 hours ago, Thailand said:

I think the majority are looking to improve their lives much the same as the majority of the expats on the forum.

Many are here on education visa extensions with their kids.Many are here because of the oppressive situation in China at the moment.

You forgot the equivalent negative side. Many are also criminals evading the law in China, setting up illegal businesses, highly xenophobic, trafficking young girls, running drug trade and happy to look down on you at every opportunity. 

[daveAustin]

12 hours ago, Thailand said:

I think the majority are looking to improve their lives much the same as the majority of the expats on the forum.

Many are here on education visa extensions with their kids.Many are here because of the oppressive situation in China at the moment.

I agree. I was just being flippant with the ole ‘if you don’t like it go home’ expat favourite. ????

[farangnomore]

16 hours ago, daveAustin said:

If they don’t like it they can always go back home. ????????

Ditto for farangs (most of who bitch incessantly on this forum).

[jerrymahoney]

9 minutes ago, farangnomore said:

16 hours ago, daveAustin said:

If they don’t like it they can always go back home. ????????

Ditto for farangs (most of who bitch incessantly on this forum).

Which then gets often followed with: "But I can't go back home because of my wife and house and 2 pickup trucks and maybe two kids ..."

[jerrymahoney]

13 hours ago, Isaan sailor said:

I too, came to Thailand seeking a better life.  And I too, have run into a language and cultural barrier.  Fortunately for me, I found a faithful, sexy Thai translator at my side, as we go fearlessly forth in the Land of Smiles.

Want to learn Thai fast? Get yourself a sexy female at your side who doesn't speak English.

Edited March 31, 2022 by jerrymahoney

[Isaan sailor]

2 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

Want to learn Thai fast? Get yourself a sexy female at your side who doesn't speak English.

Believe me, that was my plan.  What I didn’t plan for—she’s way smarter than I —so she picked up English fluency, while I still flounder with my 50 Thai words…

[overherebc]

6 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

Want to learn Thai fast? Get yourself a sexy female at your side who doesn't speak English.

And the Thai you learn will raise eyebrows in a Thai slum. ????

[jerrymahoney]

Well the Thai girl I'm with now speaks reasonable English but, sometimes when she says she doesn't understand what I just said, maybe American idiom, I then explain it to her in Thai.

 

She travels a lot within Thailand and we use LINE to communicate, I know she cheats a bit using the LINE translation English to Thai, because one time I asked her about her (Toyota) Fortuner, and she wrote back: What about my furniture?

[Onerak]

On 3/31/2022 at 4:15 AM, zzaa09 said:

Very similar and reflecting of Farang comparatives. 

Very few ever acclimate or adjust. 

Seeking out their own. 

First generation immigrants in every country seek their own kind. It's the second generation that  are fully assimilated. 

[Damrongsak]

1 hour ago, Onerak said:

First generation immigrants in every country seek their own kind. It's the second generation that  are fully assimilated. 

Adults do, but kids under about 15 or so seem to do well here in the U.S. if they aren't in an area with a high concentration of their ethnic/language group.   I imported several relatives and the three kids speak pretty well now.  The three adults still mostly speak Thai with  at me after about 10 years or so.

 

A Lao refugee family had three younger ones, and after a few years in school you'd think they were born and raised here. They sucked up English like a sponge. 

[Onerak]

6 hours ago, Damrongsak said:

Adults do, but kids under about 15 or so seem to do well here in the U.S. if they aren't in an area with a high concentration of their ethnic/language group.   I imported several relatives and the three kids speak pretty well now.  The three adults still mostly speak Thai with  at me after about 10 years or so.

 

A Lao refugee family had three younger ones, and after a few years in school you'd think they were born and raised here. They sucked up English like a sponge. 

When I said first generation, I meant adults first generation. The kids who go to schools are, though first generation, are like second generation because they did not migrate. Their parents migrated. I have a few friends who grew up in the USA and migrated when young (less than 15 or even younger) with their parents and graduated high schools in the USA and they have very few friends from their own country and most of their friends are people they went to schools with. 

Edited April 2, 2022 by Onerak