I would guess most foreingers have been asked this by locals at least once.  In the beginning I would give an honest answer when asked this question.  My reply was "America or United States".  The response has been a mixed bag of "not possible or no you come from China".  I am Asian American and I slowly realized in the minds of most locals I could not be American because I was of Asian descent.  Many years ago I would try and convince them that I was actually American.  In once instance I had reserved a hotel room in Chiang Mai and pulled out my American passport at check in.  The girl at the desk looked very confused and said "you are Chinese".  It took the manager to come to the front desk to finish the check in process. Oh well TIT "embrace it or leave it".  I am amazed I have  lasted this long but I now realize for me the end of LOS is coming closer. 

 

To prevent "misunderstandings and to prevent any possible  conflict I now respond wtih what the locals actually  want to hear.  In the last few years I have been from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan (many do not know where that is), Japan or Korea. Lately I have stated "I am from Wakanada".  About 80% say "OK' and about 10% realize am not serious. My next response will be " I am from Vulcan and my fathers name is Sarek".  

 

The importatnt lesson i have learned is when dealing with locals give them the answer they want to hear and not the trutth. This has lead to a more peaceful coexistence during my time in the Land of Smiles. 

What problems we humans encounter.

"America" works fine for me.....

"United States" can be puzzling for most of them....

Surprisingly, "California" gets a nod from most.... 

Should definitely say you hail from Llandissilio in Wales before you give up. 

When asked, I reply Buriram

Be happy you don't look Indian

Just now, KhunBENQ said:

Be happy you don't look Indian

To be honest I am glad I do not.  They have it really bad in LOS.

 

I always say soi 11......how the girls laugh.....

I'd say "Cock Lane, London"

 

Google...

 

On 10/16/2024 at 10:16 AM, sqwakvfr said:

To be honest I am glad I do not.  They have it really bad in LOS.

if you could master the accent , you could have some much fun    🙂

I ve managed to convince some people, with my pi55 poor Thai, that Im a farang looking "luk kreung". My Dad was from northern England but my mum was from Buriram, but i look more like my Dad. Jing Jing!!