Where the farangs actually are in Thai society

[AndyAndyAndy]

Today, I was at a graduation ceremony in Bangkok with about 10,000 people in attendance. Guess what? I swear to God - I was the only farang there! No kidding! 🫣

 

Visit any random shopping mall, and you'd think we're carrying this country future on our shoulders. But this really made me think about what level of society the vast majority of farangs are actually involved in and what farangs place is here.  🤔

[KhunLA]

In a word ... insignificant 

 

Only in the farang's imagination, as they actually think they have value or contribute 

[blaze master]

You are a nothing burger here. 

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, AndyAndyAndy said:

Today, I was at a graduation ceremony in Bangkok with about 10,000 people in attendance. Guess what? I swear to God - I was the only farang there! No kidding! 🫣

 

Visit any random shopping mall, and you'd think we're carrying this country future on our shoulders. But this really made me think about what level of society the vast majority of farangs are actually involved in and what farangs place is here.  🤔

 

Ok. You left out a large number of critical facts. What was this? A technical school, a quality university with international accreditation? If it was one of the  mediocre Thai educational facilities, it would make sense not to see  foreigners, because hopefully, that could do better.

Technically, all non Thais are farangs. You may have missed the Myanmar, Malaysian and Chinese foreign students in attendance. There are 30,000+ foreign students in Thailand. Not a lot, but they are there. 

 

The  capable  western foreign students, like many of the Thai students who can afford it, leave Thailand for graduate and post graduate education. Some also leave for undergraduate studies.   The Thaksin clan made sure to complete their education at US universities.

 

In respect to the "place" that farangs hold, it is no different than in your home country. Socio economic characteristics determine one's position in the hierarchy. Don't expect uneducated and retirees of  limited financial means to  occupy high social status. Nor will IT gig workers, day traders and generic day trippers from border countries occupy high status.  The foreigners with wealth  and status jobs such as diplomats, scientists, senior business executives have status. They always have and they socialize in circles that the typical western foreigner never breaches.  The top layer of foreigners  engages in a self preservation type of segregation, avoiding and excluding anyone who is not of perceived acceptable status. It can be intimidating  to be invited to dinner at someone's palatial home filled with servants.

 

Certain foreigners also occupy  a higher status just because of their nationality and location; For example  Japanese people are typically treated with more respect than the run of the mill Australian. It's all about personal presentation, politeness, deference and visual image. This is why the experienced  westerners warn others to dress appropriately when interacting with the police or immigration.  

 

[AlexRich]

It’s not something that I really care about. I know who I am and don’t need external validation from Thais or anyone else for that matter. In the scheme of things, we are all pretty insignificant creatures, with a very short shelf life. 
 

So don’t worry at all about your social status, just focus on enjoying life. 

[JimHuaHin]

8 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said:

Today, I was at a graduation ceremony in Bangkok with about 10,000 people in attendance. Guess what? I swear to God - I was the only farang there! No kidding! 🫣

 

Visit any random shopping mall, and you'd think we're carrying this country future on our shoulders. But this really made me think about what level of society the vast majority of farangs are actually involved in and what farangs place is here.  🤔

About 4 years ago, I also attended a university graduation ceremony in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and as far as I was aware, I was also the only farang there.

 

5 years previously, I attended the university's President's welcoming address to the families/parents of new students - I was the only farang in the auditorium.

 

[Bohemianfish]

If not Thai, a nobody sort of. Not in Thailand, but abroad and live with Thai wife and we have some Thai housemates. It's a struggle trying to get things done. They know better and need no instructions and there's no follow-up. Mai Pen Rai is all I can say, even if it is your house.

[BonnieandClyde]

On 2/24/2025 at 8:06 AM, JimHuaHin said:

About 4 years ago, I also attended a university graduation ceremony in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and as far as I was aware, I was also the only farang there.

 

5 years previously, I attended the university's President's welcoming address to the families/parents of new students - I was the only farang in the auditorium.

 

O Solo Mio!

[FruitPudding]

We are the explorers in the jungle; it's mostly flora and fauna here.

[FruitPudding]

On 2/24/2025 at 8:06 AM, JimHuaHin said:

About 4 years ago, I also attended a university graduation ceremony in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and as far as I was aware, I was also the only farang there.

 

5 years previously, I attended the university's President's welcoming address to the families/parents of new students - I was the only farang in the auditorium.

 

 

This comes as a surprise to you?

[scoutman360]

I worked 20 years in Thailand, working with normal Thai middle class, being the only foreigner at the company. They were gracious, kind, funny, and treated me as a friend, sharing with me their daily life. After the day I retired, I haven't heard from one of them. Not one. 

[it is what it is]

 

not this old turkey again

[it is what it is]

5 minutes ago, scoutman360 said:

I worked 20 years in Thailand, working with normal Thai middle class, being the only foreigner at the company. They were gracious, kind, funny, and treated me as a friend, sharing with me their daily life. After the day I retired, I haven't heard from one of them. Not one. 

 

not at all uncommon, happens back home, people overestimate their relationships at work, when work is the only thing they have in common. it's pretty sad really.

[Harrisfan]

On 2/24/2025 at 12:50 AM, KhunLA said:

In a word ... insignificant 

 

Only in the farang's imagination, as they actually think they have value or contribute 

1 human unless rich or vip politician has zero power 

[NoDisplayName]

On 2/23/2025 at 11:29 PM, AndyAndyAndy said:

Today, I was at a graduation ceremony in Bangkok with about 10,000 people in attendance. Guess what? I swear to God - I was the only farang there! No kidding! 🫣

 

Visit any random shopping mall, and you'd think we're carrying this country future on our shoulders.

 

Why surprised?

 

Unless they have a child graduating, not many retired foreigners or tourists will be attending a community college graduation.

 

Look for them where they are.  On the beaches, in the bars, in immigration lockup, or spending their days in the shopping malls.