Opinion Russian Teacher to Thais: Drop ‘Farang’ if 'Ni Hao' Offends

[webfact]

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

A Russian language teacher in Thailand has sparked debate with his call for Thais to reconsider using the word “farang” for foreigners if they find “Ni Hao” racist.

 

The topic ignited on Thai social media after Siranudh “Sai” Scott, a Thai-Scottish former ranger, highlighted an incident where a tourist's “Ni Hao” greeting was deemed disrespectful. Sai claims he confronted the tourist and demanded their expulsion from the Krabi park for the perceived slight.

 

The online community is split. While some consider Sai's reaction an overreach, others, especially those familiar with cultural norms abroad, support his stance.

 

Russian teacher Sergei Sychoff, or Gei, weighed in, suggesting "Ni Hao" isn't inherently racist, pointing out his own experiences in Thailand with the term “farang.” He described instances where Thais used the term in a playful, albeit clumsy, manner without intending harm.

 

 

 

Sychoff's comparison provoked a wave of responses. Thai netizens were quick to defend the historic use of "farang," insisting it lacks malice.

 

The word is entrenched in Thai culture, originating during King Rama V's reign, and has since evolved through linguistic exchanges, especially with Persian traders. “Farang,” many argue, stands as a neutral descriptor for foreigners, contrasting with nuanced interpretations of greetings like "Ni Hao."

 

Supporters of the term “farang” clarified that, while there's no racist intent, a variation like “farang khi nok” is considered offensive, underscoring the complexity of language and perception. They highlighted that while local terminology may seem blunt, intention remains key to understanding language's impact.

 

Amid the backlash, Sychoff removed his initial video and issued an apology, reinforcing his respect for Asian culture and his opposition to racism.

 

He stressed that his remarks aimed to highlight how individuals might inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or bias through language. As the discussion continues, it sheds light on Thailand's rich cultural tapestry and the evolving dynamics of identity and communication in a globalised world.

 

 

@krusudsud

 

♬ original sound - Sergei Sychoff

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

[ikke1959]

He is right.. Farang is not a decent word and if Thai people talk about foreigners it is always farang.. I was teaching in a school but nobody ever said my name only the farang...And I always said it must be khon Farang, as it in Khon Jipoon, Khon Thai, etc .. and smiled with it... but even after 10 years in the same school they told me farang....Also in my neighbourhood if they as my friend  it is where is the farang, just if don't know my name while i live here already 20 years.. It is annoying, because how would Thai people respond if we all foreigners call them Thai... Hey Thai can you help me? Hey Thai how are you?... The Thai asked me if I could this or that....... I think big problems would occur as the would not accept it

[BangkokReady]

13 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

He is right.. Farang is not a decent word and if Thai people talk about foreigners it is always farang.. I was teaching in a school but nobody ever said my name only the farang...And I always said it must be khon Farang, as it in Khon Jipoon, Khon Thai, etc .. and smiled with it... but even after 10 years in the same school they told me farang....Also in my neighbourhood if they as my friend  it is where is the farang, just if don't know my name while i live here already 20 years.. It is annoying, because how would Thai people respond if we all foreigners call them Thai... Hey Thai can you help me? Hey Thai how are you?... The Thai asked me if I could this or that....... I think big problems would occur as the would not accept it

 

Quite.  It isn't inherently racist, but if you called a Thai friend who you knew well and whose name you knew "Asian guy", it would instantly be offensive.

 

It's referring to someone you know as " the foreigner", or using it in a negative way, i.e. suggesting that foreigners are bad, that is clearly racist.

 

If someone said "I saw a farang in the town today, he was very tall", I don't think anyone would have an issue with it.  If your father in law, who you have known for years, says to your wife, "What is that farang doing today", it is obviously offensive.

[StandardIssue]

You know if you act like a "farang" than you will be called one. I've had many Thai friends over the years and one of the things I've learned is that they really respect an expat who's made an attempt to honor Thai culture. For example.

How many expats or long stay foreigners take the time to:

1) Learn the language

2) Learn how to properly Wai when addressing a Thai person

3) learn to temper their voice when speaking to a Thai person or have a conflict with a Thai person.

4) Learn to not engage in Kissing or embracing a Thai woman as you would in the west when out in public.

 

the list goes on...

 

All my Thai friends and acquaintances call me by my first name or Khun when I am their senior. They Wai to me when seeing them.

 

Even when out shopping I make a very concerted effort to honor Thai culture when speaking with Thai citizens.

[bubblegum]

I live in Soi Farang according to the delivery people 😆

[BangkokReady]

32 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

You know if you act like a "farang" than you will be called one. I've had many Thai friends over the years and one of the things I've learned is that they really respect an expat who's made an attempt to honor Thai culture. For example.

How many expats or long stay foreigners take the time to:

1) Learn the language

2) Learn how to properly Wai when addressing a Thai person

3) learn to temper their voice when speaking to a Thai person or have a conflict with a Thai person.

4) Learn to not engage in Kissing or embracing a Thai woman as you would in the west when out in public.

 

the list goes on...

 

All my Thai friends and acquaintances call me by my first name or Khun when I am their senior. They Wai to me when seeing them.

 

Even when out shopping I make a very concerted effort to honor Thai culture when speaking with Thai citizens.

 

That's great, but Thais are still going to refer to you as farang, even if they know you.

[Dan O]

Its the age old issue. If I say something that you don't like its racist if you do it it was misunderstood because their was no ill  intent. 

[chuang]

Everyone Ni Hao....😃

[Yagoda]

Guess we know how Thais feel about being confused with Chinese.

 

 

[JonnyF]

Nicknames for different races are only offensive when white people do it.

 

Everyone knows that.  

[CANSIAM]

Perhaps 'Alien' is better.........😉

[Cameroni]

So another East European fool aggravated a Thai by thinking he was clever and saying "Ni Hao", thereby making all foreigners look like idiots.

 

Deport all East Europeans from Thailand today and 80% of problems would go away.

 

But yes, farang, is obviously derogatory..

 

Notice the difference, a Russian says Ni Hao because he's a stupid fool, but the deragotary word farang is used with knowing intent.

[MangoKorat]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

He is right.. Farang is not a decent word and if Thai people talk about foreigners it is always farang.. I was teaching in a school but nobody ever said my name only the farang...And I always said it must be khon Farang, as it in Khon Jipoon, Khon Thai, etc .. and smiled with it... but even after 10 years in the same school they told me farang....Also in my neighbourhood if they as my friend  it is where is the farang, just if don't know my name while i live here already 20 years.. It is annoying, because how would Thai people respond if we all foreigners call them Thai... Hey Thai can you help me? Hey Thai how are you?... The Thai asked me if I could this or that....... I think big problems would occur as the would not accept it

I had exactly that conversation with a girlfriend yesterday.  I recalled hearing my ex MIL ask "does the farang want to eat" in Thai.  She had no idea that I knew what she'd said. I told her that I am a person and I have a name, how would she like it if I said "does the Thai want to eat". 

 

The term farang' can be offensive and it can be bloody annoying. It used to be that it was often used offensively by Thais but its become so common these days that I think its rarely is used offensively.  But why do we have to have a 'label'?  We all have a name. If you don't speak Thai, you won't know if its being used offensively or not and as I say, it can be both. It would be much easier if they just stopped using the term - dream on.

 

Its become so common now that I often hear Westerners using it and even dropping the R for an L in the typical Thai mispronunciation way - falang.

 

Upshot is, I must have explained it pretty well as my girl said she fully understood and would stop using the term - advising her family to do the same. Let's see.

[impulse]

Russian Teacher to Thais: Drop ‘Farang’ if 'Ni Hao' Offends

 

Here's a thought.  Quit being a snowflake. 

 

What happened to the good old days when we jokingly referred to each other as Pollocks, Guineas, WOPs, Rednecks and a hundred other familiar greetings that would trigger a lefty tantrum today?  Back then, we could take a joke.

 

[Yagoda]

33 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

That's great, but Thais are still going to refer to you as farang, even if they know you.

Cant even say how many times I have had this conversation:

 

Helloooooooooo, what you name, where you come from?

Im from Ameri-kah, my name is Pumpwee Falang..

Aeeeeeeeee, giggle giggle kiss kiss smooch. 

 

Then hear the word Pumpwee Falang over and over with tons of smiles and giggles and stomach poking from every waitress and dancer....

[Chris Daley]

Teaching by example is better.  If he conducts himself as a polite and stoic person he will be remembered as a good person. If he makes racist posts and attacks children he will be remembered as a scumbag and give a bad name to all of us.

[Patong2021]

What is wrong with saying  Ni Hao?

I often use a japanese or korean greeting to my work colleagues. Everyone knows which Netflix  content I was watching the night before. 🫠   I sometimes use Italian or French when I say thank you. and I usually swear in French.  I don't get why anyone would have a  tantrum over this.  Maybe the issue is with the luk khrueng guy  and not the park visitors. Seems to me that he has  some heritage issues, playing the Thai pride card a bit too hard.

 

And  none of my Thai acquaintances or friends have ever  called me farang (when I am around). Lots of other names, sometimes semi insults, but never the farang guy. I have not heard any of thais married or living with  westerners call westerners farang either. This suggests to me that the use of the term farang may be more specific to certain  social groups.

 

 

 

 

[BangkokReady]

12 minutes ago, MangoKorat said:

I had exactly that conversation with a girlfriend yesterday.  I recalled hearing my ex MIL ask "does the farang want to eat" in Thai.  She had no idea that I knew what she'd said. I told her that I am a person and I have a name, how would she like it if I said "does the Thai want to eat". 

 

The term farang' can be offensive and it can be bloody annoying. It used to be that it was often used offensively by Thais but its become so common these days that I think its rarely is used offensively.  But why do we have to have a 'label'?  We all have a name. If you don't speak Thai, you won't know if its being used offensively or not and as I say, it can be both. It would be much easier if they just stopped using the term - dream on.

 

Its become so common now that I often hear Westerners using it and even dropping the R for an L in the typical Thai mispronunciation way - falang.

 

Upshot is, I must have explained it pretty well as my girl said fully understood and she would stop using the term - advising her family to do the same. Let's see.

 

I think what this highlights is that Thais feel the need to refer to foreigners as outsiders, even when they are well known to them.

[G Rex]

1 hour ago, bubblegum said:

I live in Soi Farang according to the delivery people 😆

 

Ha Ha.  

I must live near you I think.

I live in the Bahn Farang!

[Gecko123]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I did not hear any discussion of whether "farang" is an offensive term in the tik tok video referenced in the OP. I assume this subject was discussed by the Russian guy in another video, just not in the video linked in the OP. I'm of the school of thought, as I think many of you know already, that 'farang' is most often used as harmless colloquial shorthand for "foreigner", and I fail to see how parallels between its use and the Italian guy greeting someone in Thailand with ni hao should be drawn.

 

Regarding the 'ni hao' controversy, I've been wondering what would happen if the Italian guy was running around Japan or South Korea greeting everyone with the Chinese 'ni hao.' Sure, he would get a lot of amused and confused looks, but I'll bet he would also be corrected fairly frequently about how to say hello in the native language. I think a lot of Japanese or South Koreans would at a minimum be mildly put off or offended if this were to happen.

 

The strength of feelings of national pride may vary from person to person and from region to region, but visitors should be cautious about showing respect for the culture and avoid taking liberties. It probably wasn't "racist" per se, but it was presumptuous and did not show respect for the culture or the person involved. 

[Patong2021]

12 minutes ago, impulse said:

Russian Teacher to Thais: Drop ‘Farang’ if 'Ni Hao' Offends

 

Here's a thought.  Quit being a snowflake. 

 

What happened to the good old days when we jokingly referred to each other as Pollocks, Guineas, WOPs, Rednecks and a hundred other familiar greetings that would trigger a lefty tantrum today?  Back then, we could take a joke.

 

 

You thought it was a joke, but it was not, because it most often was used in a derogatory and belittling manner.

 

[impulse]

3 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

You thought it was a joke, but it was not, because it most often was used in a derogatory and belittling manner.

 

Maybe, but that was at family gatherings.  We had Pollocks, Russkies, WOPs, Micks and others, all married up to each other. 

 

Nobody got their panties in a wad back then.

 

[fredwiggy]

3 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Maybe, but that was at family gatherings.  We had Pollocks, Russkies, WOPs, Micks and others, all married up to each other. 

 

Nobody got their panties in a wad back then.

 

When you're close to another of a different nationality, it is normal to joke about it, and this is an American thing. We did it all the time, yet loved one another and would kill for them. Here it's not. They can learn your name but are lazy, although not all of them. I have been sitting next to friends of my girlfriend who knew my name, as I've been with her over 4 years, and they'll still say farang. That's ignorance or disrespect and they learned this from others who do the same thing. Here foreigners of all nationalities are the minority. In America all are accepted except by the racist idiots, who are the minority. Whatever their reason is to say farang while knowing your name, it isn't a valid excuse.

[Cameroni]

15 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

What is wrong with saying  Ni Hao?

I often use a japanese or korean greeting to my work colleagues. Everyone knows which Netflix  content I was watching the night before. 🫠   I sometimes use Italian or French when I say thank you. and I usually swear in French.  I don't get why anyone would have a  tantrum over this.  Maybe the issue is with the luk khrueng guy  and not the park visitors. Seems to me that he has  some heritage issues, playing the Thai pride card a bit too hard.

 

 

Quite a lot. You're in Thailand, so you should greet people in Thai, not some Chinese, Korean or Japanese. Your work colleagues probably think you're a bit of a dick behind your back.

 

Imagine if you greeted your British work colleagues with "Guten Tag", that would get you fired in some City offices.

 

it's not about "heritage issues", it's about respecting the country you live in.

[StandardIssue]

1 hour ago, BangkokReady said:

 

That's great, but Thais are still going to refer to you as farang, even if they know you.

 

Another mind reader. LOL ... whatever. Most of the punters on this board never learn Thai or the culture. Pretty sad really. Look how I got all thumbs down about my post. It's because it hits home. Years and years in Thailand and don't even learn Thai. What a joke.

[fredwiggy]

4 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

 

Another mind reader. LOL ... whatever. Most of the monkeys on this board never learn Thai or the culture.

Isn't that an example also of mind reading?

[StandardIssue]

3 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Isn't that an example also of mind reading?

Do you speak Thai well enough to say - rent and apartment? Well I do.

[MalcolmB]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Sychoff's comparison provoked a wave of responses. Thai netizens were quick to defend the historic use of "farang," insisting it lacks malice.

This is Thailand.

Their rules, if you don’t like it farang then go back to Russian you sensitive little snowflake

[MalcolmB]

11 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

Do you speak Thai well enough to say - rent and apartment? Well I do.

เช้าอพาร์ทเมนท์

 

How is that?

[impulse]

12 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

When you're close to another of a different nationality, it is normal to joke about it, and this is an American thing. We did it all the time, yet loved one another and would kill for them.

 

+1

 

I don't think the average outsider realizes just how tolerant the average American is.  I always figure that's the way it is around the world.  But it's not.