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

[Scouse123]

5 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

 

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

 

What about when they refer to black people as ' negro', is that considered a cultural non malicious, non offensive norm in Thailand as well, in 2025?

[BangkokReady]

15 minutes ago, PeachCH said:

Much more offensive how the Thais are calling the black skinned foreigners (Khaeks)😁👍

 

What does that mean?

[ukrules]

5 hours ago, StandardIssue said:

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

 

I make zero effort to do anything Thai. I did a language course once but could not be bothered to continue with it.

I give his country and its people exactly what it gives me - which is nothing at all.

[MalcolmB]

7 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

I disagree. I think they will still refer to him as farang in the third person.

Ok snowflake.

Have you ever used the word farang yourself?

[diveasia666]

47 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

 

It was a Russian couple:

 

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2025/04/20/why-some-thais-get-triggered-when-westerners-say-ni-hao-to-them/

Italian

[newnative]

    I don't know what the big deal is.  I have no problem being called a farang.  I use the term myself with my spouse and friends.   We'll be driving around and we'll notice some farang doing something stupid and I'll say, "Look at that crazy farang doing _________________."    Don't sweat the little stuff.  And, most stuff is little.  

[Surasak]

4 hours 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.

 

Back when? How long ago was it a joke? It's been that long, I've forgotten! There is so much Woke nonsense about now, its difficult to keep up.

[USexpat1]

 I don’t know why exactly but I’ve always felt Farang was offensive. My wife, who is Thai, disagrees. Regardless of how it’s meant I’ll always find it a bit offensive and would prefer foreigner, American or my name.

 

[parallelman]

4 hours 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.

 

Agreed. 'Sticks and stones.....'

[BangkokReady]

12 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Ok snowflake.

Have you ever used the word farang yourself?

 

What does that matter?

 

Do you even know what point you are making?

 

Just casting out random troll lines to see of you can snag a juicy fishy?

[Jack Hammer]

4 hours 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 she fully understood and would stop using the term - advising her family to do the same. Let's see.

 

[Grumpy one]

5 hours ago, CANSIAM said:

Perhaps 'Alien' is better.........😉

For some Rsole is a better term 

[MalcolmB]

8 minutes ago, newnative said:

    I don't know what the big deal is.  I have no problem being called a farang.  I use the term myself with my spouse and friends.   We'll be driving around and we'll notice some farang doing something stupid and I'll say, "Look at that crazy farang doing _________________."    Don't sweat the little stuff.  And, most stuff is little.  

I am sure we all do.

But some people love complaining and are always looking to be offended by something.

[Jack Hammer]

If you threaten the money supply they will immediately stop calling you a Farang

[BangkokReady]

1 minute ago, USexpat1 said:

 I don’t know why exactly but I’ve always felt Farang was offensive. My wife, who is Thai, disagrees. Regardless of how it’s meant I’ll always find it a bit offensive and would prefer foreigner, American or my name.

 

 

Yes. I told my wife that I thought farang was offensive, but she said what would i know, I'm just a franang. I guess she's right.

 

(Just a joke.)

[MalcolmB]

3 minutes ago, USexpat1 said:

 I don’t know why exactly but I’ve always felt Farang was offensive. My wife, who is Thai, disagrees. Regardless of how it’s meant I’ll always find it a bit offensive and would prefer foreigner, American or my name.

 

Americans are the most over sensitive people on the planet when it comes to race sensitivity.

They even use the expression “n- word” instead of just saying it, unless you are one of course then you can make a song and dance about it. 
Listen to your wife, she is talking sense. 

[Magictoad]

If people want to be offended then it is up to them to be offended or not. I think ' Farang' is funny and I don't take offence. Like with all racist insults the perpetrator is the idiot not the 'victim'. As for   'Ni Hao' I'd never heard it before.

[Jabberwocky]

"Ni hao" lacks malice, too. If it was racist per se, I wouldn't be allowed to say "hello" anymore, either. I don't know why the tolerance of this ranger was so thin. He could have greeted the Russian back with a nonchalant "konichi wa".

[TigerandDog]

5 hours 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.

My experience has been similar in the 11 years I've been here. The Thais that know me away from my village ALWAYS call me Mr xxxx. The Thais in my village address me in 2 different ways these days, either leung (uncle) xxxx or Por Luong (father of the village) as my wife is the Mai Luong for the village. The only time I'm aware of being called a farang is when I'm with a group of Thais I've never met before, and then that only lasts a short time, as my wife always introduces me as Leung.  The only time I've ever heard the term farang directed at me in a derogatory manner was years ago when out cycling through a village I hadn't been to previously and an old lady, who had obviously been influenced by Anutin calling us dirty farangs, called myself and my cycling companion dirty farangs as we rode past her house, even though we were cycling with a group of Thais.

 

As much as I'd very much like to be able to speak Thai, despite all the lessons I've had I find it very difficult to remember most of it. I'd say my Thai language is advanced tourist Thai.

[Packer]

1 hour ago, BangkokReady said:

 

I believe you're wrong. Hence you cannot give an example.

 

Just what part of 'I gave an example earlier in this thread' are you struggling with? 🙂

[Jabberwocky]

Imagine standing next to your friend at home while a foreigner is doing s.th. strange. Wouldn't you say: "Look at that foreigner", not knowing his nationality or name? Isn't it similar to saying "Look at the farang"?

[JonnyF]

8 minutes ago, newnative said:

    I don't know what the big deal is.  I have no problem being called a farang.  I use the term myself with my spouse and friends.   We'll be driving around and we'll notice some farang doing something stupid and I'll say, "Look at that crazy farang doing _________________."    Don't sweat the little stuff.  And, most stuff is little.  

 

Yeah I must confess I do the same. If I'm up at the farm (where there are not many foreigners) and I see another white dude then I'll say to the GF "I saw another farang this morning outside the 711" or wherever. It's just a lazy description, easier than saying Caucasian or "Gentleman who appeared to be of European descent". 

 

The only time I object to such things is when there is a double standard i.e. when people can use slang for Caucasians (farang, cracker, gringo, whitey, gammon or whatever) but get mortally offended when a white person uses anything but the latest PC term for another race. 

 

The double standard is most common amongst virtue signalling Liberals. They are happy to say Gammon/Karen/Redneck but if you dare say coloured person instead of person of colour they'll try and get you locked on a 10 stretch for hate crimes against humanity. 

[murto]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

                     

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

 

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-22

 

 

 

[murto]

Another silly discussion:

Farang just means foreigner.

Ni Hao is ignorantly assuming a person is of one nationality when they're likely not.

It's like confusing Thailand and Taiwan.

You'd think a teacher would have a better ability to distinguish faulty analogies from accurate ones

[Airalee]

1 hour ago, pacovl46 said:

No, he is not right! The first caucasians Thais came in contact with were the French.

Nope.  Portugal has France beat by over a century.

 

Using the “history of the word Farang” is a lazy excuse.   If it was acceptable, the N word would be fair game.

[BangkokReady]

14 minutes ago, Packer said:

Just what part of 'I gave an example earlier in this thread' are you struggling with? 🙂

 

What part of "you could have given your example to me ten times over in the amount of time you've been wasting giving me the run around" don't you get?  🤦‍♂️

 

Just give the example, if you have it, otherwise, it seems that you don't. 🤷‍♂️

[Airalee]

16 minutes ago, Jabberwocky said:

Imagine standing next to your friend at home while a foreigner is doing s.th. strange. Wouldn't you say: "Look at that foreigner", not knowing his nationality or name? Isn't it similar to saying "Look at the farang"?

Actually, I’d probably say something along the line of “check out that dude….I wonder where he’s from”

[BangkokReady]

7 minutes ago, murto said:

Farang just means foreigner.

 

We all know that. That isn't what's being discussed at all! 🤦‍♂️

[ThailandGuy]

It depends on the intonation how they pronounce "Farang" and their mimics while doing so.  It can be taken very offensive and discriminating.   When somebody says Ni Hao...  he/she probably does not know the propper way to say hello in Thai. I would not care about such if that happened to me if i was a Thai person. There are worse things to make a fuzz about.  It looks like somebody has too much time and nothing todo.  One just could have replied "We say Sawasdee khrap!". But they go from 0 - 100 in a split second and are insulted about "Ni Hao"?  What a joke! Its not even worth this discussion.

 

[BangkokReady]

19 minutes ago, Jabberwocky said:

Imagine standing next to your friend at home while a foreigner is doing s.th. strange. Wouldn't you say: "Look at that foreigner", not knowing his nationality or name? Isn't it similar to saying "Look at the farang"?

 

Do you both know the foreigner well and know his name?