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

[PePa]

On 4/22/2025 at 9:31 AM, StandardIssue said:

You know if you act like a "farang" than you will be called one.

It doesn't depend on acting like a farang. Thai people have a definite category in their minds of white people that are a distinct group in their perception and experience. They will just refer to a white person as a farang because that makes sense to them. Only if they both know you and know your name they can refer to you using your name. It's not meant offensive, and it's unrelated to how well you are integrated into Thai culture, language and society.

[madone]

On 4/23/2025 at 6:46 PM, ikke1959 said:

Hey you Thai... you don't have a name??? Or are you being offended if I only call you THai?? The Thai has comment on my post... That is normal??

 

That is your own cultural sensitivity at play

[kevozman1]

Ni hao is ok, maybe flattering to a certain extent, but I prefer to one up that by using nameste.

[sidneybear]

More woke speech control. People should be allowed to say whatever they like, unless it's inciting criminal behaviour. 

[murto]

On 4/22/2025 at 3:56 PM, Airalee said:

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

You court inaccuracy when you apply your western standards that seem logical to you to customs in another culture.                                                                                                                             "Farang" is a common term to label a person of a western nationality. It can be used in a derogatory way or as a socially accepted label.

 

But I suppose if you behave like an idiot and are called a farang, the derogatory term fits

If I'm called a farang, I just smile, give thumbs up and say "farang dee"