I have spent approximately ten years living in Thailand. I own a small condo, and everyone in my neighborhood knows me well.

What sometimes frustrates me is the way I am addressed. I am often simply “the farang,” a term that I personally perceive as dismissive or even somewhat derogatory, especially when I am around groups of Thai people. As I understand it, Thais may refer to themselves as “Khon Thai,” but they rarely say “Khon American.” Instead, it is simply “farang.”

This bothers me because, after countless conversations with Thai people over the years, I have come to understand that even some Thais themselves see the word “farang” as having a negative or condescending edge. At times, I question whether I am simply being too sensitive about it.

Many foreigners I have met in Thailand seem to have mixed feelings about the word as well, especially those who have lived there for a long time, speak the language, and understand how much tone and context can change the meaning behind it.

After so many years, it can feel frustrating to still be reduced to “the foreigner,” even though I have long considered myself part of the environment and community around me. I was wrong.,,

Edited May 24May 24 by rustinorman

You are definitely not alone in feeling this way, but it helps to keep a bit of perspective. Using the word "farang" is simply what Thais have always done, and it is what they always will do. While it can certainly annoy you after living there for a decade, it really is no big deal for most people once you look at the intent behind it.

Here is why it helps to let it go:

• Language habit: It is a deeply ingrained linguistic shorthand, not a calculated insult.

• Lack of malice: In the vast majority of cases, locals use it descriptively without any negative intent.

• Community bond: Since your neighbors know you well, they likely see you as "their" farang, which is actually a sign of acceptance in their own way.

It is completely normal to feel a bit reduced by the label after ten years of integrating. However, trying to change a country's everyday vocabulary will only cause you unnecessary stress. Try to take it as a quirk of the culture rather than a personal slight.

---

I don't think most Thais read as much into it as you do when spoken casually. For the most part I think it's just a word used to denote a foreigner, but when spoken in anger, I agree it can be barked as an insult.

I equate it to the use of the word "honkey" in the States. It was used in a fun tone between friends of different races, but could be used in an edgy, angry way too. When I'm referred to as a farang in a casual tone, I really don't take offense.

I am just wondering if you guys do not have this in your own countries too? Labels, slang, and nicknames for people from different districts, regions, or backgrounds?

It has never struck me that I should feel insulted by being called falang or farang.

Sounds a bit woke to me ;-)

Obs irony

2 minutes ago, Wuvu2 said:

I don't think most Thais read as much into it as you do when spoken casually. For the most part I think it's just a word used to denote a foreigner, but when spoken in anger, I agree it can be barked as an insult.

I equate it to the use of the word "honkey" in the States. It was used in a fun tone between friends of different races, but could be used in an edgy, angry way too. When I'm referred to as a farang in a casual tone, I really don't take offense.

Exactly, it is these discussions that will make it more loaded than it really is

My GF is taking a week long course in applying makeup with the unlikely intention of visiting hospitals to cheer people up with these new skills.

I remarked that she would probably make some new friends from spending all week with the same ladies. She said:

I am not like a farang who talk to strangers about my life and become their friends in 10 minutes.

Her friends are from her university years and long years at the bank. She is amused and a little bit suspicious when she sees two westernstrangers in a bar talking to each other.

Thai people are obviously very different from us, and I think they feel that more acutely than we who tend to over optimistically paper over obvious differences do.

Farang seems to be a short hand way of summarizing their feeling of distance from us

you stand out as a farang, whereas how would Thai's know your an American, or an Australian, Canadian or European, the word is used as an identifier, its not used as insulting, well that's the way i see it, you can be annoyed all you like , but you will always be identified as a foreigner, that's how you stand out in a group

Personally it doesn't worry me if strangers refer to me a farang but if it was coming from my Thai family or Thai friends then I'd probably find that offensive.

Edited May 24May 24 by Rams86

35 minutes ago, rustinorman said:

What sometimes frustrates me is the way I am addressed. I am often simply “the farang,” a term that I personally perceive as dismissive or even somewhat derogatory, especially when I am around groups of Thai people. As I understand it, Thais may refer to themselves as “Khon Thai,” but they rarely say “Khon American.” Instead, it is simply “farang.”

They probably don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it or afraid of pronouncing it incorrectly, so remind them of your name “Mr Rustinorman” or just address them as khonthai or Mr somchai or even Mr kwaichai might get their attention.

Edited May 24May 24 by novacova

I would rather be called Farang than 'Papa'.

13 minutes ago, ColeBOzbourne said:

I would rather be called Farang than 'Papa'.

Agree - especially by a girl you are about to barfine! Thais started calling me Papa when I was 50 😪

As long as it's not "มัน", pronounced ''man','meaning 'it' thing or an animal basically, used derogotarily by some Thais describing foreigners.

See old TV thread 22 years ago.......

Edited May 24May 24 by Off Piste
spelling

Look on the bright side: i feel it's more common these days to be called 'boss' by a Thai who doesn't know you, rather than 'YOU!'.

22 hours ago, Rams86 said:

Personally it doesn't worry me if strangers refer to me a farang but if it was coming from my Thai family or Thai friends then I'd probably find that offensive.

Why is the family any different. I have been with my wife for 12 years and am still referred to as farang when she is talking to her family and close friends. It has never been a problem to me but I do wonder why. Maybe it is because the others don't know my name.

3 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

Why is the family any different. I have been with my wife for 12 years and am still referred to as farang when she is talking to her family and close friends. It has never been a problem to me but I do wonder why. Maybe it is because the others don't know my name.

'Loong', (Uncle) would be the polite way.

It's really something not worth getting frustrated about - even quietly!

17 minutes ago, roo860 said:

'Loong', (Uncle) would be the polite way.

or "Na" - those two are what people use around me.

Farang is generally used by strangers or staff purely as an identifier.

23 hours ago, novacova said:

They probably don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it or afraid of pronouncing it incorrectly, so remind them of your name “Mr Rustinorman” or just address them as khonthai or Mr somchai or even Mr kwaichai might get their attention.

23 hours ago, novacova said:

They probably don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it or afraid of pronouncing it incorrectly, so remind them of your name “Mr Rustinorman” or just address them as khonthai or Mr somchai or even Mr kwaichai might get their attention.

23 hours ago, novacova said:

They probably don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it or afraid of pronouncing it incorrectly, so remind them of your name “Mr Rustinorman” or just address them as khonthai or Mr somchai or even Mr kwaichai might get their attention.

have been here over 49 years total. All my wife's family and friends and neighbors call me and mention me by my name - last name as first is too difficult for them. Only total strangers call me farang but if that is the worse I am ever called, I am happy.

1 hour ago, roo860 said:

'Loong', (Uncle) would be the polite way.

Too many of them around already.

1 hour ago, GreasyFingers said:

Why is the family any different. I have been with my wife for 12 years and am still referred to as farang when she is talking to her family and close friends. It has never been a problem to me but I do wonder why. Maybe it is because the others don't know my name.

That is sad. I am referred to by name by my wife's family and close friends. Others may start by referring to me as "the farang", but that changes if they get to know my name. Obviously, I will always be identified as "the farang" by staff at the local 7/11 or Punthai coffee shop, etc. and I am fine with that. Likewise, locals will mainly refer to me as the farang when talking among themselves. And when I receive a call from a delivery guy, they refer to my house as "bahn farang". Makes it mush easier giving directions too.

23 hours ago, ColeBOzbourne said:

I would rather be called Farang than 'Papa'.

It depends on your age

Snowflake comes to mind if one is so easily hurt by a word.

Edited May 25May 25 by nutosf

Just say 'nee how' as a greeting to them.

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Just say 'nee how' as a greeting to them.

Then they’ll refer you to as a jin and then ignore you afterwards.

18 minutes ago, still kicking said:

It depends on your age

Defo not the best start to the evening if you've just turned 40.............

"The word Farang has a rich historical origin that goes back centuries. It is derived from the old Persian word “Frank,” which refers to the people from the region of France or Western Europe.

Over time, the term Frank spread to many parts of Asia, including Thailand, where it came to refer to all Europeans or Westerners." Is “Farang” a racist word? Understanding the Thai term for foreigners

2 minutes ago, Off Piste said:

Defo not the best start to the evening if you've just turned 40.............

I am 80

6 minutes ago, still kicking said:

I am 80

Then it's clearly a compliment to you......................

On 5/24/2026 at 7:51 AM, rustinorman said:

I have spent approximately ten years living in Thailand. I own a small condo, and everyone in my neighborhood knows me well.

What sometimes frustrates me is the way I am addressed. I am often simply “the farang,” a term that I personally perceive as dismissive or even somewhat derogatory, especially when I am around groups of Thai people. As I understand it, Thais may refer to themselves as “Khon Thai,” but they rarely say “Khon American.” Instead, it is simply “farang.”

This bothers me because, after countless conversations with Thai people over the years, I have come to understand that even some Thais themselves see the word “farang” as having a negative or condescending edge. At times, I question whether I am simply being too sensitive about it.

Many foreigners I have met in Thailand seem to have mixed feelings about the word as well, especially those who have lived there for a long time, speak the language, and understand how much tone and context can change the meaning behind it.

After so many years, it can feel frustrating to still be reduced to “the foreigner,” even though I have long considered myself part of the environment and community around me. I was wrong.,,

Only been here about 10 years, eh?

Post again in another 10 years if it still bothers you.

If you're still here that is.

On 5/24/2026 at 8:50 AM, ColeBOzbourne said:

I would rather be called Farang than 'Papa'.

It's 'Papi', not Papa