Asian Farang

[ZOVOX]

I am a uk citizen of chinese descent, and was wondering if there are any fellow western asians in Thailand ?

Are there any advantages of looking Thai when it comes to customs, immigration, permanent residency, thai citizenship, or just in general ?

Do you have people speaking to you in Thai everyday and not understanding a thing ?

[Sexy Beast]

They speak Thai at me anyway even though I'm white.

But my girlfriend is Khmer and she gets mistaken for Thai everytime we're in Bangkok and she hates it.

[kitty]

I met a great couple on my trip to Thailand, she was chinese desent but english and a tiny little lady at that and her boyfriend was incredibly tall and white as white can get..

she hated people constantly thinking she was thai and trying to talk to her in thai, but more then that she was fed up with everybody staring at her(thinking she was a thai woman and him white)

it really got to her sometimes cause alot of the thai woman would give her evil looks or laugh but she still loved being there.

[ZOVOX]

People stare because most people automatically assume she's an escort girl. I was once on a train and was with an older white gentleman in the opposite seat, and got some really funny looks and sniggers - i think they thought i was male escort.

[Rhys]

It is a mixed bag.. natural smiles will come you way.. Naturally if speaking the Queen's English from an Asia looking face.. it is a shock to the Thai.

In my experience Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, with a touch of the limey.. I have been treated better than average.. You blend in.. You can get away with many of the WHITE man's diseases...The Thais like to inflect.

Keep your attitude in check, smile back, don't raise your voice, be aware to the face THANG..out here. And.. you shall see and feel the unique warmth of Thai culture and people. I've been here for over ten years.. came over with Government organization. when the gig was up I stayed.. I speak quite well, although my tones are still westernized...and I do my best with the culture thing..

Immigration.. It is a crap shoot.. Airport Immigration officials do their jobs.. no hassles..but extension.. and then dealing with the mess.. that is a challenge..and of course the Egos have to be stroked while you are there.. the hard working, low paid official in front of you.. could have an off day..and you are the winner..

The up side.. If you are sporting type.. you shall blend in the Thai scene... Smile, use your body language.. learn a few of the essential of Thai language..and you will marvel at where you can go... because your face is not WHITE...

Not a racist remark.. ..not intended.. but it is true.. I have been with my white posse, and the doors close... When your with your Thai posse.. then it is fun in the Thai way. Of course, your a novelty for a bit.. but then it wears off.

The simple or "so called HI SO Thai.. or generally culturally insenstive or mentally deficient, will say something like you're really not a Brit or American... Depending on your mood, that can be a debate..but let it slide.. give them the OK..NO BIG DEAL.. EAT ME... It's just fine..your Thai you know best.. and that chills their lipps

The other elements...well that is waiting for you to enjoy and deal with when get here. so get ready enoy the tiow.. Cheers

[mbkudu]

They speak Thai at me anyway even though I'm white.

But my girlfriend is Khmer and she gets mistaken for Thai everytime we're in Bangkok and she hates it. 

Sexy beast, I know a middle aged Khmer husband and wife in America who have become my friends. Both are very nice, hard working people. The husband made it clear to me in a roundabout way that Khmers his age, 40ish, and older mostly despise Thais. He said for him it goes back to his days in a refugee camp in Thailand. He said the Thai guards were absolutely ruthless, uncaring bastards who regularly beat them and starved them. He's ok with things now and said he and his wife may even visit me in Bangkok some time. Basically he said, "The war can't go on for ever, can it?"

[penelope]

There's no such thing as an "Asian farang".

A farang is a caucasian (white skin).

[ZOVOX]

You are correct that the unofficial dictionary definition of 'farang' is a white skinned foreigner, but being married to a thai wife, i get called a farang by the in-laws and her Thai friends all the time. And it is their language and country, so i go along with their interpretation.

[ZOVOX]

Also, it was mean't slightly tongue-in-cheek.

[mikee]

I am a uk citizen of chinese descent, and was wondering if there are any fellow western asians in Thailand ?

Are there any advantages of looking Thai when it comes to customs, immigration, permanent residency, thai citizenship, or just in general ?

Do you have people speaking to you in Thai everyday and not understanding a thing ?

There are some western Asians around, but not too many (outside Bangkok). I think my friends and I stuck out a bit since we consisted of one asian (me), one half asian (filipino/white, who doesn't look too asian) and one white guy.

From my experience, there weren't any advantages to being Asian in general. There are quite a few Japanese tourists around. I did get some curious questions and maybe a little more attention here or there. I pretty much think as long you're being respectful and nice, Thais are a polite and friendly bunch.

As far as people speaking the language to me, it didn't really happen too much. I'm guessing it's because I look pretty western in my dress and stature/build and from the two friends I was with. Most could figure out our nationality, but they could never figure out my ethnicity. And I did get asked a lot of times.

Like most places in Asia, the beauty standard tends to idealize those with lighter skin (just watch some Thai tv), so I think some were quite fond of my lighter complexion. However, I just wanted to get a nice tan and ended up doing so.

[medicinebox]

I wonder how many Falang Thais there are. Falangs born and raised in Thailand. Are they classed as Thai citizens? do they have the same rights as thais?

[mikee]

I wonder how many Falang Thais there are. Falangs born and raised in Thailand. Are they classed as Thai citizens? do they have the same rights as thais?

My guess is there aren't too many caucasians born and raised in Thailand. I'd assume that anyone born on Thai soil is a Thai citizen by birth and entitled to the same rights as any other citizen. Now whether they'd be considered Thai is a whole other question altogether.

[samran]

I wonder how many Falang Thais there are. Falangs born and raised in Thailand. Are they classed as Thai citizens? do they have the same rights as thais?

I think there are a few floating about. I remember a Thailand Tattler cover on one bloke who's family had been in Thailand since the late 1800's. Eurpean Origin I think.

I also read there is a english bloke brought up in Thailand who now runs a swimming school down one if the Suk Sois.

I'd bet Nancy Chandlers daughters would have Thai nationality.

In addition to this are the naturalised Thai, that Bill Henke (sp?) bloke who runs the pizza chains, plus that Irish guy who owns the company which provides many of the cleaning and security staff to most of BKK's office buildings.

As for rights, if you are Thai citizen, the you are treated like any other Thai citizen. The only thing is if you are naturalised you don't have to do military service and can't run for parliament (I think).

As for how you are treated, it all depends on how well you fit in and go with the flow of things. Have seen quite a few farang (who are not Thai citizens) do this expertly.

[Yohan]

There's no such thing as an "Asian farang".

A farang is a caucasian (white skin).

There are Asian Farangs.....

For example, some of them living here in Japan (Ainu)

Or look at some faces in India (Goa) or Malaysia (Malacca) or Singapore....

and Asia is not only SouthEastAsia....what about wide parts of Russia, or Iran....

And yes, the word Farang is used by the Thai also with my wife, who is Japanese and often mistaken for a Thai.....

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

Our friend is born in USA, US citizen, but both parents were Thai, and her mother tongue is Thai... Even Thais, who know, that she is US citizen, will never consider her as a Farang.

[penelope]

There's no such thing as an "Asian farang".

A farang is a caucasian (white skin).

There are Asian Farangs.....

For example, some of them living here in Japan (Ainu)

Or look at some faces in India (Goa) or Malaysia (Malacca) or Singapore....

and Asia is not only SouthEastAsia....what about wide parts of Russia, or Iran....

And yes, the word Farang is used by the Thai also with my wife, who is Japanese and often mistaken for a Thai.....

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

Our friend is born in USA, US citizen, but both parents were Thai, and her mother tongue is Thai... Even Thais, who know, that she is US citizen, will never consider her as a Farang.

An Asian (ie: Ainu) with white skin is not a Caucasian.

An Iranian would be a "khak".

[boris]

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

I suppose over time forum members will form an accurate impression of which posters have real local knowledge and which, often not apparently based in Thailand at all or perhaps intinerant visa runners, just shoot from the hip or draw false general conclusions from limited experience.This thread in a relatively unimportant way is quite a good example.I have no doubt that some non-caucasian foreigners are called "farang" by their friends or family, although I suspect this would quite often be in a humourous or ironic context.However it is beyond all reasonable doubt that for the vast majority of Thais, now and in the past, Farang means caucasian.The explanation "What is a farang" on the forum page is very good although I personally have never heard an African-American described as "farang dam".

[DaiMai]

That sounds like an oxymoron.

All the Asian nations have specific identities in the Thai language.

Everyone else is lumped in the Farang box.

[Yohan]

An Asian (ie: Ainu) with white skin is not a Caucasian.

An Iranian would be a "khak".

Not sure, of course nobody really knows, but there are several explications:

1-

the Ainu are of Caucasian descent who crossed a land bridge from the great plains of Siberia. Traces of their Caucasian roots can be seen in their physical features, and also in their language.

2-

Some believe that they are of Mongolian heritage. (bloodsamples are indicating that)

3-

A smaller percentage think the Ainu's roots are connected to the Australian aborigines.

4-

Still, others wonder if they are descendants of northeastern Hokkaido' s prehistoric people, or the last of a separate race that occupied Hokkaido for more than 7,000 years

-----

May I ask you, what is your definition of 'Caucasian'?

[meemiathai]

caucasian = white person = farang

Japanese = khon yee boon = khon darng chard(if nationality not known, meaning foreigner)

please, if things as simple as that cannot be understood, how much does one really know about Thailand?(not referring to you, Yohan. cause you don't live in Thailand.)

[boris]

An Asian (ie: Ainu) with white skin is not a Caucasian.

An Iranian would be a "khak".

Not sure, of course nobody really knows, but there are several explications:

1-

the Ainu are of Caucasian descent who crossed a land bridge from the great plains of Siberia. Traces of their Caucasian roots can be seen in their physical features, and also in their language.

2-

Some believe that they are of Mongolian heritage. (bloodsamples are indicating that)

3-

A smaller percentage think the Ainu's roots are connected to the Australian aborigines.

4-

Still, others wonder if they are descendants of northeastern Hokkaido' s prehistoric people, or the last of a separate race that occupied Hokkaido for more than 7,000 years

-----

May I ask you, what is your definition of 'Caucasian'?

Stop being so ainul retententive.

[IamMaiC]

"Asian Farang" Does he mean an asian from another asian country or someone that is "Half Asian and Half Farang"?

[Narachon]

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

I suppose over time forum members will form an accurate impression of which posters have real local knowledge and which, often not apparently based in Thailand at all or perhaps intinerant visa runners, just shoot from the hip or draw false general conclusions from limited experience.This thread in a relatively unimportant way is quite a good example.I have no doubt that some non-caucasian foreigners are called "farang" by their friends or family, although I suspect this would quite often be in a humourous or ironic context.However it is beyond all reasonable doubt that for the vast majority of Thais, now and in the past, Farang means caucasian.The explanation "What is a farang" on the forum page is very good although I personally have never heard an African-American described as "farang dam".

Well, believe it or not, I have been called "Farang" by many of my Thai friends many times for some reason.....Maybe they were making fun of me..... And while I am what's called "Light Skinned", I don't think I look at all like a White Man. In the beginning, I thought it just meant "Foriegner", but later learned it originally ment French ( the first white people the Thais ever encountered ).

Don't ever remember being called a "Dam" though...... I don't even think there is a word in Thai for "African Americans", that concept probably doesn't even exist in Thai culture yet, still too Alien ...

Ok, to rectify that situation, from now on, I'll be from now on classified in Thai as a "Farang Dam"... Black on the outside, White on the inside!

[meadish_sweetball]

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

I suppose over time forum members will form an accurate impression of which posters have real local knowledge and which, often not apparently based in Thailand at all or perhaps intinerant visa runners, just shoot from the hip or draw false general conclusions from limited experience.This thread in a relatively unimportant way is quite a good example.I have no doubt that some non-caucasian foreigners are called "farang" by their friends or family, although I suspect this would quite often be in a humourous or ironic context.However it is beyond all reasonable doubt that for the vast majority of Thais, now and in the past, Farang means caucasian.The explanation "What is a farang" on the forum page is very good although I personally have never heard an African-American described as "farang dam".

Well, believe it or not, I have been called "Farang" by many of my Thai friends many times for some reason.....Maybe they were making fun of me..... And while I am what's called "Light Skinned", I don't think I look at all like a White Man. In the beginning, I thought it just meant "Foriegner", but later learned it originally ment French ( the first white people the Thais ever encountered ).

Don't ever remember being called a "Dam" though...... I don't even think there is a word in Thai for "African Americans", that concept probably doesn't even exist in Thai culture yet, still too Alien ...

Ok, to rectify that situation, from now on, I'll be from now on classified in Thai as a "Farang Dam"... Black on the outside, White on the inside!

The word "farang" has been discussed ad nauseum.

If it used about anyone else than a Caucasian, it is probably in jest or just because those people think the person behaves as if being from a "European" culture (which in most Thais interpretation is the same thing as US culture, because that is the prism they look at Europe through unless they've been there).

Africans are normally referred to as "khon phiw dam", "niigroo" or "khon ae-fri-kha". The one I hear most frequently is "khon phiw dam".

I also thought "farang" was a shortening of "farangseet" for a long time, but as a matter of fact it isn't - it most likely comes from the word "Frank" that was used to refer to white crusaders in the Arab world, and then changed into "ferang" on the way to East Asia... There is a longer background story about this to be found on the web, but I cannot be bothered googling for it right now.

The French were not the first Europeans here either, even if they were next-door neighbours to Thailand for a while, during the Indochina period.

[meemiathai]

Well said, MS!

[IamMaiC]

I forgot who i asked about this I asked her if I was Farang even though I was born in Thailand but lived in the states since i was 3 yrs old She said only people that have white skin are Farangs

She told me I am Thai but with Farang Thinking

[Narachon]

I think, if a Thai recognizes the other person, that he/she is not a native Thai speaker, then they will call them to be Farang.

I suppose over time forum members will form an accurate impression of which posters have real local knowledge and which, often not apparently based in Thailand at all or perhaps intinerant visa runners, just shoot from the hip or draw false general conclusions from limited experience.This thread in a relatively unimportant way is quite a good example.I have no doubt that some non-caucasian foreigners are called "farang" by their friends or family, although I suspect this would quite often be in a humourous or ironic context.However it is beyond all reasonable doubt that for the vast majority of Thais, now and in the past, Farang means caucasian.The explanation "What is a farang" on the forum page is very good although I personally have never heard an African-American described as "farang dam".

Well, believe it or not, I have been called "Farang" by many of my Thai friends many times for some reason.....Maybe they were making fun of me..... And while I am what's called "Light Skinned", I don't think I look at all like a White Man. In the beginning, I thought it just meant "Foriegner", but later learned it originally ment French ( the first white people the Thais ever encountered ).

Don't ever remember being called a "Dam" though...... I don't even think there is a word in Thai for "African Americans", that concept probably doesn't even exist in Thai culture yet, still too Alien ...

Ok, to rectify that situation, from now on, I'll be from now on classified in Thai as a "Farang Dam"... Black on the outside, White on the inside!

The word "farang" has been discussed ad nauseum.

If it used about anyone else than a Caucasian, it is probably in jest or just because those people think the person behaves as if being from a "European" culture (which in most Thais interpretation is the same thing as US culture, because that is the prism they look at Europe through unless they've been there).

Africans are normally referred to as "khon phiw dam", "niigroo" or "khon ae-fri-kha". The one I hear most frequently is "khon phiw dam".

I also thought "farang" was a shortening of "farangseet" for a long time, but as a matter of fact it isn't - it most likely comes from the word "Frank" that was used to refer to white crusaders in the Arab world, and then changed into "ferang" on the way to East Asia... There is a longer background story about this to be found on the web, but I cannot be bothered googling for it right now.

The French were not the first Europeans here either, even if they were next-door neighbours to Thailand for a while, during the Indochina period.

So what would Thais call "African Americans" then?"khon phiw dam", or "khon ae-fri-kha ame-ri-ka", or jyst "khon ae-fri-kha"? ( Considering my family hasn't been in Africa in say, several centuries.... )

But then again, I guess a Thai person walking aroung in Idaho would most likely be thought of as "Chinese"...

I was once asked if I was a "niigrooo" by this Jomtien Bargirl ( who by the way , was darker than even me! ) I just replied, "Mai Chai krup"....You should have see the look of confusion on her face!

As for cultural Prisms, US culture is not quite the same as Eurpoean culture... But I want to believe that now the Thais can tell the difference!

[Insight]

Ok, to rectify that situation, from now on, I'll be from now on classified in Thai as a "Farang Dam"... Black on the outside, White on the inside!

My ex in the UK called herself a "coconut" meaning the same thing - first time I ever heard the expression

[Yohan]

"Asian Farang"  Does he mean an asian from another asian country or someone that is "Half Asian and Half Farang"?

I would guess, he means a Caucasian from an Asian country....

The question is now, is there an Asian nation, which population is made out of Farangs....

Farang = Caucasian, but what is the definition of 'Caucasian'?

Or means Farang not Caucasian?

Confusing subject!

[Yohan]

An Asian (ie: Ainu) with white skin is not a Caucasian.

An Iranian would be a "khak".

................

-----

May I ask you, what is your definition of 'Caucasian'?

Stop being so ainul retententive.

Boris,

Please why do you not offer some explication, who is a Caucasian, and who not.

Maybe you have also an explication ready, why an Asian with white skin is not a Caucasian......

1-the Caucasian, or white race, to which belong the greater part of the European nations and those of Western Asia

2-the Mongolian, or yellow race, occupying Tartary, China, Japan, etc.

3-the Ethiopian, or black race, occupying most of Africa (except the north), Australia, New Guinea and other Pacific Islands

4-the American, or red race, comprising the Indians of North and South America

5-the Malayan, or brown race, which occupies the islands of the Indian Archipelago

So if a Asian with a white skin is not a Caucasian, to which group does he belong?

To talk about different races is nice and fitting this topic, which is called Asian Farang....

[boris]

Boris,

Please why do you not offer some explication, who is a Caucasian, and who not.

Yohan

Three reasons really why I offer no explanation

1.Because I have not the foggiest idea what you are banging on about

2.Because I think you are in urgent need of psychotherapy

3.Because its irrelevant to the subject under discussion