Racism in Thailand?

[jackr]

my educated guess is that the person that said 'no farang' had pretty limited English.

my other educated guess is that he had no clue how to communicate that before you can swim in a public pool, you have to show all manner of paper work (ID passport, tabien baan), take a swimming test by swimming the length of the pool unassisted, produce a recent medical record, and then wait a month before your 'membership card' comes through.

For him, saying 'no farang' saved him lots of paperwork, no more, no less.

That's what I'd have thought, Samran. That the guy tried to also save face by not looking a prat by attempting to explain the rules. But Leftcross says that his g/f was there so the guy could have explained to her.

He should be hung, drawn and quartered and no less

[taxexile]

wow... you "mooned" her and she still let you in?? 

for free too!

[DavidUK21]

Where is the public swimming pool in Lumphini Park?

[Spee]

Racism is alive and well here. You must realise that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As it is almost everywhere I would suspect.

- Ever been only honkey in the middle of a US urban ghetto?

- Ever seen a black guy get refused service in a restaurant in the US deep south?

- Ever walked in to a Yakuza controlled establishment in Japan, that you didn't know had a "no gaijin" policy?

- Ever been the only westerner in a not-so-friendly hotel in the middle east?

- The examples go on and on.

The only way to get rid of racism is to treat people as you would like to be treated. Sometimes even that isn't enough because people are receptive to being treated decently.

If you run in to someone who doesn't feel the same way, then just smile, grin and bear it, and move on.

[chuchok]

Racism is alive and well here. You must realise that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As it is almost everywhere I would suspect.

- Ever been only honkey in the middle of a US urban ghetto?

- Ever seen a black guy get refused service in a restaurant in the US deep south?

- Ever walked in to a Yakuza controlled establishment in Japan, that you didn't know had a "no gaijin" policy?

- Ever been the only westerner in a not-so-friendly hotel in the middle east?

- The examples go on and on.

The only way to get rid of racism is to treat people as you would like to be treated. Sometimes even that isn't enough because people are receptive to being treated decently.

If you run in to someone who doesn't feel the same way, then just smile, grin and bear it, and move on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree.BTW,what colour am I?

[ProfessorFart]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

Its in Lumphini Park you blind t**t!

[ProfessorFart]

Look for yourself!!

Although the person who made this webpage kindly omitted half the key I'd guess it may be one of the blue rectangles???

Personally I can't recall seeing a pool there...........

[Jai Dee]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

[DavidUK21]

Look for yourself!!

Although the person who made this webpage kindly omitted half the key I'd guess it may be one of the blue rectangles???

Personally I can't recall seeing a pool there...........

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes, i dont think there is a public swimming pool there. I've been many times and never seen one.

I think maybe the OP was trying to go swimming in the public library, which is why he may have been refused entry. not really on racist grounds.

but i'm not sure which is why i asked where it was as i would like to use it if there is.

[pedro01]

I have recently been to a beautiful public thai swimming pool in Bangkok. I have been looking for a pool for quite a while. I live and work in BKK.

I tried to join and the old man said ''Farang cannot, only for Thai''.

I was taken aback. After asking him why ... and getting the usual blank look ... I got 

Has anyone else come across this racism? And does anyone know a public pool where membership isn't dependent on the colour of your skin.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Looking at the title on your post "am I black or something" - looks like you reap what you sow...

How on earth can you complain about people being racist when you put such a racist title on your post ?

Perhaps your attitude towards people of colour came across to the guy who wouldn't let you in the pool...

[DavidUK21]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

[pedro01]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

David

go in the entrance opposite Silom Road (with the statue). Walk into the park, take the first pathway on the right & walk down a few hundred yards.

Not sure why you want to know - apparently they wont let you in !

Pedro

[DavidUK21]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

David

go in the entrance opposite Silom Road (with the statue). Walk into the park, take the first pathway on the right & walk down a few hundred yards.

Not sure why you want to know - apparently they wont let you in !

Pedro

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

near the library?

[Richard Hall]

Look for yourself!!

Although the person who made this webpage kindly omitted half the key I'd guess it may be one of the blue rectangles???

Personally I can't recall seeing a pool there...........

yes, i dont think there is a public swimming pool there. I've been many times and never seen one.

I think maybe the OP was trying to go swimming in the public library, which is why he may have been refused entry. not really on racist grounds.

but i'm not sure which is why i asked where it was as i would like to use it if there is.

It is there but has opened for not longer than maybe 6 months.

Use the main entrance at Rama 4 where the statue of King Rama 6 is. When entering the park turn right on the outer walking path. Keep walking for a few hundred meters. Pool will be on the right hand side. It is a little hard to spot because there is a wall and a glass door in front blocking the view and the pool is above the ground at a little higher level. When going through the glass door you have to walk up a few steps.

There are general information posted on the glass door about opening times, admission fees etc. but all in Thai script.

With the own experiences I made in the past five years here in Thailand I cannot imagine that entrance will be refused to any decent looking individual independant from the nationality. Have used pools myself in Thai areas where I was the only non-Thai.

Make sure that your appearance is proper by Thai standards. Proper means not looking like someone who has got lost in Bangkok while seeking the beach or worse the jungle and/or has to look up the meaning of the words soap and shampoo in a dictionary. Latter is quite often referred to as a "soap dodger" in thaivisa.com language.

Enjoy the swim.

[DavidUK21]

Look for yourself!!

Although the person who made this webpage kindly omitted half the key I'd guess it may be one of the blue rectangles???

Personally I can't recall seeing a pool there...........

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yes, i dont think there is a public swimming pool there. I've been many times and never seen one.

I think maybe the OP was trying to go swimming in the public library, which is why he may have been refused entry. not really on racist grounds.

but i'm not sure which is why i asked where it was as i would like to use it if there is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is there but has opened for not longer than maybe 6 months.

Use the main entrance at Rama 4 where the statue of King Rama 6 is. When entering the park turn right on the outer walking path. Keep walking for a few hundred meters. Pool will be on the right hand side. It is a little hard to spot because there is a wall and a glass door in front blocking the view and the pool is above the ground at a little higher level. When going through the glass door you have to walk up a few steps.

There are general information posted on the glass door about opening times, admission fees etc. but all in Thai script.

With the own experiences I made in the past five years here in Thailand I cannot imagine that entrance will be refused to any decent looking individual independant from the nationality. Have used pools myself in Thai areas where I was the only non-Thai.

Make sure that your appearance is proper by Thai standards. Proper means not looking like someone who has got lost in Bangkok while seeking the beach or worse the jungle and/or has to look up the meaning of the words soap and shampoo in a dictionary. Latter is quite often referred to as a "soap dodger" in thaivisa.com language.

Enjoy the swim.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm a smart chap Richard, thanks. Dont know why they wouldnt let the other guy in. I'll try it and let you know. Cheers.

[Richard Hall]

Pedro,

darn you beat me by 8 minutes with your directions but at least my posting held more words and hence longer time for typing was required.

What's the bet? If the stake is worth it I'm gonna take on the challenge myself making it into the Lumpini pool despite my appearance clearly indentifying me as a foreigner.

Richard

[brianbrain]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Check this map: http://203.155.220.217/office/ppdd/publicp.../T_Lumpini.html

The swimming pool is next to the "Indoor Stadium". If you look carefully you should be able to see a small *blue* man swimming in the pool.

[DavidUK21]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Check this map: http://203.155.220.217/office/ppdd/publicp.../T_Lumpini.html

The swimming pool is next to the "Indoor Stadium". If you look carefully you should be able to see a small *blue* man swimming in the pool.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thanks brian, got it now. I'm gonna give it a go next week. just hope the racists let me in.

[Shola]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Looking at the title on your post "am I black or something" - looks like you reap what you sow...

How on earth can you complain about people being racist when you put such a racist title on your post ?

Perhaps your attitude towards people of colour came across to the guy who wouldn't let you in the pool...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ha! Good point Pedro!

Why have I only just noticed that???

[sriracha john]

The public swimming pool in Lumphini Park, is where?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Persistent little fukcer aren't you?

Can you perhaps re-phrase that?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where in Lumphini Park is the public swimming pool?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Check this map: http://203.155.220.217/office/ppdd/publicp.../T_Lumpini.html

The swimming pool is next to the "Indoor Stadium". If you look carefully you should be able to see a small *blue* man swimming in the pool.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thanks brian, got it now. I'm gonna give it a go next week. just hope the racists let me in.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL.... it only took EIGHTEEN (18) posts to get some directions sorted.

Gosh, we're an innane bunch, eh?

[leftcross]

Looking at the title on your post "am I black or something" - looks like you reap what you sow...

How on earth can you complain about people being racist when you put such a racist title on your post ?

Perhaps your attitude towards people of colour came across to the guy who wouldn't let you in the pool...

It's a joke. My mate back home - who is black - used to say it all the time when anyone refused us anything while we were out. It's called humour. However, I realise you wouldn't have known this from my post so I apologise for any misunderstanding.

As for the pool, I had been the day before with my Thai GF and had got all the relevant documentation (including photos) but the idiot behind the desk wasn't interested. I was wearing trousers and a shirt etc etc. He wouldn't have had the slightest chance to determine what sort of person I was because he wasn't bothered. He saw my white skin and that was enough.

This guy told my GF ''no farang'' and she asked him why (after I had prompted her several times) but he just continued to say ''no farang''. No reason was given. After my TGF walked off I went back and got this guy to write his name on a piece of paper so this issue can be resolved.

Where can I see the tourist police - are they near the park?

Edited February 9, 2005 by leftcross

[chonabot]

IMO this post , or rather the replies highlight a classic scenario that exists these days. If a European Caucasian mentions anything slightly to do with other cultures differences , no matter what the tone, it is alluded to Racism. If , however , the opposite happens , albeit in a more direct and undeniabe form , the Caucasian is accused of paranoia.

This world sucks , and no I'm not going home if I don't like it! Imagine saying that little ditty to any " Visitor" to the UK/USA/Oz etc , it will be called racism again.....

The idiot rinnung the swimming pool WAS acting in a racist way , anyone who disagrees has a problem understanding basic English and concepts.

Get the Tourist Police involved Ricky and let is know the result.

Edited February 9, 2005 by chonabot

[leftcross]

spot on chonabot. if that old racist had said the same to someone in the UK he would have had his teeth knocked out. Out here, I get accused of being the problem. Unreal.

[kat]

IMO this post , or rather the replies highlight a classic scenario that exists these days. If a European Caucasian mentions anything slightly to do with other cultures differences , no matter what the tone, it is alluded to Racism. If , however , the opposite happens , albeit in a more direct and undeniabe form , the Caucasian is accused of paranoia.

This world sucks , and no I'm not going home if I don't like it! Imagine saying that little ditty to any " Visitor" to the UK/USA/Oz etc , it will be called racism again.....

The idiot rinnung the swimming pool WAS acting in a racist way , anyone who disagrees has a problem understanding basic English and concepts.

Get the Tourist Police involved Ricky and let is know the result.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

spot on chonabot. if that old racist had said the same to someone in the UK he would have had his teeth knocked out. Out here, I get accused of being the problem. Unreal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was trying to take a break from TV and controversy for awhile, but this thread pulled me back in

If there is at least one thing I've learned from much of the expat community here, it is that a substantial portion seem to have bought into the habit of denial on more of the unsavory but factual aspects of Thailand. Try not to sweat it - it's another curious aspect of life here. Just try to analyze it; it's far more entertaining than trying to fight it.

One thing is for sure: Thais and most if not all Asian cultures are racist. Does racism exist everywhere - of course. But it is not all government sponsored everywhere. The act of racism and racist behavior occurs so frequently here, it is not even thought of as socially or morally unethical. The concept just doesn't exist. Of course, as much of it is cultural, many of the explanations are also cultural as well as historical. I guess we're supposed to believe that everything here is the same as everything everywhere, only better. That is opinion and blind sentiment, not fact. There are some things that are better, and many things that are far from it (now that's an opinion - mine).

Apart from the hundreds of valid (not "misunderstandings") episodes we could dredge up here in a matter of hours, there are plenty of examples in the glaring light of the mainstream press! Just read the ###### newspapers, for crying out loud.

Unbelievable.

edited for spelling

edited again for the spelling I missed on the first edit - i.e. my editing sucks

Edited February 9, 2005 by kat

[chonabot]

IMO this post , or rather the replies highlight a classic scenario that exists these days. If a European Caucasian mentions anything slightly to do with other cultures differences , no matter what the tone, it is alluded to Racism. If , however , the opposite happens , albeit in a more direct and undeniabe form , the Caucasian is accused of paranoia.

This world sucks , and no I'm not going home if I don't like it! Imagine saying that little ditty to any " Visitor" to the UK/USA/Oz etc , it will be called racism again.....

The idiot rinnung the swimming pool WAS acting in a racist way , anyone who disagrees has a problem understanding basic English and concepts.

Get the Tourist Police involved Ricky and let is know the result.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

spot on chonabot. if that old racist had said the same to someone in the UK he would have had his teeth knocked out. Out here, I get accused of being the problem. Unreal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was trying to take a break from TV and controversy for awhile, but this thread pulled me back in

If there is at least one thing I've learned from much of the expat community here, it is that a substantial portion seem to have bought into the habit of denial on more of the unsavory but factual aspects of Thailand. Try not to sweat it - it's another curious aspect of life here. Just try to analyze it; it's far more entertaining than trying to fight it.

One thing is for sure: Thais and most if not all Asian cultures are racist. Does racism exist everywhere - of course. But it is not all government sponsored everywhere. The act of racism and racist behavior occurs so frequently here, it is not even thought of as socially or morally unethical. The concept just doesn't exist. Of course, as much of it is cultural, many of the explanations are also cultural as well as historical. I guess we're are supposed to believe that everything here is the same as everything everywhere, only better. That is opinion and blind sentiment, not fact. There are some things that are better, and many things that are far from it (now that's an opinion - mine).

Apart from the hundreds of valid (not "misunderstandings") episodes we could dredge up here in a matter of hours, there are plenty of examples in the glaring light of the mainstream press! Just read the ###### newspapers, for crying out loud.

Unbelievable.

edited for spelling

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Excellent post Kat!

[Harmonica]

[quote=chonabot,2005-02-08 21:39:28

/edit

/hatefull posting inciting flames

Edited February 9, 2005 by Darknight

[Insight]

Insulting your very BEING, was I?  Beg to differ,  Your Ecellency--go back several posts and there lo and behold, is that ARROW you shot -- 2-way street Sweet-Butt -- Deeg eet mahn, let's ave some rohm!   

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

More proof that the TRT's "War on Drugs" was a complete sham

[samran]

my educated guess is that the person that said 'no farang' had pretty limited English.

my other educated guess is that he had no clue how to communicate that before you can swim in a public pool, you have to show all manner of paper work (ID passport, tabien baan), take a swimming test by swimming the length of the pool unassisted, produce a recent medical record, and then wait a month before your 'membership card' comes through.

For him, saying 'no farang' saved him lots of paperwork, no more, no less.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what I'd have thought, Samran. That the guy tried to also save face by not looking a prat by attempting to explain the rules. But Leftcross says that his g/f was there so the guy could have explained to her.

He should be hung, drawn and quartered and no less

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not sticking up for anyone but the OP here, just trying to explain my take on the psychology.

Fine that the GF was there, but have I have very rarely met an older Thai person, especially a governement employee, who would be prepared to admit they were wrong.

The second the "No farang" was spokenthe die was cast and no amount of loss of face is acceptable, even if it meant he appeared racist (a concept I am sure the old bloke doesn't even understand). Even if the GF spoke good English and was able to translate it would have been an up hill battle.

My experience with old codgers like this is not to huff but to come back their initial rejection with a patronising attitute combined with the tax-exile like winning smile. If these old codgers only understand a Partron-client relationship (and being a 50-something pool attendant you would assume so), you make it clear that you live in the "patron" part of the world. Its the only thing they understand, but it works.

My advice would be to go back, asking to register. Ask to see the proceedures to register and get them to take you through it. If the rules are only in Thai, then bring the GF. If guy once again says no foriengers are allowed, them ask to speak to the manager and ask to see the rules. The manager will most likely want to overule the old bloke, in which case he will not really care.

[Harmonica]

Correction!

leftcross was told, not chonabot.

Lumpini Park is a Public Swimming Pool. As leftcross was told "No farang." It would be intelligent to consider that to be racialism. If there was another explaination, ie. "No flip-flops allowed." or "No prostitues allowed" or "Sorry we are full." it would be a different story.

At least, that is Moron #2's opinion Mr. Mouth Organ.   

Just Love that Mouth Organ. 

Ravisher, get thyself out from under Chonabot's skirt and fire your own shot -- parasite! You just can't get over the fact that I put you on the spot in the financial thread -- despite my saying there were no hard feelings and that it was not personal -- you're coming from behind pal and will never catch up -- let it go -- if you're still not convinced, take another look at your face, both here and in your blog -- my utmost condolences!

[Harmonica]

I have recently been to a beautiful public thai swimming pool in Bangkok. I have been looking for a pool for quite a while. I live and work in BKK.

I tried to join and the old man said ''Farang cannot, only for Thai''.

I was taken aback. After asking him why ... and getting the usual blank look ... I got 

Has anyone else come across this racism? And does anyone know a public pool where membership isn't dependent on the colour of your skin.

Lefty,

I still think its due to a misunderstanding -- and, not the racial thing you're making it out to be. I'm not in BKK, or else I'd clear this thing up in a jiffy. PvtDick said he'll get it done next week -- if anybody else does it earlier -- that's even better.

If I'm wrong, you'll have my apology.