I'm Still Just The Falang

[candypants]

Henry, I'm a American Buddhist monk.. when I'm in Thailand, I'm called Phra Farang. At the moment, I'm living in a Thai Buddhist temple in Phoenix, Arizona. Guess what the Thai people call me when they come to the temple? you got it. Phra Farang. in my own country no less.

yet another monk with a computer addicition

[happysanook]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

[transam]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

Think your wrong. They respect you for being a ''farang''. My mrs tells me cos folk think you are a superior being.

[happysanook]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

Think your wrong. They respect you for being a ''farang''. My mrs tells me cos folk think you are a superior being.

Keep believing your Mrs. Good luck with that.

[SteeleJoe]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

"She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal."

False.

"This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them."

False.

"The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". "

False.

But other than that it was a great post...

[jbrain]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

Think your wrong. They respect you for being a ''farang''. My mrs tells me cos folk think you are a superior being.

Exotic is the word you were looking for.

[happysanook]

I was at a phone shop 2 days back and a little girl next to her mom was looking at me and I smiled and said "Hello". She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal.

This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them.

The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". You can chalk it up to just plain ignorance and repetitive nationalistic programming.

"She said "i-farang!" and turned away. Which is literally like calling someone an animal."

False.

"This is ingrained in them from the time they pop out of their moms. You/we fall somewhere between ant and dog to most of them."

False.

"The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". "

False.

But other than that it was a great post...

When you're done with your holiday and come to your senses, let me know.

[jbrain]

"The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". "

False.

But other than that it was a great post...

You mean it is the third or fourth line ?

Because for sure it says something in the line of that the land belong to the Thais and will never be owned by any foreigner.

About the other two sentences I'm not gonna start a discussion as it probably will take forever.

[happysanook]

"The 2nd line of their national anthem which they hear from the day they pop out to the day they die (twice a day for students) equates to "Thailand is for thais only". "

False.

But other than that it was a great post...

You mean it is the third or fourth line ?

Because for sure it says something in the line of that the land belong to the Thais and will never be owned by any foreigner.

About the other two sentences I'm not gonna start a discussion as it probably will take forever.

2nd line.

[SteeleJoe]

You mean it is the third or fourth line ?

Because for sure it says something in the line of that the land belong to the Thais and will never be owned by any foreigner.

Not allowed to use Thai script, please forgive transliteration. Which of these lines equates to "Thailand is for thais only"?

Prathet thai ruam lueatnuea chat chuea thai

Pen pracha rat, phathai khong thai thuk suan

Yu damrong khong wai dai thang muan

duai thai luan mai, rak samakkhi

thai ni rak sangop, tae thueng rop mai khlat

Ekkarat cha mai hai khrai khom khi

Sala lueat thuk yat pen chat phali

Thaloeng prathet chat thai thawi, mi chai, chayo!

Before you enlighten me, allow me to point out how absurd I find it to be in a position where I would seem to be defending Thais against charges of nationalism - despite being aware for about 30 years of how nationalistic they often are and to be somehow suggesting that a jingoistic national anthem - as national anthems tend to be - isn't about the country and it's people (shockingly they DON'T have a line about welcoming foreigners and treating them the same as native born folk and their anthem does say the country belongs to its people and not all and sundry - I'm fairly sure that's pretty standard stuff for National anthems and such).

Edited April 24, 2013 by SteeleJoe

[khaowong1]

Henry, I'm a American Buddhist monk.. when I'm in Thailand, I'm called Phra Farang. At the moment, I'm living in a Thai Buddhist temple in Phoenix, Arizona. Guess what the Thai people call me when they come to the temple? you got it. Phra Farang. in my own country no less.

yet another monk with a computer addicition

So let me guess. Your one of those who think all monks should be living in caves or on top of a mountain? And exactaly what has this to do with the "Farang" topic?

[jbrain]

You mean it is the third or fourth line ?

Because for sure it says something in the line of that the land belong to the Thais and will never be owned by any foreigner.

Not allowed to use Thai script, please forgive transliteration. Which of these lines equates to "Thailand is for thais only"?

Prathet thai ruam lueatnuea chat chuea thai

Pen pracha rat, phathai khong thai thuk suan

Yu damrong khong wai dai thang muan

duai thai luan mai, rak samakkhi

thai ni rak sangop, tae thueng rop mai khlat

Ekkarat cha mai hai khrai khom khi

Sala lueat thuk yat pen chat phali

Thaloeng prathet chat thai thawi, mi chai, chayo!

Before you enlighten me, allow me to point out how absurd I find it to be in a position where I would seem to be defending Thais against charges of nationalism - despite being aware for about 30 years of how nationalistic they often are and to be somehow suggesting that a jingoistic national anthem - as national anthems tend to be - isn't about the country and it's people (shockingly they DON'T have a line about welcoming foreigners and treating them the same as native born folk and their anthem does say the country belongs to its people and not all and sundry - I'm fairly sure that's pretty standard stuff for National anthems and such).

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

Edited April 24, 2013 by jbrain

[SteeleJoe]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

[jbrain]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

[khaowong1]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Kind of say's it all, doesn't it.

[SteeleJoe]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Doesn't sound like it? No, it doesn't. It also doesn't say otherwise either (contrary to what you and the other poster try to claim). How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait...

Pssst! Have you ever by chance ever read the French? German? American?

Forgot to ask: who should Thailand "belong to" if not Thais? (And who should their national anthem appeal to?)

Edited April 24, 2013 by SteeleJoe

[khaowong1]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Doesn't sound like it? No, it doesn't. It also doesn't say otherwise either (contrary to what you and the other poster try to claim). How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait...

Pssst! Have you ever by chance ever read the French? German? American?

Forgot to ask: who should Thailand "belong to" if not Thais? (And who should their national anthem appeal to?)

Please quote us the US national anthem and point out where it says anything about America is for Americans.. I must have missed that.

[SteeleJoe]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Doesn't sound like it? No, it doesn't. It also doesn't say otherwise either (contrary to what you and the other poster try to claim). How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait...

Pssst! Have you ever by chance ever read the French? German? American?

Forgot to ask: who should Thailand "belong to" if not Thais? (And who should their national anthem appeal to?)

Please quote us the US national anthem and point out where it says anything about America is for Americans.. I must have missed that.

It doesn't say that and I never said it did. Can't point it out, can I?

[jbrain]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Doesn't sound like it? No, it doesn't. It also doesn't say otherwise either (contrary to what you and the other poster try to claim). How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait...

Pssst! Have you ever by chance ever read the French? German? American?

Forgot to ask: who should Thailand "belong to" if not Thais? (And who should their national anthem appeal to?)

Please quote us the US national anthem and point out where it says anything about America is for Americans.. I must have missed that.

It doesn't say that and I never said it did. Can't point it out, can I?

But then why this question ?

Pssst! Have you ever by chance ever read the French? German? American?

[SteeleJoe]

I imagine this will get zapped but I can partly grant your request:

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,

A home and a country should leave us no more!

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Which part of that indicates the US welcomes others to share? Which part of that is not jingoistic? Which part would you stand by and want people to take literally?

[SteeleJoe]

But then why this question ?

Context is everything. That question was preceded by:

"How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait..."

[Potosi]

I'm still just the Falang

How do I interpret that my girlfriend and her family mentions me as the falang when they're talking about me?

We have been living together for 5 years now and we live just a few blocks away from the rest of the family.

It's difficult to get close with them because they do not speak English and I not Thai.

At least they should have learned my name by now even though we do not directly talk to each other?

Think it's a bit disrespectful, it would be like if I were to

mention my girlfriend as the asian when I talk about her with my friends

and family.

What do you think about this?

My girlfriend is saying that they can't learn my name.

By the way, my name is Henry.

I've been with my Thai GF for over four years, and have seen the in-laws one time only, when they picked my GF up over the last new-year eve to go home to Isaan. I don't know their names, or anything else about them. When GF tries to tell me stories about them, I crank up the volume of the TV. Her daughter comes for every school holiday to mama to Pattaya, I don't know her name either. Cute girl, but obviously lazy and litters all over the place, had some heated arguments over this with mama. Whom I regard not as a lover, or partner, but employee. They're just Thais for me, in the same way you are just a Farang for them. Not equal, Henly.

[jbrain]

But then why this question ?

Context is everything. That question was preceded by:

"How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait..."

My understanding is that if a certain text doen't make mention of some particular fact, that it is of no concern to them.

However if a particular text makes specific mention of a certain fact, it means it is of great concern to the person who wrote that text.

[SteeleJoe]

Uh huh. Okay...

Let me try and make myself more clear (and without the sarcasm which no doubt was unhelpful and gratuitous).

1: The Thai national anthem does not say Thailand is for Thais only.

2: It neither explicitly nor implicitly states that foreigners are welcome.

3: It is nationalistic albeit ostensibly inspirational (to it's intended audience).

4:This is not at all unusual as far as national anthems go.

And speaking of context - I'm reminded by looking at the US anthem, and recalling the French, how relevant historical context is. Are you aware of when the Thai anthem was written? What had just happens in their country? What was going on all around them in neighboring countries?

Think about it. See if you can come up with reasons why they would want to emphasize Thailand belonging to it's people.

[SteeleJoe]

But then why this question ?

Context is everything. That question was preceded by:

"How odd that in their national anthem they don't explicitly mention that foreigners are welcome - national anthems normally do specify that they welcome anyone to live and share their country as equals and they don't get all nationalistic or anything....oh, wait..."

My understanding is that if a certain text doen't make mention of some particular fact, that it is of no concern to them.

However if a particular text makes specific mention of a certain fact, it means it is of great concern to the person who wrote that text.

Yes. It was of no great concern to the Thai who wrote those lyrics that foreigners felt welcome to share the country. Correct.

Yes. It was of great concern to the Thai who wrote the lyric that Thais reveled in the fact that the country was theirs - not a colonial power not any one person's. Correct.

[jbrain]

Uh huh. Okay... Let me try and make myself more clear (and without the sarcasm which no doubt was unhelpful and gratuitous). 1: The Thai national anthem does not say Thailand is for Thais only. 2: It neither explicitly nor implicitly states that foreigners are welcome. 3: It is nationalistic albeit ostensibly inspirational (to it's intended audience). 4:This is not at all unusual as far as national anthems go. And speaking of context - I'm reminded by looking at the US anthem, and recalling the French, how relevant historical context is. Are you aware of when the Thai anthem was written? What had just happens in their country? What was going on all around them in neighboring countries? Think about it. See if you can come up with reasons why they would want to emphasize Thailand belonging to it's people.

I don't care when it was written or under which circumstances, all I know is that what is written in that second line is still very obvious as of today.

Or do you have any indications that they gonne allow foreigners to own a few inches of land in the future ?

[SteeleJoe]

I don't care when it was written or under which circumstances, all I know is that what is written in that second line is still very obvious as of today.

Or do you have any indications that they gonne allow foreigners to own a few inches of land in the future ?

I see. Then there's no use discussing it if you have no interest in applying any critical/analytical thinking, is there? You can just make claims then just ignore whatever facts refute them.

And your question is a ridiculous non sequitur but I'll humor you (actually amuse myself): No, I don't have any such indications, never suggested anything remotely of the sort and surprisingly a national anthem written decades ago gives us no clue, when normally one can look to anthems for such information.

(Yes, sarcasm's back).

Oh, and bringing it back to where this absurd waffling all started: what's written in that second line is indeed " still very obvious as of today" - and it's not what you and the other poster claimed.

Edited April 24, 2013 by SteeleJoe

[Eesat]

You could simply have posted the English translation

Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood,

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

It has long maintained its sovereignty,

Because the Thais have always been united.

The Thai people are peace-loving, But they are no cowards at war.

Nor shall they suffer tyranny.

All Thais are ready to give up every drop of blood,

First of all there isn't one single translation.

Secondly, the reason for that is that - as is often the case with language - Thai often can't be directly translated in a literal fashion: so in the interest of accuracy I chose the Thai and thought you could tell me which part equates to what is claimed.

Third, none of that says "Thailand is for Thais only".

Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Thais.

Doesn't really sound like they welcome to share a few inches with others.

Shouldn't that say "Every inch of Thailand belongs to the Chinese"?

[Eesat]

I'm still just the Falang

How do I interpret that my girlfriend and her family mentions me as the falang when they're talking about me?

We have been living together for 5 years now and we live just a few blocks away from the rest of the family.

It's difficult to get close with them because they do not speak English and I not Thai.

At least they should have learned my name by now even though we do not directly talk to each other?

Think it's a bit disrespectful, it would be like if I were to

mention my girlfriend as the asian when I talk about her with my friends

and family.

What do you think about this?

My girlfriend is saying that they can't learn my name.

By the way, my name is Henry.

I've been with my Thai GF for over four years, and have seen the in-laws one time only, when they picked my GF up over the last new-year eve to go home to Isaan. I don't know their names, or anything else about them. When GF tries to tell me stories about them, I crank up the volume of the TV. Her daughter comes for every school holiday to mama to Pattaya, I don't know her name either. Cute girl, but obviously lazy and litters all over the place, had some heated arguments over this with mama. Whom I regard not as a lover, or partner, but employee. They're just Thais for me, in the same way you are just a Farang for them. Not equal, Henly.

So she's from Isaan,she has a kid living with the grandparents...where exactly did you meet your girlfriend and does she have a 'Brother'?

[SteeleJoe]

So she's from Isaan,she has a kid living with the grandparents...where exactly did you meet your girlfriend and does she have a 'Brother'?

Who cares? She's just an employee.