Do you like being the only farang at Thai events?

[benj005]

I'm currently at an outside party that is being hosted by the owner of our apartment complex. My girlfriend had to go to work so it's just me and about 50 Thai people.

They seem very nice and I'm trying to communicate with them. My Thai is very limited now. I'm trying but it's so hard. The food is amazing and they are very nice people.

Do you relish being the only foreigner at these events, or would you rather have someone that you could talk to.

Back to the party. :)

[Clutch]

We do stand out...

[attachment=277480:ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1406869849.297791.jpg]

[benj005]

Lol

[Thaddeus]

If it is a new experience it can be fun, after a while the smile wears thin.

[bkkjames]

These condo meetings / overplanned to imperfection type events - bore me to sleep ... give them a wide berth. 

[daoyai]

You're posting while at the party, you'll fit right in.

[Beetlejuice]

If invited to a social event by Thais, It would not make any difference whether there were farang guests there or not.

 

From experience, especially here in Chiang Mai, the chances are if there were farangs present you have not met before and don`t know them, these farangs will not be sociable, inhospitable and will blank you anyway and if approached maybe vague, or curt, brush you off or ignore you completely, especially if they are with their own cliques or a part of some of the Thai groups.attending..

 

In such situations I have found that many farangs who we may meet out at social events will be unapproachable and will often make that absolutely clear even just by the expressions on their faces and deliberate behaviours of totally ignoring the other farang, giving them a wide berth, hardly making eye contact.

 

 

[Fellini]

And how does it feel for a person of color to be at an event full of whites...

[daoyai]

And how does it feel for a person of color to be at an event full of whites...

"person of color" pc, "colored person" not pc   everybody got color bro...

[Fellini]

"person of color" pc, "colored person" not pc   everybody got color bro...

 

I don't care much for political correctness or trying not to offend people, as you can see from my highly irreverent post in the flag thread. I was going to use 'colored person', but it just didn't sound right.

[pinkpanther99]

Recently I was the only farang at a Thai wedding where more than 1000 people attended.

 

You kind of get used to being the only farang though, right?

 

All the staring and hearing the word 'farang' as you walk past.

 

You know they're talking about you but you just have to remain polite and turn a blind eye to it.

 

If you don't or if you can't get used to it, you're going to have trouble staying here for any period of time imo.

[robertthebruce]

I don't mind it, Infact I enjoy it, but I am a an attention seeker, so it suits me..

[Costas2008]

Hey, Benj, you started getting the attention, you were complaining about on the other thread.

Answering your question, I do enjoy being the only farang at Thai events.

I get all the attention from all the Thais.

Very good for my ego.

Enjoy yourself at the party and keep smiling to them, you get more attention

[Mzungu]

If you don't like those events, avoid them. I do. Unless I have to go.


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[wolfmanjack]

And how does it feel for a person of color to be at an event full of whites...

What does the color of the people have to do with it?

 

In my own case it isn't the race or color of the people at the event it is the fact that we do not speak the same language. My limited thai and their limited english makes for a boring party.

[Fellini]

What does the color of the people have to do with it?
 
In my own case it isn't the race or color of the people at the event it is the fact that we do not speak the same language. My limited thai and their limited english makes for a boring party.

Well yeah, you're right. It's totally more of the language and culture barrier than a racial thing.

[WhamBam]

I have been in that situation several times in the past. For short time events it is not too bad. Usually a case of being dragged along to show a white face. For longer events it can be a pain in the ass. Now I decide on the basis of what the occasion is.

 

One event - make monk ceremony - hosted by some big-wig started 7 p.m. and ended about 1 a.m. Not too bad. The g/f family and I were all seated at the same table with plenty of drink, music and companionable company. Lots of people coming over to the table to see the token Farang (sigh) but you put up with these things at times.

[enuff said]

.

 

You have to go to some of the festivities or you will be seen as a snob.  There are many of these kind of gatherings in western tradition.

 

I try and give the benefit of doubt to Thai people who really don't consider me "the falang exhibit" but want to make me feel welcome and that they are happy that I am participating.  Thai people are proud of their culture.

 

 

'nuff said

 

 

~

 

 

 

[HeijoshinCool]

 

And how does it feel for a person of color to be at an event full of whites...

What does the color of the people have to do with it?

 

In my own case it isn't the race or color of the people at the event it is the fact that we do not speak the same language. My limited thai and their limited english makes for a boring party.

 

.

 

Yes, well, thank God for the sound of cats being beaten with microphones, hour after hour at 140 decibels, making talking unnecessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[Fellini]

...Lots of people coming over to the table to see the token Farang...

In reverse:

[weegee]

If invited to a social event by Thais, It would not make any difference whether there were farang guests there or not.

 

From experience, especially here in Chiang Mai, the chances are if there were farangs present you have not met before and don`t know them, these farangs will not be sociable, inhospitable and will blank you anyway and if approached maybe vague, or curt, brush you off or ignore you completely, especially if they are with their own cliques or a part of some of the Thai groups.attending..

 

In such situations I have found that many farangs who we may meet out at social events will be unapproachable and will often make that absolutely clear even just by the expressions on their faces and deliberate behaviours of totally ignoring the other farang, giving them a wide berth, hardly making eye contact.

 

 

@Costas....HEY!    Beetlejuice found your Lotus Friend....he is with his mates in Chiang Mia....lol.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Any cute single girls to hit on?

[noahvail]

I find that at events, The Thais are quite pleasant and sociable. Just because you hear the word "farang" a lot it is probably not said in an ill-intentioned way. I've heard the Thais speak about other farang they knew, good and bad, and the infamous "I wish my daughter would find a nice farang to marry.". I'm often asked if I know of a farang for someone's daughter, but I just laugh and say they're either married, dead, or drunk, and they get both the hunour and the message. But what I really love is when some little toddler shouts "farang, farang" and rushes over with a wei, which I return and talk with them for just a little while.

When I first arrived, I didn't like going to such events, but I've now adapted to the point where I rather enjoy them.

[Fellini]

Any cute single girls to hit on?

Plenty.

[arthurwait]

 No as it isn't long until everyone just starts speaking Thai too quickly to understand even when everyone or nearly everyone can speak English.

 

 Not because I'm a farang exhibit as most people my wife socialises with have either had a western education at some point or know farangs through work.

[Morakot]

OP I know exactly the feeling.

 

Every time I'm going to a party I'm the only one sporting a beard.

[VINCENT2012]

Lol

 

yeah ...better no coment

[dotpoom]

I would have thought that not many people enjoy being the odd man out......strange question!

[h90]

I wouldn't go there...it is boring for me.

[user82374298374]

No, because that generally means the expectation is that I'm the one who pays the bill.

 

;>