Foreigners on buffaloes plow the way to restoring Thailand's public image

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Foreigners on Buffaloes Plow the Way to Restoring Thailand’s Public Image
By Khaosod English
(Isaan Record)


Local foreigners ride albino buffaloes as a part of this past weekend’s Foreigner Friendship Festival in Khon Kaen. [Photo: Isaan Record]

KHON KAEN - In an effort to restore Thailand’s image abroad after a May 22 military coup, a coalition of local organizations hosted its first Foreigner Friendship Festival last Sunday in front of Khon Kaen University’s Golden Jubilee Convention Hall.

The lighthearted event featured Isaan-themed activities such as buffalo riding, eel catching, displays of Thai boxing and sepak takraw.

According to organizers, the festival aimed to show that Khon Kaen is friendly toward foreigners and to provide foreigners with information from government offices and local businesses.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1413971204&section=17&typecate=no


-- Khaosod English 2014-10-22

[Costas2008]

Missed that.

Not the foreigners but these beautiful looking buffaloes.

[Pattaya28]

Yep.

I can go along with that concept.

Ahh, foreigner on buffalo.

I going to Thailand now.

[jollyhangmon]

... jo, looking a the picture i'd say that will certainly help ...

[iReason]

Let's put some stoner falang on a Buffalo and lead him around.

Thus, projecting an illusion of “Foreigner Friendship”.

“The idea for the festival originated in Bangkok tourism business circles”

“Only about 75 people attended the event, far short of the targeted 300.”

“The festival’s cost is estimated at around 200,000 baht”

Right. Another brilliant plan.

Clueless.

Perhaps, painting the Buffalo with Camouflage would have helped...

[daoyai]

Love the kwai pueak, they are so mellow, actually looks like it may have been a fun event but this being TVF we must find fault, carry on....

[Toknarok]

When I owned a few buffaloes I, together with the local village kids used to ride them regularly. Lovely creatures.

[annabel]

... jo, looking a the picture i'd say that will certainly help ...

Hope they treat them better than their elephants... wonder if they will be walking them or their babies around the city streets to get foreigners to buy them food .... for the buffaloes that is

[chooka]

And I bet there was dual pricing for farangs just to make them feel appreciated

[DILLIGAD]

Should have got a few Isaan pick-up that the doors fall off, plus wear funny large shoes and done the complete job.

[harrry]

I notice the even buffaloes are more special if they are pale skinned. I wonder how often they need medical attention.

Edited October 23, 2014 by harrry

[Thaddeus]

I notice the even buffaloes are more special if they are pale skinned. I wonder how often they need medical attention.

Please, don't go giving Nivea any bright ideas, "New Buffalo Whitening Cream"

That'll sell.

[yellowboat]

Good looking animals. Thailand is wonderful. It is those in power who are less so.

[PungShoeWrote]

This is just another way of mocking foreigners. Buffalos ridding buffalos.

[IamNoone88]

Quality tourism going nowhere fast ......

[jacko45k]

Khon Kaen, for some reason, seems to be making efforts to appear foreign/farang friendly and appreciative.

[Jim walker]

Some pictures of foreigners smiling and handing over the keys of a Jet Ski to the friendly also smiling not smirking owner of the jet ski, trust me I am a Thai

[shirtless]

Is Thailand really this desperate , if so its all down hill, address the issues that affect Thailand or it will really suffer and not just short term. Start looking after the tourists or expect them to go elsewhere.

[Borzandy]

The perfect photo, white buffalo riding a white farang....the first one looks like Brad Pit

[Lupatria]

Don't they get it- it takes more than a buffalo to restore their image. That's proven by the TAT on a weekly base.

[DILLIGAD]

Is Thailand really this desperate , if so its all down hill, address the issues that affect Thailand or it will really suffer and not just short term. Start looking after the tourists or expect them to go elsewhere.

That's not the Thai way. It's listen to a proposal about a problem, then deal with something easier & cheaper.

[upena]

I live in Khon Kaen near KKU and didn't hear about this until now

[swifty5x5]

Sounds like buffalo excrement to me.

[ScotBkk]

The old adage will come into play now ............. Wonder if they have a work permit ....

[ggt]

activities such as buffalo riding, eel catching

Open the flood gates...there is sure to be a flood of tourists to participate in these creative events...so take that Pattaya!

[klauskunkel]

Thailand's image needs restoring by Farangs on Buffaloes...do they have a work permit for that restoration job?

[jeanpierre]

my girl friend tell me buffalo can get sick big ploblem for money!!

[northernboy]

Some pictures of foreigners smiling and handing over the keys of a Jet Ski to the friendly also smiling not smirking owner of the jet ski, trust me I am a Thai

Or Your hard earned retirements funds with the expat saying "I am a fellow foreigner we Farangs must stick together..".

[tonysilly]

They should have the Foreiner ride on the back of a Taxi driver or a stupid Indian Tuk Tuk driver from Phuket....

[csroland]

Let's put some stoner falang on a Buffalo and lead him around.

Thus, projecting an illusion of “Foreigner Friendship”.

“The idea for the festival originated in Bangkok tourism business circles”

“Only about 75 people attended the event, far short of the targeted 300.”

“The festival’s cost is estimated at around 200,000 baht”

Right. Another brilliant plan.

Clueless.

Perhaps, painting the Buffalo with Camouflage would have helped...

Although I just picked a single one quote I could have done with the most of quotes. Could you please tell me why you are so sarcastic? Why do not you guys try to appreciate sometimes what they do? I guess those farangs could jump on the buffaloes for free. Sure, you can have an elephant trip cheap, but it is not about it. Looking at the picture, both guys seem to enjoy the ride along with the guide. Additionally, the guide has a great charisma. Oh, yes, costs? Everything costs some coins today. If you take a cab, if you ride your motorcycle. Or do you only see "the gasoline costs" once you ride your bike or drive your car? What about the engines the spare parts? Will all those come for free?

Once again, try to appreciate things like this festival. Maybe it can bring people together, maybe it can also create a wonderful athmosphere. Maybe it helps to turn down prejudice against foreigners in some heads. Who knows? All these effects are long-term.

Anyway, I see it here (Seoul) that these events are extremely useful and yes, if there is a chance I try to contribute to it.