richard_smith237 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. My husband's Farang family is much nicer than my Thai family. Valid point.... but my Wife would not use such a phrase, instead choosing to simply write 'my Husband's Family..... the Farang part is likely to be omitted unless my Wife is discussing something with someone who is not aware her Husband is English, in which case she would use 'Husband's English Family'... Regardless - your point remains valid - there are many contexts whereby the use of the Word Farang is not offensive or ignorant... many who've lived in Thailand and been exposed to the idiosyncrasies of Thailand for a number of years are well aware of this. ----- Another context: Girlfriend or Wife on the Phone with her Friend: "where are we meeting tonight? I'll invite The Farang out with me".... The impression I have based on the OP is that the phrase was used in this context. Quite rightly so, context was asked for by many posters right at th beginning of this thread. Without a valid context its nearly impossible to tell if the Ops Girlfriend is a disrespectful simpleton or simply naively ignorant. ------ While I was visiting a friends house, before preparing dinner my Friends Mother asked him... 'Will Richard eat spicy Thai food, or does he prefer Farang food?' While in this context a huge error exists because 'farang food' is so wide and varied, it would be silly not to recognise that this is in no means offensive, upsetting or even remotely insulting. However, had she asked 'What does The Farang like to eat for dinner?' I would be a little disappointed at her ignorance. But, if she had asked 'What would your Farang Friend like to eat for dinner?' I wouldn't mind too much. Context and also the manner in which the word 'Farang' is used is key to establishing whether or not its being used disrespectfully, politely or with innocent ignorance..... Edited September 1, 2015 by richard_smith237 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlen10002 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. You should learn to read first before commenting on a post here, I posted that all Thai use the word Farang, not just the people I associate with, it is not racist or not respectful just normal Thai language, the problem is not the word or the Thai use of the word it is the stupid thin skinned Farangs that take exception to the word Farang, , lighten up and accept the country and its language as it is, I have been here 8 years now and never been offended ever by the word Farang, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jip99 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. My husband's Farang family is much nicer than my Thai family. Valid point.... but my Wife would not use such a phrase, instead choosing to simply write 'my Husband's Family..... the Farang part is likely to be omitted unless my Wife is discussing something with someone who is not aware her Husband is English, in which case she would use 'Husband's English Family'... Regardless - your point remains valid - there are many contexts whereby the use of the Word Farang is not offensive or ignorant... many who've lived in Thailand and been exposed to the idiosyncrasies of Thailand for a number of years are well aware of this. ----- Another context: Girlfriend or Wife on the Phone with her Friend: "where are we meeting tonight? I'll invite The Farang out with me".... The impression I have based on the OP is that the phrase was used in this context. Quite rightly so, context was asked for by many posters right at th beginning of this thread. Without a valid context its nearly impossible to tell if the Ops Girlfriend is a disrespectful simpleton or simply naively ignorant. ------ While I was visiting a friends house, before preparing dinner my Friends Mother asked him... 'Will Richard eat spicy Thai food, or does he prefer Farang food?' While in this context a huge error exists because 'farang food' is so wide and varied, it would be silly to recognise that this is in no means offensive, upsetting or even remotely insulting. However, had she asked 'What does The Farang like to eat for dinner?' I would be a little disappointed at her ignorance. But, if she had asked 'What would your Farang Friend like to eat for dinner?' I wouldn't mind too much. Context and also the manner in which the word 'Farang' is used is key to establishing whether or not its being used disrespectfully, politely or with innocent ignorance..... Farang kin pet dai mai? is more likely to be heard around these parts. But then we don't have many hi-so, half-Chinese Farang partners who are educated to a (foreign.farang) university level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. You should learn to read first before commenting on a post here, I posted that all Thai use the word Farang, not just the people I associate with, it is not racist or not respectful just normal Thai language, the problem is not the word or the Thai use of the word it is the stupid thin skinned Farangs that take exception to the word Farang, , lighten up and accept the country and its language as it is, I have been here 8 years now and never been offended ever by the word Farang, Unless I am mistaken it seems you are perfectly happy to hang around with people who would refer to you as 'The Farang' instead of by name... If you can't see why this could seem disrespectful it seems you are socialising comfortably within your level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostoday Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) Everyone knows where I live. When my wife, her relatives or friends or delivery men are trying to tell a taxi where to go they simply say "by ban Farang (go Farang house)." It is how folks get to my house. Nothing bad or good only directions. Edited September 1, 2015 by lostoday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jip99 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. You should learn to read first before commenting on a post here, I posted that all Thai use the word Farang, not just the people I associate with, it is not racist or not respectful just normal Thai language, the problem is not the word or the Thai use of the word it is the stupid thin skinned Farangs that take exception to the word Farang, , lighten up and accept the country and its language as it is, I have been here 8 years now and never been offended ever by the word Farang, Unless I am mistaken it seems you are perfectly happy to hang around with people who would refer to you as 'The Farang' instead of by name... If you can't see why this could seem disrespectful it seems you are socialising comfortably within your level. I have no issue with the word Farang. That does not put me in a lower social category than you. In fact I would suspect I am somewhat higher. That is irrelevant in the context of discussing "Farang" except for the inverted snobbery that inevitably comes out at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drees Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Everyone knows where I live. When my wife, her relatives or friends or delivery men are trying to tell a taxi where to go they simply say "by ban Farang (go Farang house)." It is how folks get to my house. Nothing bad or good only directions. You made your point already! The question from the OP was if it is okay if your wife, or girlfriend calls you "Farang" to her friends and family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linzz Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 There are people around here that are referred to by different terms: Isaan, (Lao), Cambodia, Thai, Chinese and at the bottom, Farang. In order of occurrence. It doesn't matter. You aren't being called the equivalent of a nigger. I wouldn't be insulted that far. It's a generic term that they all use without much thought. You can heighten their awareness that it sounds a bit objective though. I did this once when my step daughter asked on the telephone if her relative wanted to speak to the farang. I answered "Do you want me to speak to the Asian?" She was embarrassed that I heard because to them it's just common usage. Later I said I do have a name. No problem since, she got the point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mankondang Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) It is common and sometimes a complement to be referred to as a Farang by Thai gf. They are proud to have a Westerner ( as it does mean and not a foreigner) as a bf. If, as others have asked, she said "Farang kii niaw" ( Tight shit Westerner) etc, then IMHO I would take being called s tight shit, if incorrect, as the insulting term and not the Farang part. How many western countries call their friends by their country of origin: Jock.Scotland; Taff: Wales; Kiwi: N.Zealand; etc, and is given and received as a complement. There are exceptions, some Yanks take offence. Some Pommies/Limeys take offence. IMHO Farang is not like calling someome a Nigger..as this term has it's hiatorical links to pure degrade someone by racial means. Being proud of ones race is good. Being degraded is bad. I've been told that the French, (Farang set in Thai) with colonies I'm SE Asia, is where the term Farang originates from. I have no problems with being called Farang...it up to you. Edited September 1, 2015 by mankondang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoiBiker Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Asked Mrs.Trans (of many years) about the word......What I write is my interpretation of her words...OK... Thai folk look up to western folk whom Thai folk call farang..........It means Caucasian and nothing else. If a Thai attaches a word to it, for instance a farang who is noted as being an ass, or drunken ass and being disrespectful, he is, or could be called a "farang keenuu".......Keenuu meaning , "bird shit"... The eyes of a Thai tell the feelings from a Thai and the westerner in front of them...So, if you have eye contact with a Thai, you are on the right road... Exactly. It's like referring to someone as 'white' or 'black'. The terms themselves are neutral, it's the usage that matters. Referring to someone as black is fine. Calling them a 'black bastard' is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiver Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I don't really like the term, but I do use it myself on occasion for simplicity depending on who I'm talking to. I've been told I'm too picky about it, but to me it means a short form of French (FarangSet), and I'm not that. Also as others have mentioned, I have a name. I've also heard it used in a complimentary way, as in "farang jai dee" or similar, so it's not necessarily a derogatory term, though I do think it's a little ignorant. You'll see posts on here from me where I interchangeably use farang or foreigner depending on context. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fang37 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 "farang jai dee" - translation - walking ATM? In reality, I am relatively generous/too generous. When I'm dead, there ain't no more, Teeruk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzarella Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Only get worry if she is calling you "farang" in bed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linzz Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 And that famous footballer "beck hum" Or my boyfriend John or does that mean my poor boyfriend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fang37 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 After you have lived here a reasonable time, you do not even notice the term. ie neither endearing nor obtrusive - just an every day word. Its historical background becomes meaningless. I am a Farang - so what? Foreigner - almost same, same? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mankondang Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Only get worry if she is calling you "farang" in bed.... Or even worse. Farang lek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanLaew Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It is lack of respect when your wife calls you "the farang". You have a name. My wife her friends and family all call me by my name. If my wife say that to me I would for sure make a problem about it. Somebody said: "congratulations you are 1 step further than ATM." He maybe tried to make a joke, but I think this is really true! I had a Thai husband first but my Farang husband is a much nicer man; more honest and smells better. So you're a Thai woman? Hmmmmm. You don't seem much like a woman in this thread that you started.... http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/851281-do-you-bribe-your-wife/#entry9779100 Woohoo! Y'all got yourself a stalker! Now, is Berkshire of the bold "farang means bugger all" brigade or the wet-palmed "farang is always bad" school of nervous sheep? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostoday Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) It is lack of respect when your wife calls you "the farang". You have a name. My wife her friends and family all call me by my name. If my wife say that to me I would for sure make a problem about it. Somebody said: "congratulations you are 1 step further than ATM." He maybe tried to make a joke, but I think this is really true! I had a Thai husband first but my Farang husband is a much nicer man; more honest and smells better. So you're a Thai woman? Hmmmmm. The post was a reference to the OP's GF and the Wife in the post I was responding to. The posts I've made in this thread were examples of Farang being used in a positive or neutral way by both women or men. Edited September 1, 2015 by lostoday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis...Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. You should learn to read first before commenting on a post here, I posted that all Thai use the word Farang, not just the people I associate with, it is not racist or not respectful just normal Thai language, the problem is not the word or the Thai use of the word it is the stupid thin skinned Farangs that take exception to the word Farang, , lighten up and accept the country and its language as it is, I have been here 8 years now and never been offended ever by the word Farang, Unless I am mistaken it seems you are perfectly happy to hang around with people who would refer to you as 'The Farang' instead of by name... If you can't see why this could seem disrespectful it seems you are socialising comfortably within your level. I have no issue with the word Farang. That does not put me in a lower social category than you. In fact I would suspect I am somewhat higher. That is irrelevant in the context of discussing "Farang" except for the inverted snobbery that inevitably comes out at times. Many here including myself have commented that they have no issue with the word Farang when used in an appropriate context... Example: you may overhear shop assistants talking to each other in a shop...'The Farang over there is waiting to be served'... However, when referred to as 'The Farang' when our name is known seems disrespectful for many. If you are being referred to as 'The Farang' on a regular basis by people who know your name, or should know your name, regardless of where you believe you fall on the social ladder you are hanging around with people who either don't have the education or are ignorant enough not to recognise their failure in being polite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkshire Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I had a Thai husband first but my Farang husband is a much nicer man; more honest and smells better. So you're a Thai woman? Hmmmmm. You don't seem much like a woman in this thread that you started.... http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/851281-do-you-bribe-your-wife/#entry9779100 Woohoo! Y'all got yourself a stalker! Now, is Berkshire of the bold "farang means bugger all" brigade or the wet-palmed "farang is always bad" school of nervous sheep? It kind of goes to credibility, don't you think? This guy is talking about his husband...? Perhaps you are more perceptive than me. So tell me, is lostoday a man or woman? Besides, Thai women who can write like a Native English speaker is about as rare on TV as the dodo bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoiBiker Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Many here including myself have commented that they have no issue with the word Farang when used in an appropriate context... Example: you may overhear shop assistants talking to each other in a shop...'The Farang over there is waiting to be served'... However, when referred to as 'The Farang' when our name is known seems disrespectful for many. If you are being referred to as 'The Farang' on a regular basis by people who know your name, or should know your name, regardless of where you believe you fall on the social ladder you are hanging around with people who either don't have the education or are ignorant enough not to recognise their failure in being polite. And how exactly are these Thai people adding 'the'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkshire Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It is lack of respect when your wife calls you "the farang". You have a name. My wife her friends and family all call me by my name. If my wife say that to me I would for sure make a problem about it. Somebody said: "congratulations you are 1 step further than ATM." He maybe tried to make a joke, but I think this is really true! I had a Thai husband first but my Farang husband is a much nicer man; more honest and smells better. So you're a Thai woman? Hmmmmm. The post was a reference to the OP's GF and the Wife in the post I was responding to. The posts I've made in this thread were examples of Farang being used in a positive or neutral way by both women or men. Aaaaah, I see. It wasn't entirely obvious what you were doing. I actually agree with your points. Have a nice day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceanbat Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Exactly. Anyone that works here will realize the pretty formal system Thais have for addressing superiors subordinates in the office whether Thai or not. Why wouldn't this extend to all other social interactions regardless if Thai or non Thai? OB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoiBiker Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It kind of goes to credibility, don't you think? This guy is talking about his husband...? Perhaps you are more perceptive than me. So tell me, is lostoday a man or woman? Besides, Thai women who can write like a Native English speaker is about as rare on TV as the dodo bird. He was just making one of a number of rather laboured examples. Probably best to ignore them - everyone else was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkshire Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It kind of goes to credibility, don't you think? This guy is talking about his husband...? Perhaps you are more perceptive than me. So tell me, is lostoday a man or woman? Besides, Thai women who can write like a Native English speaker is about as rare on TV as the dodo bird. He was just making one of a number of rather laboured examples. Probably best to ignore them - everyone else was. Yeah, noted. Actually, I should also mention another dude who's as rare as the dodo bird on this thread....the OP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceanbat Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Actually I worded that badly. I should have said each other not superiors/subordinates. OB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlen10002 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I pity all the thinned skin over sensitive foreigners living in Thailand and take exception to being called Farang, it is a every day Thai word that all Thai people use, I have never known a Thai that does not use the word Farang, Thai people living in Australia call Australians Farang, I know because I owned two Thai restaurants at different times in Australia with all Thai staff, my mate in Australia gets call a bloody old baldy Farang by his Thai wife, I introduced them to each other, I wont tell you want he calls her can not be printed here, but they are very happy together, I would advise all the thin skinned Farangs that are not Aussie living here to never go to northern Queensland, they would really get upset twisted bent out of shape there if they don't like what they get called. You might find many more posters who pity you and your friends for being treated like mugs by Thai's who refer to them in such a manner on a daily basis... Respect is mutual, but clearly those Thai's with whom you associate don't think so. You should learn to read first before commenting on a post here, I posted that all Thai use the word Farang, not just the people I associate with, it is not racist or not respectful just normal Thai language, the problem is not the word or the Thai use of the word it is the stupid thin skinned Farangs that take exception to the word Farang, , lighten up and accept the country and its language as it is, I have been here 8 years now and never been offended ever by the word Farang, Unless I am mistaken it seems you are perfectly happy to hang around with people who would refer to you as 'The Farang' instead of by name... If you can't see why this could seem disrespectful it seems you are socialising comfortably within your level. You again have misunderstood what I have written , you really do have a problem, I have only commented on the word "Farang" I say it is a every day word in the Thai language, and Farangs should accept it and get on with life, you also refuse to accept the reference to the Robertson's Practical Dictionary about the meaning of the word Farang I quote, I guess if the facts don't suit you just take no notice of it, why the insult , that only proves you are very thin skinned I only Say you did not read something correct that is not insulting . by the ways my name is almost imposable for Thais to pronounce my wife still has problems after 4 years. but I don't get called the Farang, never been insulted by any Thai to my face in 8 years. I guess the Thais I associate with are very nice people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Many here including myself have commented that they have no issue with the word Farang when used in an appropriate context... Example: you may overhear shop assistants talking to each other in a shop...'The Farang over there is waiting to be served'... However, when referred to as 'The Farang' when our name is known seems disrespectful for many. If you are being referred to as 'The Farang' on a regular basis by people who know your name, or should know your name, regardless of where you believe you fall on the social ladder you are hanging around with people who either don't have the education or are ignorant enough not to recognise their failure in being polite. And how exactly are these Thai people adding 'the'? An inference based on context and translation not transliteration... But I think you knew that already. i.e. [Khai Kab-Rot pbai song tee laan?] Q: Who is driving you to the Shops? A: Farang Kab-rot. Q: Who is driving you to the Shops? A: Sa-mee Chaan. Q: Who is driving you to the Shops? A: Faan Chaan. Q: Who is driving you to the Shops? A: Richard Kab-rot. In this context: 3 Answers would seem acceptable... however the answer highlighted in red [Farang Kab-rot] would, based on the context of the question imply that the reply is 'The Farang is Driving'... without there being any direct word in Thai for 'The'.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanLaew Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 It's not respectful for her to refer to you as 'the' anything. It's indicative of her attitude. Walk away from that shit The thread is about the word 'farang' and not about the word 'the'. There is no word 'the' in the Thai language. Adding any words to any sentence containing 'farang' can and will change the context. It's like shit (since your brought it up). By itself, it is just that. Odious perhaps but in itself, quite innocuous. However, if I amplify it and say "dumb shit"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTee Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 Everyone in my house calls me Dad, Brother or Uncle. I once, a long time ago, listened in on a conversation "bing ding blah FARANG, blah blah FARANG, FRARANG, Blah ka".. I asked who they were talking about TG said they were talking about me. actually about where I like to eat. I told them there and then "My name is Tee, in my house you call me by my name" Every since then I've not heard Farang used to refer to me. I don't see "Farang" as an insult, but I do feel it is impersonal.. and if I'm paying the bills you'll play by my rules. End of! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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