This is my new favourite channel. This guy is a terrific narrator and a natural in front of the camera. Brilliant editing and camera work. Professional standard production.
Pat in my 20 plus years in Thailand I can agree/relate to a lot of what you say here.However, I do believe some Thai males need to be treated with a degree of caution as westerners can easily misread them when interacting.Face is a big issue in Thailand and all that goes with their implied hierarchies/status etc.This cultural prism of face/hierarchy/status is something 'us' Farang are often blind to but is a major part of the Thai male sensitivities. It is important to act and say the right thing when dealing with such people. Just something I've learnt to be aware of over the years.
Spot on, even for professional females, face/hierarchy/status is a major issue. It's an illogical and easily corrupted system but it is what it is and you ain't changing it.
I managed a production factory here in Thailand. Yes there is a 'strata' of 'who's who in the zoo'. But I did find that respect was the key! Respect to all levels of workforce! The Thai hates being told by foreigners what to do but---if you are paying their salaries and projecting a long tenure at the company?? ho ho, it can work!
I live here, be extremely careful about making new friends quickly just because you are lonely. Not just because they are mostly losers who moved here to escape something at home. If you hang out in bars you'll meet all kinds of losers who are nothing more than prostitution enthusiasts. The lesson, don't hang out in bars, and be careful who you are friends with.
@@tallndorky its a personal opinion that someone is a loser because they hang out in a bar. who is anyone to judge how another lives ? the things they chose to occupy their time with. just because you may think its a loser activity doesnt make it so. its loser to judge others like that just because you see life differently. it's funny how so many others can say....o its mostly losers in thailand....just not you right ? hahaha
I listened to this video as I was busy (so didn't actually watch it haha) but the points here are absolutely spot on. There are too many negative people living here in Thailand. Those of us fortunate enough to call it our homes need to embrace some if its faults and appreciate the much better quality of life we have over many countries. Top video mate.
Agree, we're not best in everything and have lot of room to improvement but a lot of negative people will start compare us with "rich" nation like USA Europe and Japan while turn their blind eye on negative side of what they're admire. The only way to let them understand that is to let them experience it themselves but their bias and pride will not allow them to do so. They will jump at every negative aspect and retold the story by X10 the negative part while cursed how they're born here along with proclaimed that they didn't hated their homeland when someone point them out. No place is perfect yes... many of us know full well how wacky this place is... but a sign of improvement can be seen regularly which lighten our mood and give us hope for future ( aside from those negative social media ) Thank you again for the positive thought.
The word Farang is not an offensive word. It has a proper meaning, unlike Ch*nk and the likes in English. Farang is shortened from Farangsade, which in turn derived from Français(e). And yes, it means French and France. If you've learned thai phonetic system you would know how Français ended up as Farangsade in Thai pronunciation. The French were among the first, if not "the first", European to set foot in Thailand (then Siam) during the Ayuthya era. Long story short, the relationship between the 2 nations flourished which resulted in more presence of French in Siam. Therefore, Thais (or rather Siamese) called Caucasians collectively as French. This principle probably also applies to some western societies where they refer to all East Asian collectively as Chinese and South Asian as Indian etc. Therefore, the word Farang is merely a reference point to describe someone of Caucasian heritage. But of course it can be used as a discriminatory term, depending on the contexts. Btw, I'm just a Thai commoner living in the UK for almost 20 years. I can vouch that the Thais back in the 90s and perhaps early 2000s believed that most Farangs were rich. But then the rise of backpackers at Khaosan Rd started to shed some lights that not all Farangs are such wealthy. The fact that the foreigner community in Thailand is somewhat to watch out, the same can be said for the Thai communities overseas, particularly here in the UK and much worse in L.A. Hence, after all these years I've chosen to integrate into the British society but still maintain my Thai heritage on my own without hanging out with those folks.
Nice, you are the first one who says that Farang comes from french ! Louis XIV sent an ambassador to king of Siam at the end of XVII century. Français -> farang set -> farang. And barang in Cambodia. farang is not an insult. Farang set is not an insult. Set farang IS an insult.
Great channel but point of order - iv been here since 96 and Falangs are routinely charged 2000 baht for dropping cigarettes. (The but itself is used as evidence) In the late 90's a new law was introduced to prevent "fly-tipping" by large trucks. It carried a 2000 baht fine. The rest is history. 6 times I have paid a fine. Negotiate to 500 is easy if polite
Worked for ECC Thailand Supan Mai for 3 yrs in 1996. Best days and beautiful memories. Didn't hang out with foreigners only native Thai. I was treated with honor and respect and love. I have a million memories full of funny situations and wonderful experiences. It was a perfect moment in my life which I look back on with intense pleasure.
Hey Pat, I’ve been catching up on all of your videos after your channel was recommended by my mate Warren. Just need to say, you’re doing an awesome job and I really am enjoying the knowledge I’m receiving from them. I have to say, this video is probably one of your best 👍 (apart from the Cats of Bangkok video 😁). I’ve moved here as I’m now retired and must say I’ve been astounded by all the furrfies and mis truths I’ve come across since arriving. I’m sure like most legends there is a minuscule piece of truth in them, but from my experience, very little 😁 Again, really enjoy watching the videos, and appreciate the effort you put into the research. Hope to catch up one day for a brew or two 😁🙏
i reside in north east Thailand and i have to say i find a high percentage of Thai folk are really friendly, its been said a country is as good as its people, sounds about right, if you dont get on with the people either have a look at yourself or get out of dodge...!
Thank you - I met also these three types...."Walter Mitty Guys" can be very funny, but only for a few hours...than its enough. Oh and I also met a foreigner - American or European... don't know...who wanted to steal my bag...but there were only dirty clothes inside. 😂😂
Hi pat great 👍 video and some story’s , am just back from 2 months in sisaket and was only white for miles and was no drama , great experience going rubber farming and fishing see how they live have my house near finish have few ideas make few pound here at home for when I go to live in next 10 years I only be 45 🙏🇮🇪🇹🇭
Thailand is a wonderful country and probably the most tolerant and inclusive in Asia. If you treat the locals and their unique culture with respect, don’t diss the King and don’t conform to the boorish, drunken stereotype you’ll have no issues. I would eventually love to move there.
Met them all - CIA, DEA, SAS etc. but the most interesting one was an old German guy who claimed to have been in the SS & was on the run, wanted for war crimes committed on the Eastern Front. This was in the 'restaurant' (I use the term loosely) of the Thai Song Kreet Hotel where he sat himself down at my table along with the policeman he was handcuffed too. He said he was out collecting money owed to him so he could secure his release. Very charming & likeable fellow, a few war stories, didn't ask me for anything.
I think years ago there probably were a few German ww2 veterans with good reason not to live in Europe especially in pattaya wich was a German stronghold in the 70s and 80s.🇨🇷
You are correct in most things you speak. I have lived and been married here for 25years. My Thai wife does not speak English and I have never had a problem doing biz here speaking Thai. Also I have not ever been cheated here whilst doing biz, saying that I go to Thai places not gogo bars and always speak Thai and Laos.
Great point about only hailing new taxis! I always did the same. Covid forced me back to Australia in May 2020 (best thing that ever happened to be honest as I have young kids) but talking about Taxis really reminded me of the need to constantly have to carry a lot of 20 or 50 baht baht notes in Thailand for taxis and Motocys...since being in Australia I haven't used cash in nearly 2 years and no longer have to carry a stupid bulging wallet all the time.
Suppose if you are using taxis all day you may need cash but mostly I'm using my credit card and have been for 10 years.Cash for market food but beyond that Credit Card. You can tell my Bank if you think I'm lying. Thanks
The word "farang" is truly neutral and isn't at all derogatory unless they call you "farang kii nok", which translates to bird shit guava. In Thai, the word farang means both Caucasian and guava. Bird shit guava is smaller and doesn't taste as good. So essentially, a low class farang.
I think the notion of 'face' is significant in Asia. However, having lived and worked in UK and Asia, I think :face' is also relevant in western life. It's just different and less visible because of your cultural immersion. Scams happen everywhere but my Thai village is the only place I feel safe with the door unlocked and where I have left my wallet in a store and been actively pursued to come collect it. Unfortunately scammers congregate around the vulnerable. Knowing when you are vulnerable and questioning the nice man or woman in a bar or with an investment opportunity is first level defense. All the scams put on me were done over a beer, and progressed in severity with my level of inebriation. Most scams also involve inappropriate trust based on an emotional commitment generally made without the warranted reciprocal commitment. Which is why seeking love and relationships in a foreign land / culture / language can be problematic.
Yep I can agree with pretty much everything you said. Makes me laugh how the foreigners are here so I don’t really associate much with them. Many are bad with money and expensive habits even when they can’t afford it. Just go for a walk to get a taxi and ask for the meter. If they don’t use then walk further. The no smile one I have noticed to be true. I’m in Samrong and it’s noticeable when someone does smile because it just never happens. When I’m in Bangkok it seems similar. Thai food is the best. Just ask for no sugar. Problem solved. Haha yea my experience is that foreigners here are crazy. I don’t associate with them much and never dated bar girls. All my Thai friends are great. A few bad ones but I don’t bother with them. I have noticed Thais like to gossip a lot about me especially because I live in a real Thai area. Obviously I stand out so I don’t worry about it. I think the issue with the “Farang” word is that they use it even when they know you well. Like they will never care what my name is. So it makes you feel like you’re just another white person with no name. I found educated Thais will call you by name. Again I don’t let it get to me. And I agree that Alien is much worse. I hate that the Philippines immigration still use Alien to describe us. Kind off turns me off. Anyway another great video from a smart guy. Keep up the great work 👍
as thai sometime calling people name is kind of not polite for us. even calling oneself we rater say us instead of i , hard to explain but being individual is not really our mind set
Pat. For the third time. We need some dog love!!! You keep showcasing the cats. Dogs need love too. 5555 Keep up the professional level quality videos you do. I am always thrilled to watch your presentations. Except for the lack of dog love. 555
Great! One thing after my back and forth for 40 years is Thais only think you're a millionaire if you dress like one, wear gold etc! Dress down, no jewelry, expensive phones would be be my advice!
About not understanding the thai, spoken by foreigners. I experienced the same in China. Many Chinese would just not listen, because they automatically presumed, that they would not understand you. I had one guy shaking his head, when I tried to talk to him in Chinese, saying, he did not understand english. Other reason is the tones. I met foreigners trying to speak chinese, and I understood every word they said. The Chinese did not understand anything, because sometimes the tone was wrong. Could imagine it would be a bit of both herein Thailand as well.
Thais will also use the word FARANG to mean durian fruit. My girlfriend and I have a friend who is the head waitress at a bar & Grill. One night she told me, "That table is all US SEALS." I asked her to go look at their left arms just above the wrist for the little seal tattoo many real Seals have. She returned to tell me none of the 6 of them had the trademark tattoo. I've been in Chiang Mai for slightly less than 8 years. I am still a 72 year old student of Thailand. By the way,..lao wai is the nice word for foreigner in China. I have never had an unpleasant interaction with Thais, as soon as my terrible language skills are obvious, they have sympathy for me! Regardz!
I've been pretty lucky with my relations with fellow "farang" for the most part; mostly because those interactions have become few and further between. When 1'st here, over 10 years ago, some guys took me out for a night of drinking then took me to a condo that they tried to talk me into buying, trying to get me to sign right there, that was about the worst of it. Yeah; some "expert expats" have been kind of fun to listen to but, for the most part I've learned to avoid the bar scene and enjoy Thailand for what it really is, away from that circle.
Hello Bangkok Pat...I enjoy your vlogs very much. I have been living here in Bangkok since 1993, having first visited in 1975! I thoroughly confirm all of of your points regarding Farangs. I have met nothing but courtesy from all of the Thais I have met. This is a country of beautiful people and I have loved all of my time here. John
Nothing but courtesy? Did nobody in Thailand (Thai and foreigners) ever try to scam you in small or large? How often did people ask you to borrow money and how often did you get it back? There are lots of scammers out there - and lots of nice people.
@@wetluv4 all your perspectives are correct, it's just not possible to live through many lives at once. Even in countries like Switzerland or Hong Kong you still can meet some scammers. I see a lot of shaming of people who fallen victim to scams, even from the author of this channel - "you just met wrong Thai, bro. Maybe it's smth about you that attracts them?" Of course it is - it's called weakness and that is what scammers are looking for. Just learn your lesson and be more careful next time. You are not a bad person if you got scammed - the scammers is. Also don't get too excited about your awesomeness and "street smart" if you never had problems. My argument works both ways - you're not evil if you got scammed, and you're not automatically a saint if you managed to avoid it.
@@edgar9651 i get scam all the time cause I have money. I give it away hopefully never to see it again. That is how I see loaning out money to Thai people y. Just take it, don't expect it to return.Then you will be fine with friendly Thai people. I don't like to be scammed, so watch this video and learn. I have been going to Thailand since the 70's. It was much better back then.. a lot of respect, even to the tourist. We westernized them for the better or worst.
@@wetluv4 my question was if nobody ever tried to scam you. Tried! There are lots of scammers here. Until now they didn't scam me. But it is sad that they exist and scam anybody - sometime even not so stupid people.
Hi Pat, just found you vlog and really enjoyed it, couldn't agree more with all your points. I've been coming to Thailand since 2013, twice a year and can't believe the nagativity of some expats about the country they have the privilege of living in... if you don't like it go back home. During the political problems in Jan 2014, I was stabbed twice for accidentally walking into into a yellow shirt rally in Asoke wearing a Red shirt. I was left in the gutter unconscious and found by a bar girl from Nana on her way home. She got an ambulance to get me to Hospital and I came around two days later and was flown home but first found out what bar she worked in and her name, Pui. I went back out 6 months later and went to the Golden Bar in Nana ( now a hooters) and asked after her. She came in that afternoon. She recognised me straight away and after thanking her and showing her my scars I gave her 50,000 baht. I got to know her better over the week I was in Bangkok, took her and her friends for dinner a few times and adopted her as my little sister (nong sow). Like a lot of Bar girls she worked in Bangkok and sent most of her money up north to her parents who were looking after her 2 kids (now my niece and nephew). Anyway I asked her what her dreams were and she said she wanted to go to university and work in a bank. She saved my life so I changed hers and paid for her to go to University and her expenses while there. Anyway, fast forward 8 years, Pui is now an Area Bank Manager in Chang Rai, owns her own house and her kids live with her and go to a great school. I am really proud of what she has achieved. I am great friends with her two brothers and they're mates, not every Thai man hates Ferrangs and they do get the beers in (although I get more lol) Her Cousin Apinya has been my girlfriend for the last 5 years On a side note, I took my son to the land of smiles in 2017, he met a "Good Thai Girl" whose parents are dentists and was sent to the USA for University so speaks Perfect English. She is Director of Imports for Porche Thailand. She taught him Thai so my little boy can now Speak, read and Write Thai perfectly. He qualified as a Criminal Psychiatrist last year (My sons a fucking Dr....Proud Dad) he emigrated and landed a job with the British Embassy in Bangkok looking after the mental health of Expats on long term sentences and holiday makers who find themselves in the shit. I can't wait to retire and join them all Cheers
Thanks for the moving story Nick, you were very lucky to be saved by an angel. 2014 was a terrible year, a year that I'm glad to say I wasn't in the country. Many positives are overlooked by the haters of this country because it doesn't fit their narrative! Life can hang by a thread as you know, and you learn to value it and be grateful when you have an experience like that. I have epilepsy from a bike accident in 2003, a small price to pay for my stupidity and it could have been a lot worse. Great that you were able to change her life, she deserves it and niice to hear it led to a chain reaction of events that resulted in you and your son's good fortunes. May your retirement be very happy mate.
I don't understand when you say Walter Mitty types?. As a ex special forces Nam vet (Dagenham) rescuing POW's on a regular basis when I'm not staring in porn films counting my millions and teaching English in my spare time, I find it very offensive. Bye the way can I borrow B5000. I will give it back tomorrow. Honest
Hehe, I get the drift Martin. I am/was just a shitkicking former seagoing Sailor (Navy Destroyers) who first made his way up here in 1970. Given the number of choices I had over many years in Asia, I eventually married in BKK in 1985, coincidently where I lived, just down the road from Washington Square in Soi 22 (Duckboard slums during this time). Most times, when not travelling the country, I was a Patpong 'person'. Winding forward - Spent living the past couple of decades in the outer BKK suburbs far enough from downtown for it to be totally, unapologetically, avoidable! Believe it or not, 'Falangs' are the same back in my own country. I.E. pretty much all full of shit, based on 2 weeks at a 5 star an Patong Beach Phuket! I am the only farang where I live, I have great Thai friends both Male and Female. I won't say that I have heard it all, but a lot in 50 years! As for the LOS? I could stay here for another 20 years and still never stop learning. Are you sure 5 Grand is enough?
Hi. Thanks for elucidating the wrong myths few disgruntled expats might have on Thai people. Three or four decades ago, after the Vietnam wars, a number of them might have encountered some bad circles of local people. Nowadays, with hundreds of thousands Thai have studied abroad, millions got their college degrees, and millions have toured overseas, Thais have been more familiarized with international people. As mostly Buddhists, we are generally more positive to others, including visitors from overseas. For new coming expats, I hope you find new good Thai friends here and would consider Thailand your another home.
Fun video Pat. The idea that Thais pretent not to understand our Thai is a funny one. Once you realize how important tone is you quickly realize how easy it is to mess up a word. lol
Hi Pat I watched the video with great interest - my respect for that! I was in Thailand for the first time in 1996 and from then on I was so in love with this country that I was here several times for a few weeks in the following years. In 2008 I packed my things, quit my job and sold my house in Germany and immigrated to Thailand with my daughter and my Thai wife. My wife has never been involved in the bar scene, has never drunk alcohol and has never smoked in her life. I was lucky!!! I was fully integrated by all members of her family. I never felt like anyone here considered me rich and I was never taken advantage of. With the word "farang" I had some trouble finding the reason for it at first. But ok, if I see an Asian person in Europe, I would also call him that. When I lived here, I quickly noticed that there are many of my compatriots here who meet regularly for beer etc. It's never been my thing - I live here because I want to live among Thai people and I'm very comfortable with that. Many of my acquaintances or family members call me uncle or (now) grandpa. In the beginning it was a matter of course for me to learn the language, not only to realize whether I was being cheated on or taken advantage of, but because it is easier to socialize through the common language. In short, I find my way around here very well and enjoy the certainly healthier diet here. Of course I also see overweight young children being stuffed with donuts and other fast food by their parents - but that's not my problem. I like to cook myself and if I want to eat something from my past life, you can buy all the ingredients and spices to cook it here. But for me there are also things here in Thailand like politics, monarchy or mafia structures that I worry about. Corruption is a cancer of our time! Likewise, the inequality before the law and the dual price system. Thinking about it and having your opinion on it is one thing, but as a guest in a foreign country I have voluntarily chosen, it is not my place to criticize it! Thank you very much Pat for your great work Greetings from Sattahip - Gerd 🌈🍀💖🌴🌈
Thais need to use the classifier for people (KHON), so a Thai would say Khon Farang in polite conversation, farang by itself means guava, the fruit. The classifier Khon would be used with qany natinality Khon American etc.. However in most conversations you rarely hear the classifer used
In general I’m more wary of other foreigners in Thailand than I am of the Thais. Having said that I think that the reputation of Thailand as a place of scams / danger is massively over hyped , just use common sense. Other stories about foreign cities I regard as myths are the rudeness of Parisians and New Yorkers , I’ve found people in both city’s very friendly and helpful to tourists. One of my favourite sayings is “ wherever you are is wherever you are!.” In other words you take your behaviours and their consequences with you wherever you go.
I totally agree with you Christian I’ve been to New York I’m Canadian I’ve been to the southern US where they’re normally from what we’ve heard up in Canada very rude to coloured people I am indigenous female so aboriginal Indian whatever you wanna call me and I have never been treated rudely or felt somebody was being mean to me because of my colour ever I think you make your own problems a lot of the time especially if you’re the one walking around with attitude you’re going to get it back and as soon as you start acting like an ass shit happens
People will flock at the smell of money and that including a total scu_ kind of person. which is kinda hurt... I'm Thai myself and I feel a lot of pain and shame knowing those people target tourist in the popular spot.
The only time someone has tried scamming me in the short amount of time that I've lived here was a guy from England. He had a long story about how he needed 2000 baht to get home and that staff at the check-in counter were being horrible to him over a missed flight. This was at Suvarnabhumi Airport in the drop-off area outside. I didn't believe it and made my way into the airport, and as soon as I did, a Thai airport employee walked up to me and told me that he's trying to trick me, that multiple people have "helped" him already, and that he's a regular there... So yes, I trust Thai's more than farangs.
@@baconoverflow4384 I can’t say that I trust any of these groups more. There are plenty of Thais that will scam you and plenty farangs. If they need money both will try to scam you. Several times a Thai jewelry place tried to scam me.
I left my bag with my laptop visibly sticking out in Times Square 🤦🏾♀️. When I ran back 10 minutes later, a guy waved me down and had been holding it, hoping I'd realize it was gone and come back. Kindest thing that has ever happened to me lol
I love Thailand. Period. I am nearing end of life and I need all the smiles I can get. I avoid stress with a passion, and I have a beautiful Thai lady that I love and who loves me. I will live in Jomtien when I am able to return to Thailand (medical issues) and spend my time riding my bike everywhere and exploring every road and path we can find! I worked hard all my life - what a relaxing and wonderful way to spend my reward!
We live tragic, brief, fleeting lives. Who doesn't love smiles? Who doesn't want to avoid stress? Of course a good Thai girl could make this things more palatable.
Hello Pat, another interesting vlog... You are definitely doing a good job with your content.. mixing it up etc.. I've been coming to Thailand/SE Asia for over 20 years now and I am married to a lovely Lana lady so I have a fair bit of experience..when I first came to Thailand in the early 90s I was a young naive fella and did and made the usual mistakes..met weird and wonderful people all over the area .. I find that if you hang around in the bar scene then generally that you are going to be rub shoulders with some strange people.. interesting but, not to be fully trusted..tbh I've met the weirdest people in Cambodia which seems to be a haven nowadays for the depraved.. I think you just need to use your common sense in Life when meeting new people no matter where you are.. in general if you are a good person then you will recognise other good people... Take your time and it will happen..if you live in a country then don't look for friends in the red light areas ...imho. Thanks.
Rule #1: Stay away from other expats Rule #2: Live far away from Sukhumvit Rule #3: Don't wear beach attire in the City Rule #4: Date people with actual real jobs Rule #5: Speak quietly in public places
Yeah so true Pat, I've met my share of dodgy foreigners when I have been out and about in the places where they hangout. My daughter and I met an American man in a sports bar when we stopped there to have some lunch one day. My daughter was only 14 at the time and she saw straight through his bullshit and called him out on it. I was so proud of her and we laughed about it for days. I've also had dodgy foreigners having the temerity to ask me for money, I have no problem saying no after 3 decades of working in prisons.
When I went to Thai language school I met a British guy who wasn’t a millionaire but he claimed to build houses for millionaires in Beverly Hills, California. He was asking me for money by the end of the year. And just a couple of weeks ago I was verbally sparing with a guy (over Covid) who says he works for the US State Department and subtly intimated that he worked in Intelligence. The stories still live even today.
Reading the numerous similar comments here I realize that one of the reason these farangs move to Thailand is because they were basically nobodies back in their own countries and wanted to be a somebody in Thailand.
Pat first came to Thailand 40 years ago and been married to my Thai wife for 39 years.Things changed with the rise of the Thai middle class, back in the early days there were only two classes, rich or poor so Falangs were to most Thai rich. We have a great life living in both the UK and Thailand 6 months of the year in each country. You are right about the word Farang it just meant a person of non Thai birth, but the meaning was change in the last couple of years by minister Anutin in a number of posts to mean a dirty white person from Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, the USA or Australia. Thais are among the most friendly people anywhere, but like all countries, there are some who will try to rip you off, taxis in Phuket being a prime example. One thing that does annoy me is the dual pricing actively encourage by the Thai government, now if it happens I just walk away. To finish once to make a Thai friend you have a friend for life.
Nice chat. Point about the millionaire concept insofar as from the Thai perspective most of us residing here are required to have 800,000 Baht deposited or the equivalent of that in pensionable sums. From the average Thai's point of view you are seen as wealthy in fact a millionaire. The average Thai employed including tourism, farming, even the police have an income of about 180,000 PA where 70,000 Baht pension is four times greater. Most of these ex-pats have their own houses and apartments that run into millions consequently they are financially in a different league. Of course it is not helped by the fact that many around the bars in particular brag of their financial status. One guy bragged to me and my very wealthy pal from London stating unprompted he was worth £13-mil but refused to pay a dancer, with the bar fine, 7,000 Baht. My maths is pretty good and sarcastically I told him that was exorbitant as that would only leave him with 571,993,000 Baht! It never sunk in so we excused ourselves and left him.
When I first arrived in Thailand in 2003, I met a American expat who had been in Thailand since 1978. I asked him if he had any tips for me and he replied: "Yes. This is very important so listen closely: have nothing to do with the Thais." Twenty years later I still laugh when I think about it.
I've living 18 years in the Philippines. When I first got here in 2004 a know it all old timer give me advice it was 25 hours a day 7 days a week someone somewhere is trying to figure out how to get your money. How racist I thought but later I found it was really true. More than that everyone knows when you get paid and shows up with either wanting a hand out or business venture. Of course many expats are worse from trying to sell you a cure for cancer to investing in their ridiculous business venture. My advice I give is your best friend is the word no.
2 года назад
I'm a retired American counselor, mental health, relationship, and drug and alcohol - don't get your cross cultural counseling from a barfly, or from a woman who works in bars. I say this not from some moral position, but rather from common sense and professional knowledge.
I have been here going on 7 years now and I have never had the desire to seek out other foreigners. I feel I could do that back home so why travel all this way to meet people from home? The foreigners that I have ended up speaking to, I find they only want to tell their story and how great they are/were along with the heroic stories about how they came face to face with the most poisonous snakes and how they tear up the roads on their motorcycles etc. However, I find they never once ask "and how about you? What do you do?". Maybe they'd be afraid you'd overshadow them or something. I don't know. Alot of them have the general idea that you can pay off any policeman, not true, and you will be fined for just about anything because you are a foreigner. I've heard "It's their word against yours and who do you think is going to win?". Pure BS. As I said, I have been here going on 7 years now and not once have I had any problems with police or any kind of law enforcement or anyone at all really. I have many Thai friends and a very easy life here. I feel at home here and safe. I know many people around my area and they are genuine people without ulterior motives as some foreigners would have you believe. I actually had a friend who was out here for 3 years before I got here and he's now back home but he still thinks he's the go to guy for everything Thailand. He knows where all the good bars and good girls are. He knows how to avoid getting "the bug" which is apparently something you get when Thailand gets inside you and you can't face going home. I could go on but you get the idea.
My guess is you had to pluck up your courage to do this one for fear of losing a segment of your followers. It isn’t a subject many RU-vidrs are willing to take on because of its controversial and potentially divisive nature. Hats off to you for doing so and for making your opinion (and mine) heard in no uncertain terms.
I don't know how the idea of "Farang" is an offensive word come from. We've been using this word for hundreds of years, It originally came from "Faranji" an Arabic word use to call the Franks (Francia) since the Portuguese came here in 15th century.
Perhaps it's how "Farangs" feel about it...ever think of that? Who gets to decide what is offensive and what is not...the speaker or the receiver? There's lots of words that have been used for decades if not centuries that have been deemed offensive by the targets of those words...and how do other people think they can decide what should or should not be offensive to another person. I'm not concerned with being offended, I'm no snowflake, but many people are quite weak about it.
@@molonlabe9602 @Molon Labe Those ignorant farangs who feel offended by it, is because they make a wrong association in their own language, an association wwhich doesn't exist but they imagine theirselves. If I go listen to Hindi language which I don't speak and just start imagining offense where it doesn't exist, then I am wrong, not the Hindi speakers. You can't just "go into some other language", barely understanding a few words and then make linguistic accusations. A few people who can't speak the language shouldn't have the right to hijack a word and turn it into an offensive meaning which wasn't there to start with. It is not how "farangs" feel about it, but a minority who can't speak the language properly, and then those who believed this fake news.
My wife and I were on a short stay in Bangkok and one afternoon we visited the famous Foodland 24 hour cheap restaurant on Soi 5, there was a German man in his late 40's talking to a young British bloke, the older man was telling him how he worked for the secret police in Bangkok and was working undercover hunting international drug dealers, we were trying desperately not to laugh, as this bloke had a wrinkly faded Hawaiian shirt with equally tatty trousers and shoes, he was unkempt, sweaty and smelled. He then finished spooning his mashed potato and gravy from his plate and said he had to get back to the office? Undercover working in an office? What a comedy! Lol
It can be amusing listening in to conversations between people who have clearly just met, and that Foodland in Soi 5 is a great place for that. I've definitely heard a lot of nonsense spoken in there!
I have met this guy . His name was Frank. And he is a shady dude. BTW the way is say "is and was" as he has either faked his death recently or actually passed on.
Okay - lived here 31 years - came here 4 years before that. I agree with most of what you say, however, I think girls outside the bar scene are still much shyer than those in it, but agree they're not all virgins. I enjoyed teaching one on one conversation lessons with some of the most beautiful girls I'd ever seen. And lastly, I was called a farang kee nok by a ten year-old in a Chiang Mai market.
Haha, funny. A small point. It helps to pronounce the words correctly. For instance, “farang” rhymes with “fun-rung” (so “fu-rung”, not “ferang”). * I found that the main reason why most expats have such a jaded view about Thailand and Thai people is because they live in an “expat bubble”, mixing only with other expats or English-speaking Thais (many of whom only communicate on a very rudimentary level). The main reason why I’m so evangelical about learning Thai is precisely because it allows us to see and participate in the “real” Thailand. It also allows you to have deeper connections with Thai people, put yourself in their shoes and understand what Thai life (and who you are) from their perspective. :) * Update: “Farang” originally comes from the Persian word to refer to the "Francs" (the Germanic people ruling most of Western Europe at the time. But I'm guessing that the first Westerners that the Thais met were the French traders or missionaries coming down from “Indochine”… ("farançais", with the nasal N that becomes "ng" in Thai) and the name stuck! :) ** yes, it’s true that Thais can’t make out what we’re saying - in Thai. The way Thai is taught at most schools or text books is wrong. You end up speaking in a singsongy “farang” dialect that is very difficult to make out. Anyone who is reading this, PLEASE learn to read first, then you should know exactly how to pronounce the words correctly. Avoid transliterations like it’s Kryptonite! And don’t think of the tones as musical: they’re not. Thai tones are the same as English tones, asking a question, expressing skepticism, being emphatic. Many tones in Thai are monotone, and these are the hardest for English speakers because we rarely speak in a monotone, so when we try to pronounce a “monotone” word, we instinctively inflect the sound and end up saying something completely different. (E.g. How much is pronounce “tao!” emphatically followed by “rai” said in a sad, monotonous voice. Because we’re asking a question, we would naturally say “taorai?” And that means “which turtle? LOLLLLL)
Very good. Fundamentally some who come to live in Thailand are unable to shed their ethnocentric views. I believe that if one goes to live in another country must learn the language as that is the medium a culture expresses itself and leads to understanding from that point of view. Those who say its too difficult or too hard are in my opinion just lazy. I learned Thai and have no special skill in language aquisition save for learning a second language before learning Thai. And I stiil lack the ability to speak like a native but am conversant Anything worthwhile doing takes effort and this endeavor pays huge dividends. Imagine moving to UK or USA and not learning English.
I agree with most of what you are saying, but as someone with Dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder & ADHD, I find languages difficult especially tonal languages, though I can still get by with the basics of Spanish after learning for 3 months in Guatemala in 1991, It’s just like a broken English version, but I mime pretty well. But understanding the language is definitely a key to the culture of a country and it’s people, I also find patience, manners and a smile goes a long way.
@@Sweetlyfe well linguists do say 80% of language communication is facial ques and body language Jacques. You are living proof that even as challenges you face are formidable with perseverance and the will to learn it can be done. I used to travel to Guatamala and have fond memories of it.
The "farang debate" has to be one of the dumbest non-issues ever! The first Irish pub where I got meet all of the angry old timers was The Dubliner in Washington square back in 96. Fun place but always taken with a grain of salt. Lucky for me I became friends with a lot of Thai engineers at the factory I was working at and they took me out to Thai areas and I got to enjoy hanging with normal well educated Thais and so my view of BKK/Thailand was not this myopic gogo bar filled world that a lot of the expats I worked with did live in. Lucky for me I started traveling to BKK before social media... the toxicity of it all would just make it unbearable.
Thank you so much because I plan to look for the same type of people or at least normal everyday people. I am not their for the working girls. I want to rain Muay Thai and live a normal life
It's the same all over the world. Bullshit information especially in bar's. If you're new you're listening to try to learn. After a while you know better. People who Bullshit talk louder than people who don't.
Pat, I used to ride those “samlars” (a tricycle that could carry 2 passengers , powered by human pedal power). Are those things still in service in Thailand? I don’t see them in Thai travel videos.
The taxi meter issue depends on where you are. In Bangkok, taxis are great and use meters. In Koh Samui or Phuket, taxi drivers have a fee that they have conspired to charge, which could be 5 times what you'd be charged in Bangkok, or even more.
@@BangkokPat I was once in a small town in Phuket. The cab drivers all sat around under an awning. A board listed fares. I asked if anyone would take me for 100 baht less and (to my surprise honestly) one of them did. 500 baht rather than 600 for a 20 min trip.
There is a telephone number in Thailand to report rip off taxi drivers. As I usually tip the good ones and use a hisband of my wifes froends taxi I dont pay the crazy fees to go from BKK to Korat with a huge amount of luggage snd goods. If you find a taxi driver you trust get a business card from him, most will accept you as a private, off the meter, customer.
Thanks for your awesome videos, Pat. You are really putting out some quality content. The hubby and I are enjoying them quite a bit. We are planning to retire to Thailand within a few years …have been visiting SEAsia annually over the last 12+ years, and are learning interesting aspects about this fabulous country from you, thank you!
Really good Pat, you are a natural storyteller. Alot of these stereotypes I hear 15 years ago "Thais think we are millionaires, taxis don't put the metre on, Thai girls are after your money" etc. If you go to a bar in Pattaya guys are still saying the same rubbish that was said 15 years ago.
When I was a navy seal I met a bunch of these liars. We often did exercises with the SAS (bunch of pansies.. absolutely useless) and I would always tell them that as both a doctor and a lawyer I was often forced to use my brain instead of violence which is why I created a billion dollar business that I sold before retiring at 31. If u r ever in Pattaya come have a drink with me on my yacht. It's being serviced after it's long run from Paris last week. Unfortunately I may need a temporary cash infusion as my Russian connections have temporarily frozen my accounts. I did sell my multi million dollar watch collection but had to use those funds to provide medicine for the Ukrainian people. Let's meet at Nana when you can. I love your videos.
Another great video, presented really well Pat, we look forwards to them so much here! I think you just may have to put 'the cat amongst the pigeons' a bit more and extend this whole genre, I'm sure there are so many more good Farang tales to tell! I've travelled Thailand alone, and I have mobility issues, so there can be little challenges along the way, but I ALWAYS feel very safe in Thailand, and the Thais have been nothing but helpful and respectful in my personal experience, and I've always been so very grateful for that, but then I'm along way from the bar-fly clientele. I have been saddened though by seeing a few Farangs talk to thai like slaves, and not even say please or thank you over the years, it costs nowt to be polite after all. Also, lol to men telling you negative stories about Thai men, did you ever hit them with the knowledge you were half Thai just to hear that moments awkward silence? I'm half Irish, and back in my younger years when people were being racist tk the irish, I used to drop it in, if I was really bored with the conversation direction and wanted a fast escape. You look well by the way, take care, keep up the great work.
Thanks Sarah, not everyone would agree to what I say here but if everything I said was perfect and agreeable to keep the harmony, what would be the point? I'm just relaying my experiences from the past. For example some people swear blind that Thai smiles are fake and that they are constantly conspired against, but that again goes to show they aren't meeting many people in the real world I think.
In fact, the Thai word 'farang' was borrowed from Muslim Persian and Indian traders during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). During that time this term referred to the Portuguese who were the first Europeans to visit Siam.
As an ex-expat, I always found the new arrivals to be the most annoying. You know, the 20-somethings on their first big trip who've gotten an EFL job and think they're experts on Thailand/Vietnam or wherever they've landed after 2 weeks. The older ones just get jaded at seeing people come and go and want to remain relevant by giving advice to anyone who'll listen.
You were a new arrival at one time😃. The newbies have to learn on there own as they will never seek advice. Some old timers are jaded. As you know, don’t hang out with guys who are still chasing bar girls
@@icedteagames I agree, but my main point was I found it extremely annoying getting schooled on Thailand, or Vietnam, or wherever else I was from a 2 week "expert"; some kid in his/her early 20s on their first trip. In a way, I envy them as one's first time abroad is as exciting as things can be. 🥃 Cheers.
For what it's worth I believe the term farang is the thai version of the French word Franc. 400 years ago, when the french officials met thai nobility, they introduced themselves as "Francs", (much of western europe was dominated by the "Francs" at that time). Thai people have difficulty pronouncing the word franc", they say "farang" instead. At least this is my understanding.😀 if you dont believe me, ask a thai person to say "franc".
You're correct. The word farang originated from the word "France" pronounced in French. They were not the first in Thailand but had a bit of a colourful story behind since we were the first in Asia that sent diplomatic envoy to France 400 years ago and they sent back French troops into Thailand with an evil intention. But that's the history.
Plain and simple Hey Flank you drink like a fish . So do you Falang . Song Leo kap . Or krap ????? CONFUSIUS he knows ???? But who cares ??? Write a book about it Mr Nobel !!!! A falang called Wanda
I've been in Bangkok for 3 months so far and all I can say is I have nothing but respect for Thai people, they have been nothing but warming and welcoming for me since I got off the plane.
I agree with 50% of what you said ................... the other 50% You are ONLY going on YOUR experiences. Its quite clear to see that your experiences will be very different to mine because you clearly look Asian. Its totally impossible for you to have a fully "farang" experience as you appear immediately different to any Thai that you meet!
You're absolutely correct Jim, those were my own experiences and from what I had seen, but I'm not selling it as the gospel truth. I then gave my views from experience on what had been sent to me via twitter when I asked for contributions. I'm half Thai but I was raised British and lived all my life in London. Thais assume I'm farang and always have done. Trust me I know what it's like.
About the fake smiles: I do think there is a grain of truth there, but in a different way. In Chinese and other Asian cultures a smile can simply mean a lot of things, not just an expression of joy or friendliness. For example, and Im sure this never happened to any of you, but you've had one too many and you are making a bit of an idiot out of yourself. A local might think its a good idea to just smile in order to save the situation, to prevent himself or even you to lose face, by trying very hard to look relaxed. Someone who doesnt understands this might think this is a "fake" smile, while its actually not fake at all but just the local being very uncomfortable with the situation.
The farangs I have met in Thailand are a sad lot. Many of them have political delusions and other mental aberrations that are just plain scary. I even had one fellow American try to extort me by threatening to take me to court for various, TRUE things I had said about Thailand. Truth is no defense in the Thai legal system. I ended up paying the relatively small amount of money he wanted because I knew he was crazy enough to get together with a slimy Thai lawyer and take me to court.
I work for a school here in Thailand and I do it for fun. It's my second year but I will probably quit soon cos they keep risking everyone getting covid and they r a bit bossy... But I do like it and I don't need the 1000 USD HOWEVER it did .. after a period time.. give me access to goverment insurance for life :)That I did need...
Great take on these “Exparts”. Generally when people make sweeping generalisations about something, it’s usually just 1 or 2 bad experiences they can’t get over and just conclude that that’s just how it works. As they say, don’t let other people’s bad experiences ruin your own. Great video mate and looking forward to that upload with Peter in it. 😎
or ........ sometimes the foreigner is speaking from hundreds of experiences and they know the truth. The best advice I can give is to take advice from foreigners who can actually speak the local language. They are very much more likely to know the real truth.
Generality is a shortcut from describing the bell (gaussian) curve of human behavior in a given culture, behavior will spread away from a cultural norm but outsiders might have misconceptions of that norm resulting in out of touch ideas of another culture
I wish this episode had been longer and more detailed about so many misconceptions about the Thais. If there is one thing I have learned I try to avoid most Thailand websites that give advice and have comment sections about Thailand and the Thais. I just get depressed and angry reading the comments. If I leave a comment I am considered a snowflake and Thai apologist. Maybe I am wrong but it sure seems the ex-pats and tourists that tend to have the most issues with the Thais made little or no effort to learn the basics of the Thai language and never left their comfort zones either the girly bars and or the tourist places. Many foreigners I see just look dodgy and I am very wary of being seen anywhere near them both young and old men and even women. Many seem to have a 24/7 scowl on their faces. I now rarely if ever make any effort to even say hello and or ask where they are from. If they ask for my help or I see a foreigner having a difficult time communicating with a Thai I might offer my help. Otherwise just had too many bad experiences with them. Have not seen a foreigner in over a week and the Thais I have encountered have been nothing but kind and curious. as they have always been.
The last time I went to help a backpacker couple who were asking directions from a bike taxii guy who couldn't speak english, I walked to them and asked if they needed directions. Bloke looks at me and accuses me and the bike taxi guy of being some kind of ''f**king double act'' to scam them. They'd obviously taken notice of the ''beware of friendly strangers'' advice in the Lonely Planet. I should have hung around and argued and I was very close to telling the bike taxi guy and his colleagues nearby that he'd actually said ''F**k Thailand'' but I'm not that kind of person.
@@BangkokPat Yea I have given up trying to help foreigners. If a Thai asks me for help to translate I will but I had to laugh I almost did the same myself more than a few times. Now when I see a foreigner with a guidebook I really pity them. I did warn a nice couple I met once to throw the LP in the trash I consider that book dangerous.
That's true but also many foreigners are very nice and interesting people, be careful not to get too bitter about your own race or you risk becoming as bad as the bad foreigners, the bad ones are easily spotted and avoided, never give up
@@BangkokPat yes pat but let's not discriminate against westerners either, I met some awful westerners and some great people who if I had avoided would have missed out and good friendships, I had similar experiences to the one you described too, life will surely pay them back for their manner
I came here to 'play' in '82. Came back with a vengeance in '86 Basically lived here ever since! We are not really wanted here, just smile and endure it! Don't lend money!
Farang's working in Thailand outside the bar scene will more likely come across a very different class of Thai than farang retirees/tourists hanging out at bars at Pattaya or Hua Hin. In fact tourist areas can attract the less likeable aspects of Thai society and this is where a lot of the farang negatively about Thailand can set in. I often hosted cocktail parties for farang and fluent English speaking Thai friends alike and what I noticed was a general pattern that while farang were often more generous with their mind and sharing ideas Thais were way more generous with sharing food and helping wash up afterwards.
I'm a bit confused about the disclaimer. This was a very "woke" video. No one who is woke would be offended by it. But I can easily see how the anti-woke crowd would be offended by it.
"Constant education" is a great description for what us fans get from your videos and vlogs. "Know it all" Farang "experts" can be boring and annoying, regrettably some are my friends! I look Thai, even though I'm not, so I get to observe much of what you are describing. Common sense seems to be a common theme from the earlier comments. I agree. Well done Pat, rock on!!👍
Enjoyed the video. What I learned (and pretty much suspected all along) - Thailand is pretty much like anywhere else in the world. Lots of good and bad. It pays to know how to tell them apart.
