Column – Farang, a walking bag of money in slippers
In Thailand, as a Western foreigner, you are not just a tourist, but a walking bag of money in flip-flops. Whether you are living off your last savings or trying to survive on a backpacking budget, the myth of the rich farang remains persistent. How did this stereotype come about and why does it still persist? Time to scratch off the gold leaf.
Integration of the Farang, Thai naturalization
As much as I try, the farang in me is hard to hide. But during my weeks in Udon Thani, I try my best to blend in and feel at home among the locals. Sometimes it works better than I thought and I discover how much fun there is in a Songthaew ride or a street stall.
Farang: very strange birds
We find the Thai, at times, but strange. Often there is no rope to tie and all logic for the way of acting by a Thai is missing. The same applies the other way around. Farang (westerners) are just strange birds. Rather rude, ill-mannered and clumsy. But also kind-hearted and a source of entertainment.
'The smile behind exciting Thailand' is the first book by Ger de Kok. Ger has, according to him, a good insight into the real Thailand. After visiting Thailand for many years, he decided to write down his opinion and his experiences with Thailand in this book.
We have all come across the word 'farang' in one context or another. We all know that in Thai it describes a European person. However, what is the origin and meaning of this term? It is a certain fact that the word is derived from 'Frank', a word originally referring to a German-speaking people in the region of present-day France.
A relationship with a Thai woman, heaven or hell?
Everyone who lives in Thailand knows them. The stories about the difficult relationship between a Thai and a farang. Sometimes it's just antisocial behavior, but Thai women often go very far during their relationship with a farang.
Why does a Thai woman choose a Western man?
Despite a language barrier and a huge cultural difference, some Thai women still choose a Western man. Why actually? Leaving aside the financial aspects, an interesting question remains. For example, the sense of responsibility of Western men appears to be an important reason. In this article I try to answer the question; “why choose a farang man?”, to answer.
Bitten from the dog or from the cat
In Thailand, as many know, people love dogs and cats. However, it is also known that these pets have very different characters.
Three kisses for the farang
Physical contact between an Isan and a farang is a rarity. Giving a hand yourself doesn't actually happen, even if you've known each other for years. I am of course talking about Isan women who have little or no contact with farangs.
Living like a Buddha in Thailand, conclusion
In this part I try to describe how other farangs experience Ubon. It becomes a somewhat negative image, but that is because what goes wrong automatically receives more attention than what goes right. Fortunately, the reality is a bit more positive than outlined here, but it at least gives an idea of what can go wrong. Also, there should not be a guilty party if something goes wrong because I have rarely heard two sides of the story, so there has been no adversarial hearing. And having a judgment ready quickly is never wise.
Siamese in print
We all know that Thais can be quite chauvinistic at times and often try to minimize Farang's influence on their culture out of a particularistic reflex. Yet they owe something to Farang. Take printing, for example.
The 69-year-old Willem from Scharendijke in Zeeland has been enjoying his retirement for some time. However, he is also single. To compensate for this, he visits Thailand three times a year. His family is not happy with his travels, because they know very well what he is doing there.
The 7-Eleven, the farang, the girl & the postman
No, dear readers, this is not the title of the latest Peter Greenaway film, but a piece taken from real life, an italic about the little things that can make me happy in my personal world.
Octave Fariola: Belgian mythomaniac freebooter, American war hero, Irish rebel and Siamese engineer
I don't have to tell you that a lot of Farang who somehow ended up in Thailand are colorful characters to say the least. One of the most imaginative was undoubtedly Octave Fariola, a Belgian globetrotter whose adventurous life almost resembles a picaresque novel.
Three short stories from Isan: Freckles (final)
Hans went with his wife to the market in Isaan and was grabbed by the arm by an old American. What was going on?
Are there any cafes, bars or other farang places in the Nam Pen area or Klaeng town?
My wife and I bought a house with a piece of land in Khao Chamao district. I'm going there next month. I know that the nature is very beautiful there but I wonder if in the region: Nam Pen or Klaeng city there are some cafes, sports bars or other places where farang come?
Thai women: beware of farangs! Don't buy a pig in a poke!
What advice do Thai women get if they want to deal with a farang man? How can they avoid disappointment? The 'practical guide to distinguishing frogs from princes' gives useful tips. The book recently fell from Tino's bookcase.
What farang men don't understand about Thai women
Farang men throw up unsavory characters, they only hang out with ugly women and they don't know how they are perceived by the average Thai. The Thai Jayson gives his unvarnished opinion on farang man-Thai woman relationships.
Are farangs welcome in Thailand?
Holidaymakers are of course welcome in Thailand and that is how most farangs will feel as such. But is the farang who resides permanently in Thailand welcome and more importantly, does he feel welcome? Of course – after 6 years in Thailand – I can only speak for myself and illustrate this with some examples.
After the Covid virus and the monkeypox virus, the nuil virus has broken out with us, no not the nile virus but the nuil virus! I'll explain.
The fairy tale of a barmaid (final)
Read the last part of the story of Nit, a young Thai woman from Isaan who takes a job in a bar in Pattaya to support her family and young daughter.
The fairy tale of a barmaid (part 2)
Read the story of Nit a young Thai woman from Isaan who takes a job in a bar in Pattaya to support her family and young daughter.