Foot Update
For those of you who were curious about my gimp status, I am mostly recovered. A few weeks ago I made a trip back to the hospital to get my stitches removed and… Continue reading
Tag Archive: foreigner
Transportation Tips: MRT (Underground)
The MRT – a more air-conditioned, modern version of the BTS – is also a great way to avoid the rush-hour traffic. MRT Tips: You can buy MRT tickets (they are actually black… Continue reading
My brief intro to the Thai language.
There’s a million websites that claim to be able to teach you a new language. I’ve tried to utilize these resources, but as always, immersion and in-person teachers are the tride-and-true way to… Continue reading
When you’re here, you’re family.
Sorry, I’m in advertising. I couldn’t resist! From the moment I arrived at the airport, virtually every Thai I have met has treated me like family! Immediately my host’s mom insisted that I… Continue reading
Thais and English
In Thailand, everybody gets a basic education in English, so they all theoretically understand atleast a little bit. In my experience, Thais are excited about learning the English language, and love practicing on you, assuming they can work up the courage. This is especially the case with the younger generations.
For example, while shopping at a Floating Market, we were stopped several times by students wanting to ask us questions in English (probably for a class assignment).
Just as they are excited about learning English, they also LOVE when a “farang” tries to learn/speak Thai. You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and you’ll get much farther in all situations with terrible Thai rather than impeccable English.
“Farang”
A good word to know, though it has to meanings. The word “farang” (the “r” is pronounced kind of like the “r” in the Spanish word “cara) can mean either guava – a delicious fruit you can find at many street carts. The fruit merchants sell all kinds of Thai fruit, cut up into bite-sized pieces and served with a stick so you can eat while walking! (Usually you’ll find watermelon, cantaloupe, mango (young and ripe), and guava (young, or ripe and soaked in plum juice!). One fruit will cost you no more than 20 baht (less than a dollar).
On the other hand, “farang” also means “foreigner!” As my Thai friends tell me, it used to be more of a derogatory term (think “stinky old man”) but now is just a general term used to refer to foreigners, especially white people like me! Knowing this word suprises Thais, and you can especially distinguish it when they’re talking, thus knowing when they’re talking about you! haha
My approach? Embrace it. My Thai friends thought it was hilarious when I pointed to the guava and said “farang, like me!” They love to laugh.