How to tell if you're still a farang

COMMENTARY

How to tell if you're still a farang

Published: 28 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

As a Thai who has spent some time abroad I consider myself able to evaluate whether a farang, (I use this term endearingly) has been properly assimilated into Thai society.

So I thought it might be useful to my many farang friends and readers to devise a simple test to help guide farang who may be wondering whether they have indeed successfully made the seamless transition into becoming a Thai.

Here is my simple test.

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egon
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Discussion 18 : 28 Nov 2012 at 09.5818
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You are a farang as long as thai call you a farang.Thank you Klauss.
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noync1005
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Discussion 17 : 28 Nov 2012 at 09.4517
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Nice opinions and funny too.
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Beenaround
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Discussion 16 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.4416
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And if you are meeting a Thai politician - pick a number between 10 and 2. Late by 10 minutes or up to 2 hours!
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Rex

Discussion 15 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.2315
And you are definitely still a farang if the flesh on your rear end is scolded in the hotel shower when trying to adjust the water temperature. Only a farang would expect the hot and cold outlets to be consistent across the nation ( or even the same hotel ) let alone tap direction and coding depicting hot and cold. I am getting used to having medium rare buttocks. Will I be an ex farang when I can cope with well done?
from iPhone application.
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TexasBruce
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Discussion 14 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.2214
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Somehow this rings so true.... somewhat like knowing women. Just when you think you have it figured out they change the rules. Not like we really ever had it figured out in the first place. I think no matter how long you have lived in the country, how well you speak Thai, how many Thai friends and family you have, and how well you think you understand, you will frequently find some big a-ha, some big secret, make some huge language or speaking mistake, that will definitely demonstrate once a farang always a farang.
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whathe
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Discussion 13 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.1713
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You know you are still a farang when
You still get upset at some of the driving techniques:
Eg keeping in the right lane driving slowly just because a you plan to turn right/ u turn 15 kms up the road. b. the left lane is a bit potholed, c. you dont care.
You still marvel at some of the loads people put on their vehicles eg full thai/balinese style hardwood hut sitting in the back of a pickup doing 140 kms...... with 2 people sitting in the seats of the hut unrestrained.
At least in BKK people just let you in when you have to u turn...
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 12 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.0912
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I failed the test.., but glad I did. Happy to be and remain a Farang. With a capital F, because I'm proud of it as a distinction to thai...with minor t.
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pjt
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Discussion 11 : 28 Nov 2012 at 08.0111
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D1@ringmaster - the key to the punctuality problem is to have something to do in the meantime. I have a set of Thai words I am learning (so can order something other than chichen rice) which fills those moments when things do not start on time etc. Oh dear - must still be a farang as I have found a sensible solution to an obvious problem plus obviously still not mastered the unique ability to do nothing for a long period of time whilst waiting for something to happen
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commonman
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Discussion 10 : 28 Nov 2012 at 07.5810
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You're a farang if you believe Thailand is, or someday will be, a democracy run by honest, respectable people who have the best interests of the country and its people at heart.
You're a farang if you think the purpose of Thai government schools is to educate young Thais.
You're a farang if you can go a whole day without eating any chilis.
yada, yada, yada
Thanks for a fun commentary.
Now, how about you're a Thai if ................
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rex

Discussion 9 : 28 Nov 2012 at 07.419
Are you still a farang if you you say "Fah-Rang" as in the phone rang? Are you still a farang if 1. You still wonder why any one would design and accept power outlets like the two pronged drop out system unique to Thailand? 2. Marvel at construction techniques that make do instead of making properly? 3. Feel a pinch in the gut when you see a child sleeping in rags in the street? I guess there is no hope for me. And after 10 years, I still point at the menu to order an egg.
from iPhone application.
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