Farang Zones in Thailand
You know I used to say that I love Thailand but I've come to realize that I don't just love Thailand but I love where I live. You might live in Thailand but you live in say Phuket, well there you'll get a whole different experience to what I get in Chiang Mai. You've got the beaches, I've got the mountains and we both say we love Thailand but it's more about where you live anywhere.
I can see why some people love Bangkok and others Pattaya and for some of us Chiang Mai or Phuket. We all love Thailand but we love where we live as well and if you were taken out of those places would you love Thailand as much? If you love the beach and you live in Khon Kaen you're going hate it! And that's my point we love the places we live, but Thailand has many diversities between each zone that we occupy we can't all be loving the same things.
Thailand is separated ethnically, regionally, culturally into 4 separate regions of the country. The north, Isaan (North East), Central, and Southern regions. But that's for the Thai's! To an extent Farang can only associate to these regions because that's how our surroundings look in the "Thai World". But am I the only one who feels that there is still a bubble of logic that surrounds my body that prevents the "Thai" to get in?
We Farang set up our "Fun Factories" and crowd into areas of Thailand that we make our own it reminds me of how China towns are setup back in our own countries, is that something we've copied from them or they've copied from us? We don't live in four regions of Thailand we live in our own zones, places where the Farang Love to live and live in great numbers.
The Seven Zones that Farang have made
1. Bangkok
2. Phuket
3. Chiang Mai
4. Pattaya
5. Udon Thani
6. Khon Kaen
7. Korat
It's no coincidence that the zones are also some of the biggest cities in Thailand either. Thailand is still the rice bowl of SEA and agriculture and the farm life really doesn't appeal to Farang most of whom have never even lived or even been on a farm before. Sure guys live in the jungle or in rice fields but you are still going to live in one of these places first and for people who don't know Thailand you'll refer to these places in relation to where you live making it the center of the "Farang Zone".
Surprisingly is the number of Farang Zones in the Isaan region due to migrations from the bars and brothels of Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya the girls always seem to bring them back. But then again if I was a 50y/o with the money I’d probably want to buy myself a nice 20y/o something I can understand that too. And I think that's makes the different zones unique as well is the kind of guy that goes to them.
Phuket is for the tourists, beach bums, and guys who like the outdoors sun and surf, it's owned by the Farang which is probably why it's so popular, Bangkok is for those who want to live here work or do business, Pattaya is the life for sex addicts and Chiang Mai is for those who just want to chill. Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Korat is good for those who love the family life and probably have a more stable life then the rest of the zones, that is till she sells the house without you knowing.
While we live in these zones we can’t own land in Thailand, people are setting up dummy businesses to get around the law which is prohibitive and scary for some of us. We can own condos but only in approved buildings. If a Farang could buy the land build condos and then tell all of them to Farang it would be a better proposition and I’m sure we’d end up with a quality product one that more people would want to invest in.
That’s exactly why the government doesn’t want to do it, they don’t really want us living here, they want us to travel here spend our money and go, they don’t want us making money here some sort of protectionism. What I think they don’t understand though is Farang go to these zones because that’s where the Farang have setup the businesses that allow tourism to grow here. The more Farang living here will increase the number of tourists.
Do I want more tourists here? Well not too bothered actually but more Farang living in Thailand yes, because the more Farang come to live here the more Farang owned “Fun Factories” are built making life here just that little more exciting.
“that is till she sells the house without you knowing”
funny 😀
Get an attorney to tell you what’s up and get a proper contract before buying any land/condo/house.
And Chis, what is Pattaya good for? Heehee!
Actually, condos! They are building them like crazy, and you can get one with a sea view for about B1.3M. I suspect Pattaya will change a lot in the next decade. There is lots of sea front land, and its not far from the Airport, (and BKK) if you like to come and go. I enjoyed the more peaceful life in Chiang Mai, however.
One other nice thing about Pattaya, is you can buy beer at the store almost anytime. (not on election day) It was highly irritating to try to buy beer at Tesco in CM at 4pm, and told “no, you have to wait until 5pm”! And its the same in Bangkok, you need to wear a watch to know when you can buy beer! And btw, the coolest “resturaunt” in CM is PJs 24 Hour, soi 1, Loi Kroh Rd. You can buy a tasty microwaved meat pie 24 hours! I told the owner (forgot his name) if I used his idea, I’d cut him a check! I figured it out when I was wondering why he charged B61 for large SingHa. (Its a resturaunt)
Pattaya is” the life for sex addicts”????You are very restrictive!
I have been spending winter months in Pattaya for more than 30 years and I enjoy swimming,walking,good eating,fun,meeting very nice people…all these little things that make people happy!
If you were a sex addict would you want to live in say Fang Chiang Mai, doubt it, you’d want to be in Pattaya that’s just my point not saying you have to be an addict,criminal,degenerate to live in Pattaya, Pattaya is a great place for business people too.
My own opinion is that if I was a sex addict, I would have stayed in Sukhamvit. I thought I was in candyland! Most of the bar girls here couldn’t get a job there, they probably come to Pattaya when they are washed up. The good looking ones I see here don’t work in bars, they walk around with phones. But this city is being cleaned up, as much as it can be. 😉
You forgot #8 Koh Samui
Farang is a racist word. It is doubly racist when we are referred to as ‘the farang’ as if we all behave and are the same.
It is exactly the same as using the word Paki to describe people of South Asian origin which is offensive due to the pathological hatred that Indians have for Pakistanis.
I used to think like that but it’s now changed.I don’t think it is racist at all, the word Farang isn’t born out of hatred nor when it’s spoken it’s if anything looked up to with a kind of respect.
I often walk thru Thai areas and here “farang” , not as a racist thing but as a discription , or maybe its a warning that something / someone escaped from the Zoo 🙂
lmao
I totally disagree.
“Hey you farang” is very disrespectful. They address each other as “Khun” out of respect, while they address us as “Hey farang.” They don’t think of us as equal human beings, and that is painfully obvious by how they address us.
If they had any respect at all, they would also address us as “Khun” or “Mr / Mrs.”
Again… xenophobia. They will never allow themselves to have any respect for anyone who is not Thai, even though those leading the country all studied abroad at farang schools, and the Thais are fascinated with foreign movies, music, and fashion. Irony.
I disagree. If you come here with your pants half down and drunk out of your mind, you will get that. Act halfway sane, treat them with respect, and it will be returned.
Most times unknown girls will call you mister, not “Hey Farang”.
Sorry but you are wrong. Despite it not spoiling the place to live, Thailand is racist. As I stated before referring to us as the Farang is doubly racist. Because of the colour of my skin I have the same characteristics as a Frenchman or a German???????
Thais are racist. Not purely Nationalistic but racist.
Here are some signs in MBK and Sukhumvit taken last month
http://twitpic.com/9v7s1f
http://twitpic.com/9v972t
We are charged extra, treated differently and assumptions are made about us based on the colour of our skin.
My wife is Indonesian and as such looks like Thais. No extra charges, no issues with staff, no assumptions about her behaviour all because she looks like a Thai.
I can list dozens of examples both with poor uneducated people and intelligent people. Thai society is bigoted.
Look how dark skinned Thais are treated and indeed how they speak to taller white skinned Thais?
Political Correctness makes it appear that only white Chrstian hetero males can be racist when in reality we are perhaps the only group that is not bigoted.
I would agree with you however that in many cases Farang is not meant insultingly but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a racial slur.
I’m debating whether or not the word farang is racist not wether Thailand is racist that’s a different story.
Yes Chris as am I. The word is open to interpretation so the racist nature of the speakers is highly relevant.
We’ll have to agree to disagree.
It’s called XENOPHOBIA.
They fear everything about us and refuse to believe we can add anything positive to the country. They fear a Thai may lose a job to a farang, yet they have no problems themselves hiring Burmese and Lao workers that will cost a lot of Thais a job. They fear us owning land because we will buy it all. Yet it would be Thai people who have to sell it in the first place. Shouldn’t that be the choice of the land owner and not the government? Thais can buy land in my country, why can’t I buy land in theirs? Xenophobia, that’s why.
If farang were aloud to properly develop land, housing communities, and use farang workers to make it, it would be a dream come true. I don’t know if any of you have tried to build a house here, but it’s horror story after horror story, yet we have to use Thai workers to build it. And if the Thais catch you hiring Burmese workers, they call the police. But they will hire them.
The simply don’t want us here other than to take our tour dollars, and in many cases double charge or scam us. We are “farang” to them, nothing more. Many Thais think of farang as stupid buffalo. Yet I will proudly note that these stupid buffalos just sent a land rover to Mars, while the Thais can’t figure out how to keep my internet on when it rains, or figure out 3G. So who’s the real buffalo?
If Thai men were loaded with cash, came to your country, got really drunk, and srcewed most of your women, how would you feel? They have a right to their pride.
And as far as racists go, look at a statistical bell curve. Every society has their racists, and I’m not sure any race has any more than any other. We have plenty of black racists in the USA for example. Just know that, and try not to be one yourself, because its really stupid.
Also, I think Thais have restrictions on foriegners owning property, because it would all be bought up by now! At least all the oceanfront property. There are plenty of farangs who own lots of property and businesses here. Look at Tony in Pattaya. He buys and sells bars, who knows how many he owns, along with fitness clubs and hotels. It takes $$$ and the right attitude. And I understand some Englishman has most of the Bar market in Chiang Mai. (I think I almost fought him on my wedding night! Not sure. :)) Those are the ones who have it locked up. You will have to buy from them, if you want bars. As far as a house, talk to an attorney. Money talks, bullshit walks.
Errr Tony is Thai.
Is he pure Thai? He looks like one of those 1/2- 1/2 types and speaks English with an Italian accent. Maybe that’s the ticket, have a Thai son!
Errr no Brian hes 100% Thai, the Italian accent may be a new variation on making you an offer you cant refuse 🙂
For the most part B.S…..
Tony ( Mr. Surapol Sanguanchartisorakrai ) was born in Bangkok, Thailand. Tony’s Father, General Lak Sanguanchartisorakrai was a Thai military officer and while growing up, Tony traveled widely with his family. In his teens, he played music with one of the most popular bands in Thailand, The Dynamics. Then, upon finishing high school, his parents sent him to the U.S.A for a college education. While in the U.S.A.
Tony spent nearly 20 years traveling and performing as the leader of a show band called “Tony and Friends”. Tony and the band toured
all over America. He eventually settled down in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he opened a very successful nightclub named after his band, “Tony and Friends”. It was a popular spot for both locals and tourists for more than six years. In 1998 an opportunity presented itself for Tony to return to his home, Thailand.
Anyone who thinks any of his businesses are successful have to take a closer look. 🙂 but Brian Don’t take my word for it, you sound like a stuntman, hes very flexible to affable persons like yourself 🙂
Curious how do you know so much about Tony?
Simple really. I’ve lived here on and off (on mostly since 1996.
He normally rises AGAIN from the ashes with a considerable donation to a charity????, that is kindly endorsed by the Pattaya People Newspaper, published by that well respected Danish gangster Niels Colov.
Is “farang” racist? No. However, it ain’t pretty. What does it translate to? Foreigner or outsider, right? So if someone is using this word, they are setting up walls, they are setting up barriers, even if they don’t mean it, and if they say it enough, those barriers will become as real as can be. Language is extremely powerful.
While in the States, I used to hang out with my girlfriend’s Thai group. They a lot them call Americans residing in AMERICA “farang.” Does that seem right to you? That is disrespectful on so many levels. Whenever I hear that, I always say that, “This is America, and you are the farang.” The first time I said that, I felt guilty, and now I really don’t care. The funny thing is that when I say this, whoever I say it to gets upset, but they have no argument… coherent or otherwise.
I know a few Thai ladies who want to become American but they still refer to Americans – and I’m talking about people born in the US here, not about skin colour or ethnicity – as farang. WTF? I told this one particular lady, “Even if you get your citizenship, as long as you use the word ‘farang’ you will never be American because you totally misunderstand one of the greatest things about the States.”
Thailand could be one of the greatest models for multiculturalism in the world if not for the barrier of farang and the mindset that comes with it.
Farang is evolved from a french word, the French were the first western culture to arrive in Thailand. Farang means non-asian westerner, they had seen many asian cultures before, and they call them what their names are. To call a frenchman a farang is doing the same thing. The best meaning is “caucasian”.
Any non-asian not from Thailand is a farang. (From Africa, they are negroes) Its like us calling them Asians. Is that racist? The bad part comes from so many drunk, disrepsectful, sex-crazed “farang” who come here! Are you one of those? Then you got it coming! Disrespect works two ways.
They get upset and say nothing, because you don’t understand, and they can’t explain it to you. And i think my wife will make a fine American, and she can call me “farang” all she wants. I think its cute! Mai pen rai, pal!
My name is Brian, oops! As far as multiculturalism goes, I think Pattaya will be a wold-class multi-cultural city in the future. Its growing so fast from a small city, and its being built 1/2 thai, 1/2 foriegners. The sailing is excellent. Too bad there are no sailfish like off Baja California. Not sure what they have out there. The snorkeling at the beautiful Islands is only fair, a few too many of those sea porkupines, or whatever they are called. But Phuket is nearby.
Brian, Thailand may be multi National but certainly will never be multicultural. Multicultural means that my rights as an immigrant are valued as much as the host nation. This is not the case here. We have no rights.
You are also totallly incorrect as to the origin of the world Farang. It doesn’t come from a French word but rather PERHAPS comes from Farangsit which is the Thai word for French. To refer to all white people as the same puts Americans and French in the same boat. Hardly true in anyway and totally racist to do so.
Try calling and Indian a Bangla or Paki and see how they react.
You are lost! Don’t try to tell me what words mean!
mul·ti·cul·tur·al
[muhl-tee-kuhl-cher-uhl, muhl-tahy-] Show IPA
adjective
of, pertaining to, or representing several different cultures or cultural elements: a multicultural society.
It doesn’t say everyone is treated the same! California is multi cultural, but do you think the chinese or the italians or the mexicans get treated the same?! Bullshit!
And I’m totally incorrect, but perhaps I’m not? What are you smoking?
You have no rights? Go ask your Embassy if “you have no rights”! Bullshit!
“Farang” only “totally racist” in your angry head!
And how do you think the Sikhs in Wisconson are feeling right now after some “hate-rocker” shot up their church and killed 6 of them becuase he thought they were muslims?! Is the USA “multi-cultural”???
If you don’t like it here, go home! Please!! You are a idiot!
Brian said:
adjective
of, pertaining to, or representing several different cultures or cultural elements: a multicultural society.
It doesn’t say everyone is treated the same! California is multi cultural, but do you think the chinese or the italians or the mexicans get treated the same?! Bullshit!
***
Okay, you answered my question – you DON’T understand what multiculturalism is. Each culture is represented, as the dictionary states, meaning that it has the freedom and power to flourish as it should within a particular nation. This implies that it has equal representation under the law, which in the case of the US is true.
By the way, the USA has a “melting pot” system, not a “multicultural” system.
hehehehe… I can see someone claiming that Mexicans don’t get a fair shake under Californian law, but why would you bring up Italians? You been watching too many 1970 mob movies or something?
Brian, the only person who is angry here is you. I have stated facts backed up with pictures.
Asking about Sikhism and what I maybe smoking is hardly relevant and really doesn’t make your ‘fellings’ turn into rational arguments.
Yes the USA is multicultural, Thailand is not.
We have zero rights here or what court would you like to use??? Have you read about the torture and recent deaths in Thai custody of foreigners???
I also stated clearly in my first posting that despite the racism it doesn’t spoil me enjoyment here.
Your rantings and insults rather than calm balanced arguments actually prove who the idiot is sir.
Perhaps you should get back to watching Fox? Fair and Balanced…..just like Brian! NOT.
You call people “totally racist” when they are not, and Claim NOT to be angry, Daniel Webster? Sorry pal, you don’t have all the answers. You have not stated ANY facts! Ex: “You have no rights in Thailand”! Just because you can type words doesn’t mean they are true!
I meant to say Irish about CA, but the Itialians suffered badly in the 1930s in NYC.
Brian,
So pretty much you think the word “farang” is reserved for whites, and that non-Thai asians aren’t called “farang”? And you think blacks aren’t called “farang”? 🙂 Wow. Your wife doesn’t let you out much, huh?
Go around for a day, and ask every Thai you meet, “Where in China are you from? Oh, you’re not from China? Well, it doesn’t matter. You’re pretty much Chinese anyway. The Chinese influence is everywhere.. strong culture, strong economy, good food. China’s a powerful and respected Asian country, so you shouldn’t take this the wrong way. Actually, you should be flattered. Good job in the Olympics, by the way. You almost beat the US.” What kind of reaction do you think you’ll get?
I wonder if you even understand why people in typical multicultural or melting pot nations don’t usually call non-natives “foreigners”.
“”They get upset and say nothing, because you don’t understand, and they can’t explain it to you.””
Thank you for proving my point. You are apparently defending the use of “farang,” but you have no argument at all. If the best you have is “You can’t understand,” and “They can’t explain it,” you have less than nothing.
“”And i think my wife will make a fine American, and she can call me “farang” all she wants. I think its cute! Mai pen rai, pal!””
Good for you. I have no doubt you believe your wife will make a fine American, and anything else she tells you to believe.
I’m sorry you are so bitter about being called a “farang” Bob.
My wife says King Rama IV told the Thai people to call people with different hair “farang”, back in the early 1800s. Its the same as caucasian! The blacks, from America too, are called “negroes”. The people from India are called “Indians”.
And fuck you for calling my wife a liar. The only thing you “proved” is you have no class.
On a lighter note, the Italians were actually sold part ownership in the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC in the 1920s and 30s when so many came. That is where the phrase “If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you” came from. After all that, they brought their friends from Sicily, and instituted their own form of “justice”. The rest, as they say, is history.
Im a nigger with red hair, would you call me a farang?
most call me a black ginger!
Thai’s would just call you Africa bro.
Hi guys.
After reading all of your comments I feel obligated to leave some of my thoughts..
I am at age of 61 now. I spent half of my life in Poland then I ran to western country as Australia being just 28 …
I still remember how I was called in Australia as emigrant …
Many things have changed over the years over there for better but do you think I am 100% treated over there as Australian ???…
Only law is really defending my rights there…
Now I am facing another emigration to Thailand because I became alone and facing disgraceful times coming as pensioner who can not afford to have peaceful end having pension I can not afford to survive alone in Australia.
This was my beloved country and now this country just f..ng me after whole my life paying taxes..?? not giving me even chance to use this miserable pension money over here in Thailand…
Hey. Lucky we ! we have still Thailand to go ..OK
Yes …some of you said…” what good we showed about us over here”
Can we blame them here???
What if we will face different scenario.. and they allow us to do the same shit we allow to happened in our countries.
My original country allowed to sell land to everyone with money….and now what?
I can not even return there because i can not really afford to live over there from my Australian pension…
Do not forget who own land in Australia now ..OK.
Is any good for Australians now??? really good?
My friend “Kiwi” can not rent a house in Australia because his application is always on the bottom of others even he can afford expensive rent ???
He has good record but treated as some bad once from his country…
Please do not complain on Thailand and its people.
If you did not experience poverty you do not know how you could treat people like we our self .
Do not forget that in times when i came to Australia not everyone was calling me bad names….only poor people and not very much educated..
What do you want from this Thai people.???
We can not find perfect world this days and never was or will be.!!!
Be happy that God or who knows Buddha created this country and we at least can have some place to stay and enjoy life.
I know that fighting for human rights is right thing but honestly …this days is only a dream to have decent life in this world.
Just be good to people …and I believe you find a group another good once…
I am very happy to find this website …
Do you know WHY??
Because I do not feel alone like I feel in Australia.
Have good day guys… DO NOT BE SO “cocky”
LIFE IS SHORT…
Hi Again
Just forgot…
Lets prey that nothing here will change for worst for us too..
Otherwise .. where we will go next??
OK.
I know …moon is not occupied yet..
Cheers