There are obviously lots of farangs in Hua Hin. Lots are buying property, as has been discussed in other threads, with the usual boom-time implications on prices for locals etc. Lots of farang also run businesses, sometimes employing local people and other times simply fronting a need or desire to stay in Thailand. Thailand has a reputation for being extremely welcoming and tolerant of foreigners but once the farang has had enough experience for the rose-tinted glasses to have fallen off it can seem that maybe the place does not perhaps embrace our presence as much as we thought when we first got hooked with the place.
As a UK resident and sometime visitor to Hua Hin, I am interested to know whether the ex-pats living in the town think that the phenomenon of so called 'farang fatigue' amongst the Thais is at all tangible in Hua Hin and how it manifests itself.
Now that there are Thai people posting on the board, their insight on any resentment or envy towards foreign investors would also be interesting to read.
Any experiences or opinions?
'Farang Fatigue'
Familiarity breeds contempt???
It sometimes seems as though many thais would expect us to come and stay for only two or three weeks, spend as much money on the various tourism pursuits then leave again only to return every six or so months. I think a ruthless way of them looking at it a short timer tourist spends more for the time he stays than a wiser, more careful semi-expat/expat.
The reasoning for my view is this:
Whenever I am asked how long I am staying in Thailand by a thai resident and I tell them three months or so the reaction is often a pause followed by bemusement and a touch of unease. Of course some are interested and ask interesting questions, but the general feel of it seems to suggest they tolerate us only so far.
Thais are fiercly independant and may deem all the falangs entering the country in greater and greater numbers who stay long term at best a nusiance and at worst over-populating/threatening to the thai blood-line? This is a little extreme I know but history has shown this to occur.
Now that falangs have become firmly established to varying extents the 'novelty' factor of us being here is wearing a little thin.
These are my views of course but has anyone had direct feedback on this from the thais on this?
They can surely put the record straight so to speak? Hopefully without either falang or Thai loss of face.
The reasoning for my view is this:
Whenever I am asked how long I am staying in Thailand by a thai resident and I tell them three months or so the reaction is often a pause followed by bemusement and a touch of unease. Of course some are interested and ask interesting questions, but the general feel of it seems to suggest they tolerate us only so far.
Thais are fiercly independant and may deem all the falangs entering the country in greater and greater numbers who stay long term at best a nusiance and at worst over-populating/threatening to the thai blood-line? This is a little extreme I know but history has shown this to occur.
Now that falangs have become firmly established to varying extents the 'novelty' factor of us being here is wearing a little thin.
These are my views of course but has anyone had direct feedback on this from the thais on this?
They can surely put the record straight so to speak? Hopefully without either falang or Thai loss of face.
One of the most interesting posts I've seen on this forum Jaime...nice one.
Was discussing this very subject tonight with a guy who has several mates based in LOS, mostly in Pattaya but elsewhere.
Don't live in Thailand but I have observations....very interested to hear the expats take on the subject.
Was discussing this very subject tonight with a guy who has several mates based in LOS, mostly in Pattaya but elsewhere.
Don't live in Thailand but I have observations....very interested to hear the expats take on the subject.
Never trust a hippy....
Heebio, what were the comments from those living in Pattaya? If they feel the same as I do, the atmosphere of friendliness has decreased each and every year since 1993 per my observations. Friendliness has been replaced with tolerance only. Enterprise and achieving as much wealth as possible, as quickly as possible drives everything there. Perhaps in years to come, Pattaya and a few other places will become a walled city where the government is most happy to deposit farangs and forget about them. Pattaya is not Thailand and perhaps the same can be said for Phuket and Koh Samui as well. Pete
I've been coming to Thailand and particularly HH, since 1989. Been living here since 1998.
Sure things and attitudes towards farangs have changed and not always for the better.
My overall feelings are that if the country is doing well financally, then there's a very lassez-faire attitude towards us. However, if things are not going too well (and let's face it the country's been mismanaged for ages) then there's a growing sense of hostility towards us.
It's the scapegoat syndrome that has been around all over the world for thousands of years and isn't about to disappear here in the foreseeable future.
That's my opinion. I try not to let it bother me too much. If you do, you won't last here.
Sure things and attitudes towards farangs have changed and not always for the better.
My overall feelings are that if the country is doing well financally, then there's a very lassez-faire attitude towards us. However, if things are not going too well (and let's face it the country's been mismanaged for ages) then there's a growing sense of hostility towards us.
It's the scapegoat syndrome that has been around all over the world for thousands of years and isn't about to disappear here in the foreseeable future.
That's my opinion. I try not to let it bother me too much. If you do, you won't last here.
This is an interesting thread. In the years that I have lived here I have witnessed a lot of development, from new housing estates, hotels, restaurants and bars going up. While there is quite often foreign investment behind these projects there are always Thai people making money too, if business is good for them, they are happy with us.
By looking at the cost of housing (both purchase and rental) and how much its increasing, local Thai property owners can only be happy with the tide of wealthy foreigners that is washing into Hua Hin. The simple premise that they cannot distinguish between a long term resident and a two week tourist proves this.
However as said above when things are going bad for them or business has been taken from them by a foreigner you will quickly see a nasty, vindictive side to them.
By looking at the cost of housing (both purchase and rental) and how much its increasing, local Thai property owners can only be happy with the tide of wealthy foreigners that is washing into Hua Hin. The simple premise that they cannot distinguish between a long term resident and a two week tourist proves this.
However as said above when things are going bad for them or business has been taken from them by a foreigner you will quickly see a nasty, vindictive side to them.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Pete, the guy I was speaking to has only been over on holiday a couple of times and was giving me his impressions based on what his mates have told him - he didn't mention anything specific about Pattaya. What he did have to say was not too positive though.
I like Pattaya, but I know there's a lot of f*cked up guys over there. Got the impression a couple of his mates fell into this category. Trying to live the dream, without the means, when they should get themselves back home for a reality check.
I do agree with nearly everything that has been said in this thread however, especially Lomuamart's comment about not thinking about it too much.
I think there's a bit more to it though. Can't put my finger on it but I thinks it's cultural - just a feeling I get. Thai's are proud but does that go as far as arrogant and some would even say, xenophobic?
Nigerians in Bangkok are "filthy animals" - direct quote from a BKK taxi driver. And I've seen how well to do Thai families (and I'm not just talking about the Bangkok elite) look down on farangs - my mate has a wee boy but the family won't let him anywhere near him and forbid his ex girlfriend from seeing him. They don't know anything about him - all they know is, he's farang.
These are just a couple of observations. I don't completely buy it, but I've been told on more than one occasion how "they hate us". Bit of a wide sweeping generalisation, and not a little paranoid, but you do wonder sometimes.
We've all heard the stories, seen first hand the rip offs. If you know the score and accept that's how it is sometimes....just get on with it and enjoy everything this wonderful country has to offer.
I think as previous posts have suggested that it comes down to money. If they need you (tourist cash, business investment, specialist expertise) they'll tolerate you.
If you don't have what they need....well I ain't thinking about that.
I like Pattaya, but I know there's a lot of f*cked up guys over there. Got the impression a couple of his mates fell into this category. Trying to live the dream, without the means, when they should get themselves back home for a reality check.
I do agree with nearly everything that has been said in this thread however, especially Lomuamart's comment about not thinking about it too much.
I think there's a bit more to it though. Can't put my finger on it but I thinks it's cultural - just a feeling I get. Thai's are proud but does that go as far as arrogant and some would even say, xenophobic?
Nigerians in Bangkok are "filthy animals" - direct quote from a BKK taxi driver. And I've seen how well to do Thai families (and I'm not just talking about the Bangkok elite) look down on farangs - my mate has a wee boy but the family won't let him anywhere near him and forbid his ex girlfriend from seeing him. They don't know anything about him - all they know is, he's farang.
These are just a couple of observations. I don't completely buy it, but I've been told on more than one occasion how "they hate us". Bit of a wide sweeping generalisation, and not a little paranoid, but you do wonder sometimes.
We've all heard the stories, seen first hand the rip offs. If you know the score and accept that's how it is sometimes....just get on with it and enjoy everything this wonderful country has to offer.
I think as previous posts have suggested that it comes down to money. If they need you (tourist cash, business investment, specialist expertise) they'll tolerate you.
If you don't have what they need....well I ain't thinking about that.
Never trust a hippy....
I think many are xenophobic, including most of the government past and present. This is why the legislation to allow farangs 1 rai for residential purposes has been stalled for so many years. They are scared their entire country will be bought up. I think it is important to remember also that the term "farang" does not apply to Asian foreigners, only us white and black people. This tells a big story in itself. I've often had the conversation that anyone without pure Thai heritage should be called farang with reactions of laughter, shock and anger. I can say from experience though that if you fall in with a good Thai family and friends and give them time to see the real stuff you are made of (and it's good) they will embrace you like no other except perhaps for your own original family. It's not because of money either but real sincerity. I've been told more than once that "we'll take care of you whenever needed, you're family." That's enough for me, I don't need the respect of the entire Thai nation, just some. Pete
Totally agree Pete. The Thai's I know well are genuine diamonds and can't do enough for you...my brother and sister in law are two of the nicest people I've ever had the good fortune to meet.
Had a very short term cash flow problem a couple of years ago - I'll never forget how some of the girls in Romantic bar took me out, bought me a few beers and some dinner. I'd always treated them like good friends and they came up trumps when I needed it. And to think some of the abuse some idiots hand out to bar girls.
Do you think the less contact Thai's have with farangs the more genuine they're likely to be? Not got a lot of experience up country but an old friend of mine in Cha Am used to tell the story of how he'd visit the girlfriend's home village once or twice a year and how he was always dumbstruck by the hospitality and sheer friendliness of the people. Of course he was always well armed with whiskey a plenty on each visit!
Had a very short term cash flow problem a couple of years ago - I'll never forget how some of the girls in Romantic bar took me out, bought me a few beers and some dinner. I'd always treated them like good friends and they came up trumps when I needed it. And to think some of the abuse some idiots hand out to bar girls.
Do you think the less contact Thai's have with farangs the more genuine they're likely to be? Not got a lot of experience up country but an old friend of mine in Cha Am used to tell the story of how he'd visit the girlfriend's home village once or twice a year and how he was always dumbstruck by the hospitality and sheer friendliness of the people. Of course he was always well armed with whiskey a plenty on each visit!
Never trust a hippy....
For sure. I've seen it in Pattaya with various hotel staff who were as sweet as can be when first arrived from Nakonnowhere and slowly deteroriated as time went on and their exposure to farangs increased. There's many guys who look to hotel staff as a potential mate but there are also those who think they can simply play with them as they do bar girls. These girls are innocent and get burned often. Also, try to get a smile out of a Pattaya shop owner. Even if you flash a wad the size of a phone book it's simply business as usual to them. PeteHeebio wrote: Do you think the less contact Thai's have with farangs the more genuine they're likely to be?
+caller wrote:Seems to me that the comments attributed to how Thais view Farangs could be applied to the average Brit in the UK?
True, many people can be very nationalistic and xenophobic when in their own country.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
I've ain't disagreeing, although I'm not sure if you're average UK punter is a xenophobe....certainly plenty about right enough. But we're not debating the UK.
I'm not saying your average Thai person is xenophobic either. Although I have to say they are very much more nationalistic, which ain't necessarily a bad thing....although too often in the past a lot of real bad shit has gone down in the name of nationalism.
But the original post questioned the common perception of the friendly Thai welcome to all foreigners. In my view there's enough of an unsavoury undercurrent to at least reassess that perception.
I ain't saying anymore on this subject - I know there's more than meets the eye, I accept it and I get on with. I love the place and the people, and I cannot f*cking wait to get back....roll on January.
I'm not saying your average Thai person is xenophobic either. Although I have to say they are very much more nationalistic, which ain't necessarily a bad thing....although too often in the past a lot of real bad shit has gone down in the name of nationalism.
But the original post questioned the common perception of the friendly Thai welcome to all foreigners. In my view there's enough of an unsavoury undercurrent to at least reassess that perception.
I ain't saying anymore on this subject - I know there's more than meets the eye, I accept it and I get on with. I love the place and the people, and I cannot f*cking wait to get back....roll on January.
Never trust a hippy....