If you’ve ever been to Thailand, there’s no doubt that at some stage of your travels, you will have heard the “F” word. Whether it’s said by a waitress in a restaurant, by a stranger on the street or by a colleague in a place of work, there’s no avoiding it – if you’re a white tourist, you’ll be called a farang – the Thai word for foreigner. Is it cause for offence? Well, not exactly – and here’s why.
History of the Word
Whilst the source of the word isn’t clear, there’s evidence to suggest that it was initially used in an offensive way. Following British colonial rule in India, the word firangi was adopted in the Hindi language to be a derogatory term for a European – though it’s hard to say for sure whether that’s the source for the modern day Thai word as we know it. Another potential, less-offensive source is the Persian word farang, which referred to people of the Frank tribe of the Middle Ages (from which modern day France derives its name). This is plausible, as Thais would have had exposure to the French due to trade and France’s colonial interests in neighbouring Laos and Vietnam. So, while the origins aren’t clear, there are cases on either side for whether or not the word is rooted in offence, though the latter, inoffensive etymology seems to have more credence.
A Difference in Culture
In Thailand, this simply isn’t the case. “Farang”, the Thai word to describe white foreigners, is not a word loaded with intent to harm. If someone is relating to a farang amongst a group of Thais, it’s a convenient if not lazy way to articulate which person it is. While many may object to being labelled in any way, it’s a neutral label and certainly not a negative one when used on its own – though it can be offensive if words are added.
Context Dependant
The case for offence depends on the context in which the word is used. If you’ve messed up at work or caused a scene and you hear the word farang, it’s admittedly likely that they’re not praising you, though it’s words that precede or follow farang that would make it offensive. A classic farang insult is farang kee nok, or bird poop foreigner. This phrase is used to describe a farang with no money, or one who is stingy with it – as you can imagine, the legions of backpackers passing through the country over the years has led to such unsavoury terms becoming widespread – though it’s the kee nok addition that transforms a harmless word into a cutting phrase.
If you’re a non-Thai national working alongside Thais, the lack of subtlety when hearing others talking about farangs can sting, though perhaps it’s wise to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to deciding whether or not they’re trash talking you. Either way, it’s extra motivation to start learning the language yourself.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
