So You're Often Called Farang and You Wonder Whether To Be Angry? Read this!

Farang: The Ultimate Guide to Being a “Foreigner” in Thailand (And Not Losing Your Cool)

So, you’ve just landed in Thailand, ready to embrace the Land of Smiles, pad thai, local beer (Chang, Singha, Leo, pick your poison) and inexplicably cheap rice whisky. But within approximately 3.2 seconds of existing here, you’ll hear it, the word that will follow you like a stray soi dog: “Farang.”

“Farang!” (Pointing)  

“Look, farang!” (Whispering)  

“Farang price!” (Laughing maniacally while charging you double)  

But what does it mean? Is it offensive? Should you embrace it, ignore it, or start hissing like a territorial cat? Let’s break it down.  

What the Heck Does “Farang” Even Mean?

The word “farang” (ฝรั่ง) is the Thai term for foreigner, specifically a white Westerner. (If you’re Black, you might hear “farang dam,” if you’re Indian, you’re probably “kaek,” and if you’re East Asian, you’re lucky enough to dodge the label until you open your mouth.)  

Where Did This Word Come From?

The origins are delightfully random. Some say it comes from the Persian word “farang” (Frank), referring to Europeans during the Crusades. Some say it's the Thai word for the French (farangseet means French indeed). Others claim it’s derived from the Thai word for guava (also “farang”), because early Portuguese traders introduced the fruit to Thailand, and, well, foreigners are just as exotic, I guess?  

Either way, congratulations! You’ve been linguistically lumped in with a fruit.  

Is “Farang” Offensive?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: It depends on how much of a delicate snowflake you are.

Thais don’t use “farang” as an insult. It’s just a descriptor, like “tourist” or “that white guy who can’t handle spicy food.” However, context matters:  

- Neutral usage: “The farang ordered pad thai with no chili.” (Factual.)  

- Slightly cheeky: “Farang can’t eat durian!” (Mild teasing.)  

- Downright rude: “Stupid farang!” (Okay, now we have a problem.)  

If someone yells “HEY FARANG!” at you in a market, they’re probably just trying to sell you a wooden elephant or overpriced taxi ride, not declaring war.  

What About “Farang Kee Nok” (ฝรั่งขี้นก)?

Ah, now we’re getting spicy. “Farang kee nok” literally means “foreigner bird poop.” It’s a slang term used to describe clueless, naive, or easily scammed foreigners, the kind who pay 500 baht for a tuk-tuk ride that should cost 50.  

Is it offensive? Well, yeah, a little. But it’s also kind of funny if you’re not the one being scammed. If someone calls you this, you have two options:  

1. Laugh it off – “Yeah, but this kee nok just haggled you down to half price, so who’s laughing now?”  

2. Play dumb – “Oh, sorry, my Thai not good. I thought you said I look like a movie star?”  

How Should You React?

Option 1: Embrace It

Own it. You are a farang. You will always be a farang. You will die a farang. Accept your fate and start using it yourself:  

- “Yes, I am farang. Now give me my mango sticky rice.”

- “Farang needs another beer, please.”

Option 2: Play Along 

Thais love it when you engage with their culture. Learn some comebacks:  

- “Farang mai kee nok!” (“Foreigner, but not bird poop!” – i.e., “I’m not naive!”)  

- “Farang dai!” (“Foreigner can!” – when they doubt your chopstick skills or ability to eat spicy food.)  

Option 3: Ignore It  

If you’re feeling particularly grumpy, just pretend you didn’t hear it. Or stare blankly until they switch to “Hello sir! You want suit? Very cheap!”  

When Is It Actually Rude?

- If it’s said with obvious disdain (“Ugh, farang”).  

- If it’s used to justify overcharging you (“Farang price: 500 baht!”).  

- If someone follows you around yelling “FARANG FARANG FARANG” like a deranged parrot.  

In these cases, you’re allowed to:  

- Politely say “Mai dee” (Not nice).  

- Laugh and walk away.  

- Start loudly speaking terrible Thai until they regret engaging.  

Final Verdict: Don’t Take It Personally

At the end of the day, “farang” is just a word, albeit one you’ll hear approximately 8,000 times during your stay in Thailand. Whether you love it, hate it, or secretly start answering to it, just remember:  

You’re not just a foreigner. You’re a guava as well. 

Now go enjoy your 50-baht pad thai, farang. And for the love of Buddha, learn to say “pet nit noi” (a little spicy) unless you want to cry into your tom yam.