Yeah, some suggest "farang" comes from the word "Français," referring to the French. This is due to the French presence in Southeast Asia during the colonial period in the 17th century.
Others believe "Farang" is much, much, much older. Most likely influenced by ancient trade routes in the 13th century (Marco Polo time?)and eventually adapted in Siam.
In medieval times the Greek term "Frangoi," used to describe the Franks. The Arabic and Persian influence, was "faranj" which refers to Europeans or Westerners and in Sanskrit the word "parang," means outsider.
No, not racism, that's called 'colorism" but still, generalisation and discrimination.
Just like racism, "colorism" can affect job prospects, particularly in industries like hospitality, entertainment, and media. Lighter-skinned individuals are often favored for higher-paying and more prestigious jobs, while darker-skinned individuals may face discrimination or be relegated to lower-paying positions. In some cases, job advertisements explicitly state a preference for applicants with fair skin. ( Have a look at Thai movies, westerns often play the "baddies" 😉)
On the other hand, the term "farang" which includes anyone who's not Asian it's a sort of racism. Typically referring to (white Westerners), experience both positive and negative racial stereotypes. African and South Asian foreigners, on the other hand, can face more direct discrimination or negative stereotypes.
Thai media often reinforces racial stereotypes, with depictions of ethnic minorities or foreigners in negative or simplistic roles.
Thailand may not have the same history of institutionalized racism seen in Western countries but these societal issues persist.
In the end it doesn't really matter if it's racism, sexism, colourism or nationalism it's still all discrimination.
I'm with Pacific Cross. Am I happy with them? I would say
*****
I have never been sick my entire life apart from having Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma back in 1980.
Then four years ago I got diagnosed with cancer on the back of my throat and COPD. Pacific Cross refused to pay for COPD treatment as they claim it was a pre-existing condition which was complete rubbish. So I contacted the Insurance Ombut Man and Pacific Cross agreed to pay for some of it.
As for the cancer treatment, as long as I was in hospital, Pacific Cross paid but Radiotherapy is done as an outpatient and so only got 2'500THB per day for a maximum of 30 days. Each of the 75 Radiation treatments cost 5'500THB.
At the time, the entire medical bill for COPD and cancer treatment, including medication and renting a small room in a homestead for three months close to the Cancer hospital was over 2.5 million THB. Insurance paid around 40% of it, the rest I had to pay myself.
Beware, you need to make sure you enter the second time within the visa validity. On a tourist visa, that's usually within 90 days of visa issue, not from the entry date.
If someone is holding your passport and doesn't want to give it back for whatever, then just go to your embassy and report it lost or stolen. You get emergency documents and the one who has your passport has a document that's of no use to him.
That's why it makes more sense to keep a copy of your passport and cash as a deposit and if you don't pay up it's easy to stop you at the border when you leave the country.
