Farang Perceptions in Thailand

From time to time the "us versus them" concept is debated among westerners living in Thailand. If I forget that I am not king of the universe, I can fall into that same trap. An easy to escape the condition is looking in the nearest mirror .. Thais hate us?

"They are cheating me" can often be heard accompanied by the gnashing of teeth. Everywhere from the wet markets to national parks, farangs usually pay more than Thais. Avoid .. getting cheated in Thailand.

Before foreigners can accurately talk about "us vs. them", they really need to decide who "them" is. Just as in most countries, the government is not the people. Governments generally do what is best for the government .. Thai government - not Thai people.

Meeting and dealing with individual Thais in Thailand is little different that meeting and dealing with strangers in your home country. Major exceptions are the language and customs. My Thai friends tell me that the fear of being unable to communicate is a primary reasons that many Thais tend to avoid farangs. Actually, little kids think we are monsters! Thais as individuals.