F
Farang: "Foreigner," but really meaning "Western foreigner." Thus, Malaysians, Chinese, Filipinos, etc. are not "farang," though just about everyone can be included in a general statement. There is considerable dispute about the origins of this term; one of the most reasonable (if unsubstantiated) explanations we’ve heard is that it is a Thai corruption of the English word "Frenchman." Although it has no specifically negative meaning, it often is used derogatorily; therefore, many long-term Western residents dislike the term, or are at least suspicious of the speaker’s attitude or intentions. Despite the sometimes negative use of the word and Thai nationalism (which runs both strong and deep), Thais continue to be fascinated by and enamored with things foreign.
Firearm Shells. FORBIDDEN!!! Firearms and anything connected with them are strictly forbidden to foreigners in Thailand, and stringently controlled even for Thai nationals. Bringing them in or being caught in possession of them are serious offenses for which Thai authorities neither have nor show any sympathy. Stiff fines and prison sentences are imposed for violations of the various laws regarding possessing or owning firearms and related paraphernalia. Your embassy won’t be able to do much to help you, besides seeing, once a month or so, that you are getting your maggot-infested bowl of rice daily, right along with the Thai prisoners, and that, if you’re lucky, there is a bucket for your sanitary needs.
Firearms. FORBIDDEN!!! Firearms and anything connected with them are strictly forbidden to foreigners in Thailand, and stringently controlled even for Thai nationals. Bringing them in or being caught in possession of them are serious offenses for which Thai authorities neither have nor show any sympathy. Stiff fines and prison sentences are imposed for violations of the various laws regarding possessing or owning firearms and related paraphernalia. Your embassy won’t be able to do much to help you, besides seeing, once a month or so, that you are getting your maggot-infested bowl of rice daily, right along with the Thai prisoners, and that, if you’re lucky, there is a bucket for your sanitary needs.
Folk
Beliefs . Many traditional Thai folk beliefs persist, comfortably
intertwined with the Buddhist faith held by the great majority of people. Of
particular interest to many visitors is the belief in spirits as active
participants in earthly life. For example, nearly every home or building has a
spirit house outside for the spirits of deceased former inhabitants to reside,
and where daily offerings of food, drink, and flowers are made.
Food. It must be the rare person who cannot find food to his or her taste in Thailand, where cuisines from right around the world are represented, particularly in Bangkok and other large cities. Of course, Thailand’s own regional cuisines hold pride of place. A common misconception about Thai foods is that all of them are hot. In fact, a wide variety of flavours exist. Do be aware that those Thai foods which are spicy-hot tend to be really hot. Foods from this part of Asia are especially well represented, particularly Indian, Malaysian, Laotian, Chinese, (emphasis on southern cuisines), Korean, and Japanese.
Western food is widely available, particularly in Bangkok. Several Western fast-food chains are found here, with the menus modified for local tastes. That last point is worth keeping in mind. By all means, if you have a hankering for, say, some Mexican food, it’s here – but it won’t taste exactly the same as the very same dishes do in Monterrey.
Foodland Supermarket. [Sukhumvit Road at Soi 5, Patpong 2, and Petchaburi Road at Soi Ekamai]
Freight Care Trucking Company, Ltd. Owned by the friendly Nigel Davis, a long-time English resident of Thailand, Freight Care offers full trucking services throughout Thailand, up to and including 18-wheel trucks (lorries) and container services. For inquiries, see the web site http://www.freightcarethai.com
Friend’s Bar [Sukhumvit Soi 22]. The fourth bar in the soi on the right coming from Sukhumvit Road. This is a single-shophouse, open-front bar with a bar, and a shelf with stools along the opposite wall. Alcohol, music, friendly waitresses and bartenders. About 4:00 P.M.-2:00 A.M.
Fun. If you like to have fun, you’ll feel right at home among the Thai people, for whom sanuk – fun – is a chief consideration in their everyday lives; Thais must be among the world’s leading authorities on having fun! This does not means Thais represent some sort of "race of children," something you are well-advised to remember when interacting with these proud people. To say, as one Western foreigner of our acquaintance does, "Thais are wonderful, as long as they have adult supervision" is rather unfair. Thais like to bring fun into every aspect of life; in fact, Thais have one word for both work and play. Also, life has been simple and unstructured in a bountiful land – even set mealtimes are new developments, introduced as they were just last century. Anyway, any lover of fun will both be at home here, and welcomed by Thais, who love to draw anyone nearby (which means within half a kilometer) into the festivities.
* * * * * * * * * *
TABLE
OF CONTENTS