How do Western exchange students in Thailand manage their farang predicament?

Abstract

Though there exist scholarly research pointing to the conspicuity of farang racism in Thailand, little has been done to understand its actual impact on the lived experiences of white westerners there. This case study, done on 18 western exchange students in Thailand, is thus a preliminary attempt at comprehending this issue at hand. In seeking to illustrate the multi-faceted nature of farang antagonism, this paper draws from the symbolic interactionist perspective of passing as well as Merton’s strain theory to analyse how problems associated with being ascribed the farang identity are managed. Consistent with strain theory, this study reveals that responses to the strain are indeed varied and should thus be analysed accordingly. Adapting Merton’s means-goals matrix, the four dominant patterns of adaptation observed in this research will be expounded on in this paper with deviations to the theory discussed as well.