What is it to be consider as a thai.

This is an interesting discussion to me because I'm a white American with a young orphan daughter adopted from Thailand. She is completely ethnic Thai and yet I wonder how she would be received if she ever chose to go back and live in Thailand. We take her to a Thai temple every week for language/culture instruction so she is at least learning the proper way to wai, sit, chant, etc. We cook Thai food nearly every day so she has plenty of opportunity to develop a taste for it. She also has a Thai babysitter who comes and spends about 4 hours a week with her. (However I'm under no illusions that she will ever be fluent in Thai unless she gets the opportunity to live with a Thai speaker. We can only build a foundation; it will have to be her own decision whether to pursue this seriously or not.)

Those of you who live in Thailand -- do you think she would be discriminated against in Thailand due to the fact that she's been raised in America? (She looks Thai, but she's obviously going to talk -- and to a great degree, act -- like a farang...)

[Vali]

Well in Bangkok most young people talk and look like farangs too! No biggie!

Hi Makiy0...

Off course if you stay in Thailand quite some time there sure you can speak Thai language very well and can become Chinese-Thai.

Eliza

[khemvika]

I was born in the United States but my parents were born in Thailand. I am 21 and have lived in the U.S. all of my life.

Am I still Thai?

[visionchaser45]

If you were born in the U.S., then you are a U.S. citizen. You would be considered Thai-American, just like Italian-American, Irish-American, African-American, etc. You should still embrace Thai culture and learn about and preserve as much as you can. The contributions of all the world's cultures have helped to make America great.

[khemvika]

Quote[/b] (visionchaser45 @ July 25 2003,17:15)]If you were born in the U.S., then you are a U.S. citizen. You would be considered Thai-American, just like Italian-American, Irish-American, African-American, etc. You should still embrace Thai culture and learn about and preserve as much as you can. The contributions of all the world's cultures have helped to make America great.

Thank you for your comment! I appreciate it!

[paul_au]

I know if you have enought money you can become an Australia, I think if you have enought money you can become a citizen in any country,
I think if your rich that can make you a Thai if you want.

[Rambutan]

Ohh, I think you should not say that.
Mr. Vision will give you a sound thrashing.

[visionchaser45]

LOL...Very funny Rambutan Now when have I ever delivered this sound thrashing you speak of? I am, after all, a peaceful man with only good intentions

[Gurce]

Aah.. Yeah, I ponder the "Identity" issue alot too, since I am a "Turkish-Australian" (Turkish, but born and lived Australia my whole life). Ok, my ponderings so far..

First perspective, "What Identity label do I give myself?". These are the "internal" feelings you have about yourself.

Second perspective, "What Identity label does my society give me". Ie, if you ask your friends, "What Identity/race do you think I am?". Or maybe the government has already given you a label and branded your identity on your passport.

I think the 1st perspective is the most meaningful to you personally. As an example, from the 1st perspective, what make Thai people think that they are Thai? A few possibilities:

Born in Thailand, speak thai, look thai, eat thai food, abide thai customs, appreciate thai culture.

The critical point here is, that they "BELIEVE" that these things make them Thai. And from the 1st perspective, that's all that matters, BELIEVING. If you BELIEVE you are Pakistani, Uzbekistani, Tajikistani, or whatever... No matter what anyone else says to discredit/disprove you, you can stand your ground if you just continue to BELIEVE who you are.