Rachawit Photiyarach
I give lectures on intercultural relations and intercultural communication at various institutions across Thailand. Currently, I am working as a lecturer at Kasetsart University and also teach a cross-cultural comparison of Thais and Westerners. In addition, I regularly offer to help expats who live in Thailand learn how to adjust to Thai society and culture and also bolster Thais to acquire knowledge and skills of different cultures. I also work together with Coconuts Media (a multi-national media company across Asia that publishes a network of local city websites and documentary videos online) to engender multiple articles that concentrate on intercultural relations between Thais and foreigners. The two recent publications are “The five stages of culture shock for foreigners in Thailand” and "5 common miscommunications between foreigners and Thais.” Therefore, my academic works are about finding the most pragmatic ways to help people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds build mutual understanding and positive relationships with each other.
Mr. Racahwit Photiyarach
Birthday: 21 Feb 1989
Address: 41/128 Macmai village Permsin road Saimai 10220
Mobile Phone: 0909604408
E-mail address: [email protected]
Nationality: Thai
Education: (2002-2007)
Secondary Level: Horwang School
Undergraduate: (2007-2011)
Bachelor of Political Science: Thammasat University, Thailand
Postgraduate: (2013-2015)
Master of Arts (Languages and cultures of Southeast Asia)
Activities:
Research and teaching assistance at University of Hamburg (June 2014-now)
Soccer player at Thammasat University (2007-2011)
Staff embassy volunteer of 60 years anniversary Thailand and Lao relationship (2010)
Research assistant at Kasetsart University (2012-2013)
Rotarian Bangkian (2011-2013)
Teaching Thai as a foreign language to foreigners (2013)
Attending The ITB Berlin in 2013 (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) which is the world's largest tourism trade fair annually took place in Berlin, Germany
Language: Thai (native) English (very good) Ielts 6 Lao (very good) German (basic)
Key skills: Intercultural communication, cultural mediation and cultural conflict management
Academic interests:
Western culture
Southeast Asian studies
Minorities in Southeast Asia
Farang expats in Thailand
Multiculturalism
Intercultural communication
Interculturalism
Cultural comparisons
Cultural differences
Cultural mediation
Ethnic relations
Race relations
Thai history
Thai culture
American history
American culture
Academic experiences
-Lecturer in intercultural communication at various Thai Universities (2014-present), including:
Kasetsart University, Srilacha campus
Kasetsart University, Kampeangsan campus
Mahasalakham University
University of Payao
Walailak University
Nation University
Naresuan University
Phranakhon Rajabhat University
-Visiting lecturer in tourist behavior and intercultural communication at Kasetsart University (2015-present)
Hobby: Doing a research and making an observation about the life of foreigners in Bangkok, Thailand
Mr. Racahwit Photiyarach
Birthday: 21 Feb 1989
Address: 41/128 Macmai village Permsin road Saimai 10220
Mobile Phone: 0909604408
E-mail address: [email protected]
Nationality: Thai
Education: (2002-2007)
Secondary Level: Horwang School
Undergraduate: (2007-2011)
Bachelor of Political Science: Thammasat University, Thailand
Postgraduate: (2013-2015)
Master of Arts (Languages and cultures of Southeast Asia)
Activities:
Research and teaching assistance at University of Hamburg (June 2014-now)
Soccer player at Thammasat University (2007-2011)
Staff embassy volunteer of 60 years anniversary Thailand and Lao relationship (2010)
Research assistant at Kasetsart University (2012-2013)
Rotarian Bangkian (2011-2013)
Teaching Thai as a foreign language to foreigners (2013)
Attending The ITB Berlin in 2013 (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) which is the world's largest tourism trade fair annually took place in Berlin, Germany
Language: Thai (native) English (very good) Ielts 6 Lao (very good) German (basic)
Key skills: Intercultural communication, cultural mediation and cultural conflict management
Academic interests:
Western culture
Southeast Asian studies
Minorities in Southeast Asia
Farang expats in Thailand
Multiculturalism
Intercultural communication
Interculturalism
Cultural comparisons
Cultural differences
Cultural mediation
Ethnic relations
Race relations
Thai history
Thai culture
American history
American culture
Academic experiences
-Lecturer in intercultural communication at various Thai Universities (2014-present), including:
Kasetsart University, Srilacha campus
Kasetsart University, Kampeangsan campus
Mahasalakham University
University of Payao
Walailak University
Nation University
Naresuan University
Phranakhon Rajabhat University
-Visiting lecturer in tourist behavior and intercultural communication at Kasetsart University (2015-present)
Hobby: Doing a research and making an observation about the life of foreigners in Bangkok, Thailand
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Papers by Rachawit Photiyarach
This research examines the personal perspectives of expats identified as farang who lived between August 2014 and April 2015 in Thailand. This study is based on a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with twenty-six interviewees in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. The problem concerns the degree of interculturalism and integration in Thailand from the experience of expats identified as farang.
The results of this extensive qualitative survey are interpreted in four main areas: societal attitudes towards foreigners living in Thailand, the treatment of foreigners under Thai law, the depiction of farang, and integration and interculturalism in Thailand. Here are the results that the researcher discovered from this study: 1: the reasons for, 2: the barriers to and 3: the advice for interculturalism and integration in Thailand from the perspective of people identified as farang who live in Thailand.
Integration and intercultural problems of farang in Thailand
Nowadays, Thailand has turned into one of the most prominent expat hubs in Southeast Asia. However, many people identified as farang still have a feeling that they are not accepted as a part of Thai society despite residing in the country for several years.
One of the reasons is that Thailand has used the assimilation policy to force distinct ethnic minorities to abandon their cultural identity to fully become Thai. However, what about farang? Farang might have more difficulty than other Asian ethnic groups being included in Thai society. This is for the reason that they are often stereotyped by many Thais as non-Thai and foreign. The general belief that farang are automatically an outsider is rooted in many Thai people’s mind. When they make a comparison between Thainess and un-Thainess, farang will usually be classified as a non-member of Thai society.
According to the respondents, the dual price system in Thailand is widely applied by many taxi drivers and street vendors because they perceive farang as a main target to charge a higher price than Thai people. This incident originates from the assumption that that all farang are wealthy and civilized. In addition, the concept of Thainess (Kwam phen Thai) is a stumbling block to excluding farang culture and identity from mainstream Thai society.
Additionally, prominent examples of policies that cause many farang expats to feel unwelcome by Thai society are the 90-day report, short-term visa status and strict residency rule. Although many farang have a Thai spouse, they still have difficulty gaining residency or obtaining a work permit. The concept of farang itself is also problematic because it is used to lump all white people and Westerners together without leaving a room for individual differences, based on nationality, social status, culture, ethnicity, and language.
The reasons for integration and interculturalism in Thailand
The emergence of globalization has played a crucial role in uniting people from different race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality together. Thailand is also a country in the world that has to cope with race relations, ethnic conflicts, culture clash, and identity crisis. This is because we cannot stop the upcoming period of acculturation, transnationalism, cultural relativism, third culture, and intercultural dialog.
Most participants in this study suggest that intercultural relations between Thais and expats are an effective way to overcome stereotypes, ethnocentrism, and prejudice between people from different backgrounds. First, the positive sides of this social integration and intercultural relation can be seen on a subjective level. It raises the satisfaction of Farang expats with their lives in Thailand. In addition, when intercultural relationships and integration of expats are encouraged, a Thai person tends to accept farang expats as a member of Thai society. As a result, Thailand might acquire a higher number of expats who can contribute to Thai society on a social and cultural level. Many Thais could have the opportunities to come into contact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Expats could also interact with Thais and participate fully in Thai society. The result of intercultural integration can help both Thais and expats accept each other’s cultural differences. At the national level, Thailand and Thai society will benefit from becoming an intercultural country or an integrated society to grow in the interconnected world. Racial, ethnic and cultural conflict between each group in the society can be ameliorated when both farang expats and Thais learn how to live in harmony with one another.
Advice on how to build an integrated community and interculturalism in Thailand
The first advice on how to help farang to successfully integrate into Thai society is that the Thai government might consider implementing a multiculturalism policy to empower people from different backgrounds to obtain their rights and freedoms regarding maintaining their original cultures while still participating with the dominant group. In the past, various ethnic groups in Thailand had to leave their native cultures behind in order to be assimilated into the mainstream society. This cultural process is called assimilation. It stops people from learning about other cultures and those who are different from their social groups. On the other hand, integration is one of the most pragmatic ways to build bridges between farang expats and Thais because it supports the idea that allows minorities to be included in the society without fully adopts the social norms and values of the dominant group. The majority, however, also has to be open to differences based on race, ethnicity, and culture.
Secondly, the concepts of intercultural competence and sensitivity is suggested by participants in this study that it can bolster both Thais and expats to accept each other’s cultures and identities. Ethnocentrism is a great barrier to intercultural communication and that is how people are biased towards each other. An increasing number of integrated communities might help build positive relationships and mutual understanding between the new comers and local people (farang and Thais). To achieve this goal, it is necessary for both Thais and expats to mutually adjust to each other. These recommendations might be a model to help people identified as farang become a part of Thai society and Thais can learn to interact with people from different backgrounds.
Thirdly, mutual trust and understanding between Thais and expats is essential for social integration. Mutual adjustment and respect here should be from both sides. In other words, everyone attempts to adapt to everyone else (Bennett 2004, 71). For example, Thai people need to feel empathy towards those identified as farang and view racial stereotypes, ethnocentrism and prejudice as negative in order to see the world from broader attitudes. Additionally, expats need to be open to Thai people and culture. This is due to the fact that there are many globally-minded Thais who are interested in helping expats integrate into Thai society. Mutual understanding and respect in intercultural dialogues may lead to more successful intercultural relations between Thais and farang expats.
This research examines the personal perspectives of expats identified as farang who lived between August 2014 and April 2015 in Thailand. This study is based on a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with twenty-six interviewees in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. The problem concerns the degree of interculturalism and integration in Thailand from the experience of expats identified as farang.
The results of this extensive qualitative survey are interpreted in four main areas: societal attitudes towards foreigners living in Thailand, the treatment of foreigners under Thai law, the depiction of farang, and integration and interculturalism in Thailand. Here are the results that the researcher discovered from this study: 1: the reasons for, 2: the barriers to and 3: the advice for interculturalism and integration in Thailand from the perspective of people identified as farang who live in Thailand.
Integration and intercultural problems of farang in Thailand
Nowadays, Thailand has turned into one of the most prominent expat hubs in Southeast Asia. However, many people identified as farang still have a feeling that they are not accepted as a part of Thai society despite residing in the country for several years.
One of the reasons is that Thailand has used the assimilation policy to force distinct ethnic minorities to abandon their cultural identity to fully become Thai. However, what about farang? Farang might have more difficulty than other Asian ethnic groups being included in Thai society. This is for the reason that they are often stereotyped by many Thais as non-Thai and foreign. The general belief that farang are automatically an outsider is rooted in many Thai people’s mind. When they make a comparison between Thainess and un-Thainess, farang will usually be classified as a non-member of Thai society.
According to the respondents, the dual price system in Thailand is widely applied by many taxi drivers and street vendors because they perceive farang as a main target to charge a higher price than Thai people. This incident originates from the assumption that that all farang are wealthy and civilized. In addition, the concept of Thainess (Kwam phen Thai) is a stumbling block to excluding farang culture and identity from mainstream Thai society.
Additionally, prominent examples of policies that cause many farang expats to feel unwelcome by Thai society are the 90-day report, short-term visa status and strict residency rule. Although many farang have a Thai spouse, they still have difficulty gaining residency or obtaining a work permit. The concept of farang itself is also problematic because it is used to lump all white people and Westerners together without leaving a room for individual differences, based on nationality, social status, culture, ethnicity, and language.
The reasons for integration and interculturalism in Thailand
The emergence of globalization has played a crucial role in uniting people from different race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality together. Thailand is also a country in the world that has to cope with race relations, ethnic conflicts, culture clash, and identity crisis. This is because we cannot stop the upcoming period of acculturation, transnationalism, cultural relativism, third culture, and intercultural dialog.
Most participants in this study suggest that intercultural relations between Thais and expats are an effective way to overcome stereotypes, ethnocentrism, and prejudice between people from different backgrounds. First, the positive sides of this social integration and intercultural relation can be seen on a subjective level. It raises the satisfaction of Farang expats with their lives in Thailand. In addition, when intercultural relationships and integration of expats are encouraged, a Thai person tends to accept farang expats as a member of Thai society. As a result, Thailand might acquire a higher number of expats who can contribute to Thai society on a social and cultural level. Many Thais could have the opportunities to come into contact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Expats could also interact with Thais and participate fully in Thai society. The result of intercultural integration can help both Thais and expats accept each other’s cultural differences. At the national level, Thailand and Thai society will benefit from becoming an intercultural country or an integrated society to grow in the interconnected world. Racial, ethnic and cultural conflict between each group in the society can be ameliorated when both farang expats and Thais learn how to live in harmony with one another.
Advice on how to build an integrated community and interculturalism in Thailand
The first advice on how to help farang to successfully integrate into Thai society is that the Thai government might consider implementing a multiculturalism policy to empower people from different backgrounds to obtain their rights and freedoms regarding maintaining their original cultures while still participating with the dominant group. In the past, various ethnic groups in Thailand had to leave their native cultures behind in order to be assimilated into the mainstream society. This cultural process is called assimilation. It stops people from learning about other cultures and those who are different from their social groups. On the other hand, integration is one of the most pragmatic ways to build bridges between farang expats and Thais because it supports the idea that allows minorities to be included in the society without fully adopts the social norms and values of the dominant group. The majority, however, also has to be open to differences based on race, ethnicity, and culture.
Secondly, the concepts of intercultural competence and sensitivity is suggested by participants in this study that it can bolster both Thais and expats to accept each other’s cultures and identities. Ethnocentrism is a great barrier to intercultural communication and that is how people are biased towards each other. An increasing number of integrated communities might help build positive relationships and mutual understanding between the new comers and local people (farang and Thais). To achieve this goal, it is necessary for both Thais and expats to mutually adjust to each other. These recommendations might be a model to help people identified as farang become a part of Thai society and Thais can learn to interact with people from different backgrounds.
Thirdly, mutual trust and understanding between Thais and expats is essential for social integration. Mutual adjustment and respect here should be from both sides. In other words, everyone attempts to adapt to everyone else (Bennett 2004, 71). For example, Thai people need to feel empathy towards those identified as farang and view racial stereotypes, ethnocentrism and prejudice as negative in order to see the world from broader attitudes. Additionally, expats need to be open to Thai people and culture. This is due to the fact that there are many globally-minded Thais who are interested in helping expats integrate into Thai society. Mutual understanding and respect in intercultural dialogues may lead to more successful intercultural relations between Thais and farang expats.