Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.
Last updated on September 5, 2026
Farang (ฝรั่ง, also spelled falang or farung) is the everyday Thai word for a foreigner of European appearance. It is thought to derive from the Persian and Arabic word for the Franks, which travelled east along trade routes centuries ago, and it also happens to be the Thai word for guava. The term has no legal meaning: no Thai statute uses it, and the law speaks instead of an alien or foreigner (คนต่างด้าว, khon tang dao). A newcomer will hear it daily.
Table of Contents
What the word means and how it is used
In ordinary speech farang is a descriptive label, not an insult. Thais use it among themselves to refer to any white Westerner, regardless of nationality, in the same way one might say “the Australian” or “the tall one”. It is not applied to Asian, African or Middle Eastern foreigners, who are described by nationality or region. Tone and context carry the meaning: “farang khi nok” (bird-dropping farang) is a genuine slur for a stingy or low-class foreigner, while “farang” on its own is neutral.
The legal category is alien, not farang
Thai law defines status by nationality, not appearance. The Immigration Act B.E. 2522 governs entry, stay and deportation of aliens; the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree B.E. 2560 governs work permits; Section 86 of the Land Code bars aliens from owning land; and the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 defines a foreigner to include a company in which foreigners hold half or more of the shares. A naturalised Thai citizen of European origin is a farang in the street and a Thai national in every one of those statutes.
Is farang offensive, and does it matter legally
Most long-term residents accept the word and use it about themselves. It becomes a problem only when attached to a pejorative, or when used to justify different treatment. Dual pricing at attractions is based on nationality or residence rather than on the word itself, and a foreigner holding a Thai driving licence, work permit or pink ID card can often obtain the local rate. Nothing in the law turns on being a farang; everything turns on the visa, permit or nationality on the documents in hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is farang a rude word in Thai?
Not by itself. It is the neutral everyday term for a Western foreigner and is used freely by Thais and by foreigners about themselves. It becomes offensive only in combinations such as farang khi nok, or when said with obvious contempt.
Does farang apply to all foreigners in Thailand?
No. It refers to white Westerners specifically. Foreigners from Japan, China, India, Africa or the Middle East are referred to by nationality or region, and the legal term covering everyone who is not a Thai national is alien (khon tang dao).
What is the legal term for a foreigner in Thai law?
Thai statutes use alien or foreigner, khon tang dao in Thai, defined by nationality. The Immigration Act, the Land Code, the work permit decree and the Foreign Business Act each apply their rules to that category, and none of them uses the word farang.
See also: work permit, Foreign Business Act, Land Code, pink ID card, and our guides on moving to Thailand and Thai culture and etiquette.
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