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    Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

    Farang and their seemingly paradoxical ways

    By Mr. Surin Province, Created on: 17/10/2008, Last updated on: 17/04/2010

    ยป As a long-historied Farang resident myself, comfortable and understanding, I have to ask the age old question regarding Westerners that find it necessary to stay/live here while finding life so objectionable in many ways. Why is this so? I've experienced this throughout Asia {in particular the LOS}...

    • Eggmeng commented : [quote:2sb3n7m9]I have never read this, and do not research thai history in english, although I did check wikipedia for a reference about Yeragi Constantine's (Falcon,Phaulkon) "complicitous role in european exploitation" of Thailand. It is an interesting angle, but I would like to point out that K---G Narai granted Falcon the title of Chao Praya Wichayen, and lesser titles, and to attack Falcon's integrity is directly insulting character of \\ //// Narai. Falcon's death is not the moral of the story, only part of it. [/quote:2sb3n7m9] Thanks, your post reminded me of the correct spelling of Phaulkon's name. It's been many years since I read the book. I think K**g Narai did what he had to do to keep the Europeans happy at that stage in Siam's history. He probably didn't have a whole lot of choice. I would not venture to say how this reflects on his character. But assuredly there were a lot of people who were unhappy about how a relatively select few enriched themselves by cooperating with the Europeans who were raping the land and the people (often literally in some cases). As a foreigner there was perhaps less sympathy for Phaulkon than for others. That would stand to reason. But he was executed I think, largely for his perceived crimes. If Wilkepedia doesn't have what you're looking for, get "Siamese White." It's a great read. The real SOB was Samuel White, the story's protogonist. The house he lived in Mergui (Myeik), Burma, is still standing, and you can visit it. I have. Several years I heard they were making a movie about Phaulken's life. Then I stopped hearing about it. Never found out what happened and why it didn't get made. That's a pity, I think it could have been a cracker.

    • 57 replies, 74,821 views

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