Guest blkorean30 Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Hey guys,Email I'm a blk guy in his 30, thick build from the USA, but living in South Korea, working as a ESL teacher, I'm traveling to Thailand in July for my summer break. I'm curious to know, how the Thai people view blk people? For the most part I will be traveling alone. And so I want to know if I'm gonna be "alone" or if people will be receptive and friendly. Also going to stay in Bangkok, and then on to Phuket and maybe up to Mae Hong Son. Might also be interested in a guide for part of my trip, so if you know of one, or are one. let me know. Thanks Quote
Gaybutton Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 I don't think you have to worry about racial problems. Many black people do come to Thailand and I've never heard of any of them encountering racial problems. As long as you have money in your pocket, race is not an issue at all. You might want to consider instead of hiring a guide, find a bar boy who you like, take him off, and let him be your guide. However if you do want a guide, in Chiang Mai I recommend Ben's Tours. See the following for details: http://www.geocities.com/benstours/Benstours.html In Bangkok you could do quite well with a bar boy. Let him be your guide. In Mae Hong Son I don't have a clue who to recommend as a guide. Perhaps someone else can post a recommendation. Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 You might want to consider instead of hiring a guide, find a bar boy who you like, take him off, and let him be your guide. Unless you are savvy in the ways of the bar boys, I would be cautious about relying on that option for a guide. Quote
Guest laurence Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 I do agree with lvdkeyes on this one. Unless you have a good recommendation from someone on the forums, I would not hire a bar boy as a guide. Quote
Guest shockdevil Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 As long as you have positive attitude and fun spirit you should be fine. I, too, am a 30 something African-American and I have been visiting Thailand and other Southeast Asia countries for the past several years. I love it there. The "Thai" guys treat me very well when I am in Thailand. I have also made some really good friends there. As far as a guide, I would suggest you make a good contact with a Thai guy or even cool foreigner before you get there so you can at least have a starting point. PM me if you like. Quote
KhorTose Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 However if you do want a guide, in Chiang Mai I recommend Ben's Tours. See the following for details: http://www.geocities.com/benstours/Benstours.html Yes, you can find a boy who will be a good guide in the area he is familiar with, and I doubt you will find much racism among the Thais. I do concur 100% with Gaybutton's recommendation of Ben's tours if you go to the North. You will learn far more about the area, and the gay life in Chiang Mai from Ben then you will ever learn from most go-go boys. Great service, great guide---first class all the way. Quote
Bob Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 I wouldn't worry at all. In fact, based on stories I've heard from a couple of other black Americans who regularly visit Thailand, you may find that you'll be very popular, especially with the bar boys. You can expect some "stares" up North because they simply don't see that many blacks.....but I believe you'll get no negative reactions from anybody. Have fun. Quote
Gaybutton Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 This really isn't racism, but from among themselves a great many Thais will do whatever they can to keep their own skin as white as possible. That is simply a cultural thing within their own race. They see light skin as more attractive and as a sign of greater affluence. However, someone of other actual races is not something I've ever seen or heard perceived as anything negative in Thailand. To me, that's one of the great things about Thailand. There is no overt racism of any kind that I've ever seen here. Quote
Guest lvdkeyes Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 This really isn't racism, but from among themselves a great many Thais will do whatever they can to keep their own skin as white as possible. That is simply a cultural thing within their own race. They see light skin as more attractive and as a sign of greater affluence. This reminds me of a black woman I worked with many years ago. She was very dark. She told me her husband was much lighter and they had six children, three were dark like her and three were light like her husband. She told me that after her children were grown she found out that the light colored ones would draw an imaginary line and tell the darker ones that they had to stay on the other side because they were too dark to be with them. Go figure!!! She said it was a good thing she didn't know about it at the time or she would have had only three children now and she would be in prison for murder. Quote
Guest Patexpat Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Yes - don't expect political correctness here ... my bf favourite saying when he sees a black guy on TV that he likes is 'oh sexy chocolate man !!!' No disrespect or racism there in his head, but I think he wants to try a chocolate lollipop sometimes !!! Quote
Guest Jason105 Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 It's really exciting to anticipate your first visit to LOS. I don't think you will have any problem at all with either overt or covert racism. Most Thai people react positively to a smile. If you make an effort to learn even a few Thai words you will find an even warmer reception. Above all, enjoy the culture, the cuisine, the cruising and try not to have too big a crush on too many guys all the best Quote
