[shieclulaweew]

Quote[/b] ]How can all farang's be afforded considerable status considering the way some behave on their travels..

I've been puzzled by this too. I think the answer lies in the Thai custom of avoiding showing displeasure and discomfort. The initial respect shown is indeed for financial status. If has makes enough to travel across the globe, that means one is more affluent than the majority of Thai people.

The respect initially shown for Farang strangers is a facade to mask Thais' inside feelings. Like Tjau Min said, this will change, once they got to know you personally. However, most Farang don't seem to care what others think about them as long as the feeling is not expressed, so they don't make the effort to "blend in". I am glad you feel otherwise.

There is an unwritten set of behavioural codes and values that make the ideal "Thai-ness". The closer you can follow these, the more genuine respect you will get from your Thai peers. Don't be frustrated if some of these seem to be impossible, as they are merely guidelines. As such, even Thai people don't follow them to the letter, much like the precepts of Buddhism.

Good luck!

Quote[/b] ]The way I have seen some behave makes me cringe and feel ashamed of my country.

Substitue "race and gender" for "country", and you'll see how I feel.