Distinguishing Ethnic Groups in Thailand

[Juan Kosoff]

I think you have a point westers. I have been asked if I am Irish several times, and my father was so maybe I have an Irish face, although it could be the superior intelligence of the irish and their ability to play great rugby

[westerby]

I think you have a point westers. I have been asked if I am Irish several times, and my father was so maybe I have an Irish face, although it could be the superior intelligence of the irish and their ability to play great rugby

Or it could be because you look like a Leprechaun, 55555!

[Pakawala]

I love the dialog on the adult cartoon, "individual of the Hill" where these rednecks ask this guy if he's Chinese or Japanese. He says, "I'm Lao". They ask, "What's Lao?" and he says, "It's a small country between China and Burma. And they say,"... so, ...are you Chinese or Japanese?" =D>

[Whiskeybravo]

My wife gets mistaken for quite a variety of nationalities. The first day we arrived in Alaska, a retired missionary mistook her for one of the local Native tribal members. Wanted to know which village she was from. Even the Natives sometime try to start up a conversation in their native tongue. When travelling, she is often mistaken for a Filipina. On at least three occasions she has been asked about her home country; Jamaica. They claim it's her accent. Must have spent way too much time in the sun, I think.

[cali4995]

On the flip-side I once had a Cambodian friend who had entered Thailand near Buriram
and worked in the area and stayed with a Thai family. Learned enough language not to
arouse suspicion and I have to say, not even the locals were able to tell the difference.
(short of not having an identity card) Last I heard she ended-up in Norway. Go figure.