Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง)
Breaking Stereotypes: The Diverse Faces of Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง) in Thailand
Are you a Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง), half-Thai, or mixed-race individual navigating the complexities of growing up between cultures in Thailand?
The experience of being Luk Khrueng can be filled with unique challenges and opportunities from balancing two cultural identities to facing societal expectations and even dealing with family conflicts. Whether you’re dealing with identity struggles or need support for Thai-Western relationship dynamics, child or teen counselling we understand how overwhelming it can be.
This guide offers insights into understanding Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง) in Thailand, covering topics such as Luk Khrueng history, cultural roots, social impact, and the experience of growing up between cultures. It aims to support individuals like you in navigating these challenges by providing guidance on managing cultural differences, strengthening family relationships, and confidently embracing your mixed heritage.
What is Luk Kreung?
‘Luk khrueng’ is a term formed from two Thai words: ‘Luk,’ meaning ‘child,’ and ‘khrueng,’ meaning ‘half.’ Together, it refers to children of mixed race, specifically those with half Thai and another of a different nationality. For example, a child with a Thai mother and a British father would be called ‘Luk khrueng.’
“Luk khrueng” (ลูกครึ่ง) is a commonly used term in Thailand to refer to children with parents of different nationalities, regardless of whether you are living in Thailand or abroad.
Where does the term “Luk Khrueng” (ลูกครึ่ง) come from?
The concept of “Luk Khrueng” in Thailand has a deeper history than many might realize. If we look into Thai history, we can trace the term back to the reign of King Rama IV, during the period of the Bowring Treaty. Children of Western fathers during that time often gained extraterritorial rights, following their father’s privileges.
“Luk Khrueng” first caught the attention of Thais when these children, born to Western fathers, were exempt from forced labour and other common obligations. They lived under the protection of Western labour laws and were not considered commoners. Additionally, they dressed and lived in a Western style, which set them apart. As a result, it became common for Thais to associate “Luk Khrueng” with mixed-race children of Western descent. In fact, the Royal Institute Dictionary once defined “Luk Khrueng” as children born to Western parents of different nationalities.
However, this older definition no longer fully captures the current meaning of “Luk Khrueng.” Today, even a child born to a Thai mother and a Japanese father, for example, is considered “Luk Khrueng,” despite the father not being Western. The latest edition of the Royal Institute Dictionary, published in 2015, redefined the term to mean a child born to parents of different nationalities, or “half-nationality.” Under the new definition, a child with parents of different nationalities is considered ‘Luk Khrueng,’
Luk Khrueng in Thai history
The presence of “Luk Khrueng,”(ลูกครึ่ง) has been common throughout Thai history, extending from the Rattanakosin period to the era before the Sukhothai Kingdom. Many notable historical figures in Thailand have had mixed heritage.
Several members of the Chakri dynasty were of mixed race. One prominent figure is Prince Chula Chakrabongse, a half-Thai/half-Russian. He was the son of Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, Prince of Bisnulok, and Catherine Chakrabongse Na Ayutthaya (nee Ekaterina Desnitskaya), a Russian. Prince Chula Chakrabongse is the first Thai royal to have both Thai and Western lineage. His heritage reflects a long cultural and racial blending history among Thailand’s elite and influential figures.
During the 19th century, Thailand saw an increase in relationships between European traders, diplomats, and missionaries with local women, resulting in a growing population of Luk Khrueng. These mixed-race individuals were typically exposed to both Thai and Western cultures, receiving education from schools in both regions. As a result, many Luk Khrueng became cultural bridges, playing important roles in diplomatic relations and trade between Thailand and other nations. Their unique backgrounds allowed them to serve as intermediaries, facilitating understanding and cooperation across different culture
The Diverse Faces of Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง) in Thailand
The increasing presence of Luk Khrueng in Thailand reflects the growing multicultural nature of the society, with more international marriages and foreign nationals living in the country. According to The Bureau of Registration Administration, their report on marriage registration statistics shows that in 2023, there were 8,687 marriages between Thai women and foreign men, with an average of over 4,000 such marriages per year. While exact statistics on the number of mixed-race individuals are not readily available, this trend indicates a rising number of Luk Khrueng contributing to Thailand’s diverse cultural landscape.
Luk Khrueng in Thailand is becoming more diverse, with parents from various nationalities, including Western, East Asian, and Southeast Asian. These children have diverse physical appearances, from fair skin and sharp features to darker skin tones, reflecting their multicultural heritage.
Luk Khrueng are unique because of their diverse looks and their personalities shaped by their blended cultural backgrounds. Raised in environments influenced by both Thai and foreign cultures, they often have a broader worldview and greater adaptability. However, some face challenges in balancing these cultural influences, especially when societal expectations and family values clash.
Challenges and opportunities of Luk Khrueng (ลูกครึ่ง) living in Thailand
- Discrimination
Discrimination against Luk Khrueng individuals continues in various aspects of Thai society. They often face challenges in daily life, such as being treated differently due to their appearance or background. Research has shown that they experience discrimination in job recruitment and endure racial slurs or microaggressions. Despite these challenges, there are growing opportunities for them to redefine their identity and make contributions to Thai society.
- Being labeled as ‘Farang’
The label “Farang” (foreigner) constantly reminds many Luk Khrueng individuals in Thailand of their status as outsiders. This labelling can be confusing and lead to feelings of alienation, as they are neither fully accepted as Thai nor as foreign. This labelling not only limits their self-expression but also influences how they are treated in public spaces, with people making assumptions about them based solely on their looks.
- Feeling observed and receiving excessive attention
Luk Khrueng individuals, especially those with prominent Western features, often attract excessive attention in public spaces. While many Thai people find mixed-race individuals particularly attractive, this admiration can be overwhelming and unwelcome. Constant staring or unsolicited comments about their appearance can create an uncomfortable spotlight, leading to feelings of being objectified rather than appreciated for who they are as individuals. Among peers, this attention leads to uncomfortableness and awkwardness.
Moreover, like many young people, some Luk Khrueng children may experience challenges related to fitting in. According to a survey by Rocket Media Lab, on the topic about appearance and fitting in are some of the most stressful issues for Thai students. Luk Khrueng individuals with darker skin tones, in particular, often face harsher judgments, receiving stares or whispers that suggest they are seen as unusual or out of place. This intense scrutiny can affect their self-esteem, making them feel like they are constantly on display.
- Getting bullied and having fewer friends
Bullying is a common issue for Luk Khrueng individuals, especially during their school years. Their unique appearance often makes them stand out, but not always in a positive way. Children can be cruel in highlighting differences, and many mixed-race students are teased for their looks, accent, or even their parent’s nationality. This bullying may lead to feelings of isolation, causing Luk Khrueng’s children to withdraw socially, making it harder for them to form friendships. In some cases, they might feel like they don’t fully belong in either cultural group, which can compound feelings of loneliness.
The teasing or name-calling often revolves around their perceived “otherness”—whether it’s comments about their skin tone, facial features, or the fact that they speak a different language at home. Over time, this stress can affect their academic performance and emotional well-being, leading to long-term consequences in terms of self-confidence and mental health. Many Luk Khrueng children struggle with the pressure of trying to fit in with their peers while simultaneously managing the expectations placed on them by their parents and society
- Facing Prejudice
Even though explicit racism may have decreased in many parts of Asia, there is still widespread prejudice against Luk Khrueng individuals. These prejudices often manifest in more subtle ways, with mixed-race individuals being seen as outsiders, even if they have lived in a country their entire lives. For example, Luk Khrueng individuals frequently encounter comments that highlight their mixed heritage, such as, “You can eat spicy food like a Thai!” as if their ability to enjoy local cuisine is somehow surprising.
These types of remarks may seem harmless, but they underscore the deep-rooted assumption that Luk Khrueng individuals are inherently different from “real” Thai people. This constant questioning of their identity can lead to an internal conflict, causing them to feel disconnected from both cultures. Many struggle with a lack of self-identity, not knowing where they truly belong, as they are continuously reminded that they don’t fully fit into either culture.
- Disagreements and Conflicts with Parents
The cultural differences between parents of different nationalities can create both opportunities and challenges for Luk Khrueng individuals. These children are often raised with conflicting values, which can lead to confusion or disagreements within the family. Such clashes can strain family relationships, especially if one parent’s views clash with the dominant cultural expectations in the society where the child is raised. For example, the mother might prioritize Thai traditions like respecting elders, while the father values independence and self-expression. This can lead to a sense of embarrassment or frustration, further complicating the parent-child relationship.
- Education, Career, and Future Planning
Luk Khrueng individuals often face challenges in education and career planning due to their multicultural backgrounds. Growing up bilingual, they may struggle academically with both languages, impacting their educational choices and long-term career prospects. Additionally, they may feel pressured to excel in both cultures, leading to a sense of “not being good enough” (Imposter syndrome) and confusion in future planning.
Conclusion
Counselling Thailand understands the unique challenges of living as Luk Khrueng in Thailand, from breaking stereotypes and dealing with discrimination to navigating family conflicts and balancing multiple identities. These experiences can affect self-esteem, education, and future plans. With a team of bilingual counselors and a deep understanding of the unique experiences that come with being half-Thai or mixed-race in Thailand, we are here to support you on your journey.
Whether you’re seeking help with personal growth, family relationship advice, or managing the pressures of living between two worlds, our experienced counsellors can provide the personalized support you need to thrive. If you need guidance to overcome these barriers and thrive beyond the labels, our personalized consultation program is here to support you. We offer professional counseling services throughout Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and online.
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right counsellor for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15-minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families.
The next step for anyone seeking help is to complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time. If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page