Toilets in Thailand
Toilets in Thailand
The good, the bad, and the really really bad!
Some of the public toilets in Asia will make you want to run down the street with your pants around your ankles while crying like a baby. While Thailand isn’t as bad as China, there are some frightening places to go that range from simple pits dug in the ground up to holes lined up beside each other with no dividing privacy wall.
Finding public toilets in Thailand is nearly impossible away from tourisy places. Try temple areas and near landmarks.
Yes, you will find water in there….but don’t expect to find toilet paper or soap. In non-Western places it is expected that you will utilize your left hand after taking care of business and then wash it under the provided tap. (with no soap). Doesn’t sound very appetizing? Do yourself a favor and carry toilet paper in your pocket. Always, always, put the toilet paper in the bucket with a lid rather than in the toilet. The ancient sewer system cannot handle toilet paper and you could literally put someone out of business. Hand sanitizer is a nice plus as well.
While you are using the toilet, glance at the giant barrel, bucket, or basin and see if there is any water left in it. If not, go ahead and use the tap to fill it while you wait. When you are finished, you use the scoop to pour water from the basin into the toilet to force everything down. Try not to make a mess for the next guy!
Many of the toilets are standing only to make them more hygienic. Don’t be afraid! In no time you will be standing in a Shaolin kung fu stance with quivering leg muscles like the rest of us!
Here are some sample toilet pictures from all over the country:
