Toilets in Thailand – Tips for the squeamish

Let’s discuss a topic related to visiting toilets in Thailand. More often than not, the tourist, while lounging on Thai beaches or strolling through the resort streets, does not think about them until the urges start to arise. This is where the problem of finding modern toilets may arise, especially if the tourist is away from his hotel. While men shouldn’t have a problem in this regard, women may have a little more difficulty, but most importantly, don’t be squeamish!

On the resort streets of Thailand, it shouldn’t be difficult to find public toilets, but in most cases, they are paid (prices range from 5-20 baht). Satisfactory condition of public restrooms is usually monitored by the staff, as their profits depend on it. It is worth considering that places near attractions, beaches, as well as shopping centers, railway and bus stations are equipped with both paid and free toilets, which often meet all the requirements of European tourists (if you are not in poor provinces of Thailand).

Tip! To get an answer to the question, “Where can I find the toilet?”, walk up to the Thai and say with a smile, “Hong nam”. Then go wherever he points with your finger (by the way, to communicate with Thais try to use Russian-Thai phrasebook).

The literal translation of this phrase sounds like “Where’s the water?”, and the word “water” is used here for a reason, the fact that in most provincial toilets in Thailand there is no flush tank, instead of it there is a container with a scoop next to the toilet bowl, and it’s easy to guess what to do with it. But that’s not all! Chances are the restrooms won’t have stool toilets and you’ll have to squat, and you probably won’t find any toilet paper and soap, because:

You’ll probably also be unable to find any toilet paper and soap in the restrooms.

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  1. In some South East Asian countries it’s common to wipe with your left hand and then wash it with tap water without using soap
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  3. In most bathrooms in Thailand toilet paper can clog up the local sewage system, which is not designed for this kind of waste.

Tip! Find a place in your purse for a small amount of toilet paper and hand sanitizer when you walk, but only dispose of them in the designated garbage can.

If stationary restrooms in Thailand are not always clean and comfortable, what about the toilets on Thai trains and buses? You can find a place to relieve yourself on those buses that are more than 2-3 hours long. Unfortunately, their cleanliness is also not always impressive, especially on the cheap bus routes. Usually bus toilets have a toilet seat, a urinal and a sink with water for washing hands. You have to hold on as tightly as possible while visiting, especially on buses – motion sickness!

Since the budget of Thailand from tourism activities receives an impressive amount of money, the authorities are trying to provide tourists with quality rest, in particular, this applies to upgrade Thai toilets to the level of Western, but even they may not have toilet paper.

P.S.

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How do you like the pictures of the restrooms above? They look quite nice, don’t they? And now take a look at the most murdered ones found in poor provinces, which we decided to add, thanks to some commenters. Especially for the impressionable, we’ve put them under a spoiler, make sure you haven’t eaten before watching đŸ™‚

The scariest Thai toilets
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