Posted by Robin on 8/5/2008, 1:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Thailand / East - Squat and communal toilets"

I have lived in the East for some time and do not think that Thailand is any worse that any other country; I had far worse toilet experiences in Greece or North Africa. Squat toilets are nothing to be afraid of; they have the advantage that they are easier to keep clean and need less water to flush, important where the water supply is irregular. Men can pee standing but need to aim straight. For ladies it is a more natural position that sitting down. The worst problem is squating when wearing trousers: either take them off completely to avoid getting them wet, or (ladies) wear skirts. More worrying might be tha lack of toilet paper which is almost universal, so keep some tissues or similar with you! Men, avoid bars in Bangkok, at least, as space is so limited that the ladies often share an entrance, or they share a cubicle. if you are going to be worried by a lady putting onb make up next to you while you pee, avoid these places. It does not bother me and I take the atitude that any lady working in a bar in Bangkok has seen far more than I have to offer and is not going to be shocked.

336