We are visiting Thailand this January and wondered how common the Thai Style toilet is in public washrooms? We are staying in Bangkok for 3 days then on to Kata Beach. While in Bangkok we plan on doing the usual tourist sites in the city and also plan a day to the Floating market and Rose Garden. My only concern is my one bad knee and wondered if there was any special tricks that could be delicately discussed on this forum? Thank to all!

Most places that you will go to in Thailand are pretty westernized as far as toilets go - you should be fine.

I agree that most places have western style toilets. You might have to ask someone... I've certainly seen enough of the Thai style in my travels. Obviously, malls will have nice facilities, as will your nicer restaurants. If you happen to go to places that only Thais frequent, you might not be so lucky.

I brought home a Bangkok Post from my first trip to BKK (in summer 2001). I had saved the paper because it had a lengthy article about Thais trying to get used to western style toilets. lol I somehow lost that newspaper, or loaned it out and didn't get it back. It was interesting!!

Enjoy your trip! I think you will like Kata Beach. That's my favorite area of Phuket.

Carol

Carol
I'd love to hear of any favourite spots on Kata to eat, shop etc. I've researched and found lots of really great places like Mom Tri's House but sometimes we like to just go out for some really good food at a casual place, 3 1/2 weeks and counting I can't wait!!

As others have said, if you stay in the main touristy areas you will find western toilets in most places. I tend to visit places "off the beaten track" so I have encountered many Thai style toilets. They take a while to master but would be difficult with a bum knee!

Good luck and have fun!

If you squat all the way down rather than trying to hold yourself up in a seated position, it's easier. Don't know if that's possible with your knee or not...

wrap a rope or towel or something around the doorknob, hold onto it and lean back (make sure the door knob or whatever you are attached to is solid). And make sure you keep your pants out of the way. Make sure you bring toilet paper too (many Thai toilets will only have a bucket/scoop to wash yourself with).

Thanks I think I may be scouting for a western toilet!

carol, that article in 2001 about thais getting use to western toilets would be valid today.

earlier this month, i went to a concert in sanam suapa and there were many portable toilets. most of them had the thai or asian stlye toilets. however, they were not on the floor, but raised on a platform, so you had to climb onto the platform to use the toilet. i don't know how the women did it.

of course, i did my best to keep within the parameters of the facility.

what was even more amaizing is that i also went to the kings birthday celebration at the grand palace, and did not see a single portable toilet. there must have been at least a couple hundred thousand thais there. i was fortunate to find a hotel that let me use their bathroom.

btw, orgy, nam and i went to shooters to see ming and have a few beers. she was happy to see us, and she told us how overjoyed she was when you called her on her grand opening to wish her success. its a nice place and easy to get to via the skytrain.

Bisbee, sound like you're trying to give birth!

Ken
Brad really enjoyed meeting you! Hope I can do the same sometime. When's the next GTG in HNL? I will be there this time!

Ming is a sweetheart. I want to see her new place. Brad and DH didn't make it there very many times because it's a little bit out of the way, from the Omni. I'm sure Ming was delighted to see you and orgy and gf.

Carol