Yes, Thailand uses toilet paper, but it's often not meant to be flushed due to narrow pipes; locals usually use a bidet hose ("bum gun") for cleaning and paper just for drying, placing used paper in a bin, so carrying your own tissues is wise, especially in public restrooms where supplies might be missing or you're expected to use the bin.
Generally speaking you should not flush toilet paper, often there will be a bucket for the paper next to the toilet. Speaking of emergency toilet paper it's always a good idea to carry a roll with you, public toilets don't always have toilet paper.
In Asia, bidets are a popular alternative to toilet paper. In the Middle East, water is used for personal hygiene after using the toilet. In Africa, the usage of toilet paper is not as common and many people resort to alternatives such as wiping with water or cloths.
The Head is Sacred – The head is considered the highest part of the body in Thai culture. Avoid touching someone's head or even pointing your feet towards someone's head. The Power of the Feet – Similarly, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Don't point your feet at someone or a sacred object.
2 Types of Toilets in Thailand! Kimberly in Chiang Mai Series ( Globe Aware Fall 2022)
What does 555 mean in Thai slang?
In Thailand, the number five is pronounced “ha” (hâa), which sounds exactly like “ha.” Therefore, texting “555” is the common and quick way to say “hahaha” or “LOL” in digital conversations, making it a wonderful piece of Thai internet slang that reflects the country's cheerful nature.
It can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissures and more2. So, here are a few ways to help you pass the time while you're on the toilet: Read a book or a magazine – it's great to have these on hand.
Some countries in Europe and Asia prefer to use a bidet, a bathroom fixture that sprays water to clean you up after you've done your business. It may or may not be used alongside TP. In much of South Asia and the Middle East, people use water and their left hand to clean up.
Section 112 of Thai Criminal Code currently reads as follows: "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."
Thailand is no different and the list of antiquated ways to stray afoul of the law in Bangkok includes: It is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear It is illegal to drive a motorised vehicle bare-chested It is illegal to use a durian fruit as a weapon and a fine will be levied determined by how many ...
4️⃣ Use the spray or (mostly it will be) water bucket to clean the bowl, and if you think it's clean enough for your body too, then use it (most Thais prefer bringing our own toilet paper to use than use that water though). 5️⃣ Throw used paper in the bin, *not* the bowl.
Although we would think today that all cultures use toilet paper, surprisingly some cultures still abide by their old habits. In parts of India and Arabia, people exclusively use their bare left hand for wiping. They consider it disgusting that other cultures use toilet paper, as it leaves behind an unpleasant residue.
When visiting Thailand, DO greet with a wai, dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) at temples, remove shoes before entering homes/temples, respect Buddha images, smile, and learn "mai pen rai" (no worries), but DON'T touch heads (most sacred), point with feet (dirtiest part), disrespect the King/Buddhism, get angry in public, touch monks (women especially), or vape (it's illegal). Always carry cash, respect traffic, and get proper insurance for activities like scooter riding.
A "ghost wipe" (or ghost poop) means having a bowel movement that is so well-formed and passes so cleanly that it leaves little to no residue on toilet paper after wiping, or disappears quickly in the bowl. It's generally considered a sign of excellent digestive health, indicating a good balance of fiber and water, proper hydration, and efficient nutrient absorption.
Are you supposed to wash in between your buttocks?
It's also best to use a hand-held shower head for direct, up-close cleansing. If you prefer a washcloth or loofa, it's fine to get between the cheeks, but again, remember not to be too vigorous with your motions. It's best to make sure you're washing this regularly because it's your butthole we're talking about here.
Lack of dietary fiber can also cause both loose and hard stools that stick around. Most people who experience fecal seepage or staining, though, are dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction. Fecal incontinence often occurs in conjunction with menopause, hemorrhoids, or birth injuries like perineal tears or episiotomies.
A 2-foot-long poop is unusually large and often points to chronic constipation where waste builds up, potentially forming one massive, compacted mass, or could relate to diet (low fiber/water) or medications, though it might also signal issues like a redundant colon (extra-long colon) or pelvic floor dysfunction, requiring a doctor's advice if it happens regularly, as normal stools are typically a few inches to under a foot long.
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day. Others only go once or twice a week. A general rule is that going longer than three days without pooping is too long.
The 7-second poop method involves drinking a glass of room-temperature water when you wake up each morning, stretching, doing a wind-relieving yoga pose, and breathing deeply.
However, the number 9 ('kao') is the luckiest of them all: it is thought to be lucky because, when pronounced in Thai, it sounds like 'moving forward' ('kaw-nah' – while it doesn't look similar, it sounds similar!). Furthermore, 'kao' is the word for 'rice' and 'let's go eat' (gin kao!)
