Land of Smiles…and Crappers
While aiming to become the Detroit of Asia (car manufacturing), the Hollywood of Asia (film making & post-production), and the Milan of Asia (fashion & design) are all lofty and worthwhile goals for Thailand to aspire to, perhaps the Toilet Capital of Asia is one that is not only more attainable, but perhaps more relevant to the man-on-the-street.
By the way, why does Thailand try so bloody hard to be the Somewhere-Else of Asia? It’s like we have a nationalistic self-esteem problem. Why can’t we simply stick with being the Thailand of Asia?
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Thailand to Host World Toilet Summit
Thu Apr 14, 8:47 AM ET
BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand plans to upgrade hygiene in its public toilets to meet international standards as it prepares to host the World Toilet Summit next year, a health official said Wednesday.
“Toilets are very important for the country’s image in the eyes of visitors,” said Somyos Chareonsak, a senior official of the Public Health Ministry.
The conference is to be held in May 2006.
The first summit, organized by the World Toilet Organization, was held in 2001 in Singapore. China, where toilet facilities are often in need of upgrades, hosted one last year.
Topics discussed at the meetings include toilet design and technology, toilet management and hygiene and energy-saving measures.
Having twice used the public toilets available around Bangkok, all I can say is that it’s about time! Having said that, I don’t think I’ll be attending the conference.
I thought you might like this crazy story from Bangkok Post about a toilet competition being held in Kanchanaburi.