Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In Thailand, the cultural approach to personal hygiene after using the toilet has deep roots, evolving from the traditional use of a small bowl of water to the now ubiquitous bidet spray. This simple handheld device is a standard fixture in Thai bathrooms and has become a beloved feature noted by many foreigners experiencing it for the first time.

 

The bidet spray, affectionately dubbed the "bum gun" by many online, especially on platforms like Reddit, is celebrated for its effectiveness and simplicity. One Redditor, @noobnomad, humorously praised its utility, stating, “blast strong, aim true, that poop goes off no need tissue.” Another user, @noah2C, jokingly suggested the device should earn an innovation award. The playful discussions even extend to debating whether to spray from the front or back, highlighting the level of appreciation and adaptation among expats and tourists.

 

Unlike Japan's high-tech toilets with integrated bidet systems, Thailand's manual bidet spray wins hearts for being straightforward, user-friendly, and affordable. Its appeal is not limited to Thailand; similar devices are prevalent across Asia and the Middle East, including in Cambodia, China, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia.

Interestingly, the bidet spray comes with a word of caution, especially during Thailand's sweltering summer months. Since the device draws directly from the water supply, users might find the water unexpectedly warm, which can be uncomfortable if not anticipated.

 

The journey of the bidet spray in Thailand began in 1972, introduced by Narong Lohakij Limited Partnership, now recognized under the brand HANG. Over the decades, it has established itself as an essential household item throughout the country.

 

In contrast, many European homes feature a separate plumbing fixture for hygiene—a bidet, which, although serving the same purpose, requires more space and comes at a higher installation cost. These differences in design and implementation reveal why the bidet spray has become the preferred hygiene solution in Thailand and other Asian countries.

 

Thailand's embrace of the bidet spray underscores a commitment to practical, efficient solutions rooted in cultural traditions, which continue to impact daily life. As more foreigners encounter this hygienic innovation, appreciation grows, showcasing how simple solutions can resonate globally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-10

 

 

How have I managed 85 years without a 'bum gun'? What is it for ?, what is it aimed at ? If the motion is properly tapered then there is nothing to shoot at !! Of course, after a nightout  enjoying an Indian curry or two then a 'flock of starlings over the chapel roof ' could warrant a thorough hosedown. Secondly , how does someone with a 3xxxl buttock manage to get the 'bb' into position to aquire the target ? We have a 'bb' in each of our bathrooms and I use it to blitz the odd ant or mossie !!

Recently returned from Turkey and the Caucasus. Turkey has the Jap style - doesn't work properly anywhere, particularly as it is fixed in position and soray strength. A few Georgian and Armenian bogs have Thai style but with different positioning. None are as good as Thai style. 

But you still have to dry your a.hole after use .

Best invention since the wheel. Eliminates the dreaded skid mark syndrome and definitely more hygienic than dragging paper across your bum hole.

Before I moved to Thailand I took a couple back to England and installed them in my toilets at home as although you can buy them there they are considerably more expensive.

Bit of a shock to the system when you use them on a freezing cold winter morning but certainly a good wake up call!😂

39 minutes ago, Humpy said:

How have I managed 85 years without a 'bum gun'? What is it for ?, what is it aimed at ? If the motion is properly tapered then there is nothing to shoot at !! Of course, after a nightout  enjoying an Indian curry or two then a 'flock of starlings over the chapel roof ' could warrant a thorough hosedown. Secondly , how does someone with a 3xxxl buttock manage to get the 'bb' into position to aquire the target ? We have a 'bb' in each of our bathrooms and I use it to blitz the odd ant or mossie !!

You have such control over your bowel motions you can "taper them properly" without residue? Wow.

 

How does someone with a 3xxxl buttock use toilet paper?

 

I guess some people like their smelly bums.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Thailand's embrace of the bidet spray underscores a commitment to practical, efficient solutions rooted in cultural traditions, which continue to impact daily life. 

Yet I find that most Central shopping malls across Thailand have eradicated the hand spray to go back to substantial amounts of toilet paper, thinking that copying western habits is a step forward. 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone know if Thai bum guns install without need for adaptors onto North American toilet water lines?

 

 

Thai style "bum-guns" are discouraged, even forbidden in Australia. They can be connected in to older toilet plumbing but there's no way to connect one in more modern toilets. It's alleged that they are subject to leaks or bursting and flooding. 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In Thailand, the cultural approach to personal hygiene after using the toilet has deep roots, evolving from the traditional use of a small bowl of water to the now ubiquitous bidet spray. This simple handheld device is a standard fixture in Thai bathrooms and has become a beloved feature noted by many foreigners experiencing it for the first time.

 

The bidet spray, affectionately dubbed the "bum gun" by many online, especially on platforms like Reddit, is celebrated for its effectiveness and simplicity. One Redditor, @noobnomad, humorously praised its utility, stating, “blast strong, aim true, that poop goes off no need tissue.” Another user, @noah2C, jokingly suggested the device should earn an innovation award. The playful discussions even extend to debating whether to spray from the front or back, highlighting the level of appreciation and adaptation among expats and tourists.

 

Unlike Japan's high-tech toilets with integrated bidet systems, Thailand's manual bidet spray wins hearts for being straightforward, user-friendly, and affordable. Its appeal is not limited to Thailand; similar devices are prevalent across Asia and the Middle East, including in Cambodia, China, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia.

Interestingly, the bidet spray comes with a word of caution, especially during Thailand's sweltering summer months. Since the device draws directly from the water supply, users might find the water unexpectedly warm, which can be uncomfortable if not anticipated.

 

The journey of the bidet spray in Thailand began in 1972, introduced by Narong Lohakij Limited Partnership, now recognized under the brand HANG. Over the decades, it has established itself as an essential household item throughout the country.

 

In contrast, many European homes feature a separate plumbing fixture for hygiene—a bidet, which, although serving the same purpose, requires more space and comes at a higher installation cost. These differences in design and implementation reveal why the bidet spray has become the preferred hygiene solution in Thailand and other Asian countries.

 

Thailand's embrace of the bidet spray underscores a commitment to practical, efficient solutions rooted in cultural traditions, which continue to impact daily life. As more foreigners encounter this hygienic innovation, appreciation grows, showcasing how simple solutions can resonate globally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-10

 

 

It is a great. A wonderful addition to modern civilization. I used the Japanese bidets in Japan and the water force wasn't sufficient nor the direction of the flow, which you couldn't adjust much, as they were made for Japanese butts. Plus, they had all these high tech additions that nobody needed. But with a Thai bum gun, you have simple efficient way cleaning your bum. These days I'm at a loss what to do if I encounter a toilet that only has toilet paper. It seems so crude and messy. I don't know why these aren't a standard bathroom item in Western countries. I guess you could argue that public bum guns are not very hygenic but that's true of public toilets in general.

58 minutes ago, LoudHailer said:

Thai style "bum-guns" are discouraged, even forbidden in Australia. They can be connected in to older toilet plumbing but there's no way to connect one in more modern toilets. It's alleged that they are subject to leaks or bursting and flooding. 

Plumbers are reluctant to install them. They claim bacteria can travel back to the mains, which is complete BS.

 

I got them fitted on two properties, my son also has them.

 

They are probably less prone to leaks or bursting than the hoses on every washing machine.

Ah, in my opinion, the Japanese toilet is still the best including hot water.
I am considering purchasing it.

But I don't find Thai hygiene overwhelming, for example washing hands after using the toillet, they have never heard of that.

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

But you still have to dry your a.hole after use .

Not necessarily, in this warm climate your bum will dry naturally within seconds. Just pull up your pants and stride confidently out into the world knowing that you have a pristine sphincter! A shining ring of confidence, as the old toothpaste ads used to say!

1 minute ago, Chainsaw said:

Not necessarily, in this warm climate your bum will dry naturally within seconds. Just pull up your pants and stride confidently out into the world knowing that you have a pristine sphincter! A shining ring of confidence, as the old toothpaste ads used to say!

Not in the wet season.

 

Certainly not defending wiping with toilet paper but thinking that your sphincter 

is pristine just by spraying with the bum gun , is an illusion.

 

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

But you still have to dry your a.hole after use .

Learn to twerk. I haven't used tp in decades.

Just now, HappyExpat57 said:

Learn to twerk. I haven't used tp in decades.

And get drops all around the toilet ?

 

I have a western bathroom , not a thai shower room with a toilet in.

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

But you still have to dry your a.hole after use .

 

I hold me cheeks apart and give a little twerk... job done.

 

these are great for a gentle soothing enema as well.... just need to dial back the water pressure a tad.

6 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

I hold me cheeks apart and give a little twerk... job done.

 

these are great for a gentle soothing enema as well.... just need to dial back the water pressure a tad.

I'm lucky not to see or wash your underwear.

Sorry for your wife though.

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

But you still have to dry your a.hole after use .

You soon learn to take tissue with you everywhere outside of home... or else after the bum-blaster you have to sit and wait to air-dry

6 minutes ago, FlorC said:

I'm lucky not to see or wash your underwear.

Sorry for your wife though.

 

If your under wear contain excrement after using a bum gun you are not using it correctly.

16 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Not in the wet season.

 

Certainly not defending wiping with toilet paper but thinking that your sphincter 

is pristine just by spraying with the bum gun , is an illusion.

 

Are you still getting skid marks after using the bum gun? If so, maybe it's your spraying skills at fault.

11 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Certainly not defending wiping with toilet paper but thinking that your sphincter 

is pristine just by spraying with the bum gun , is an illusion.

 

 

If you generously use the bum gun, your sphincter becomes pristine and you don't need any toilet paper, your underpants will wipe the remaining humidity before putting back your pants. That's what I have done for decades when using toilets equipped with bum guns.

3 hours ago, Humpy said:

 what is it aimed at ?

The clue is in the name 😁

8 minutes ago, Chainsaw said:

Are you still getting skid marks after using the bum gun? If so, maybe it's your spraying skills at fault.

I know how to use it.

1 minute ago, Look Chang said:

 

If you generously use the bum gun, your sphincter becomes pristine and you don't need any toilet paper, your underpants will wipe the remaining humidity before putting back your pants. That's what I have done for decades when using toilets equipped with bum guns.

I was just responding to : pristine.

 

If you think just spraying with the bum gun is making it pristine , ok for you then.

If a surface like glass has some excrement on it , and you shoot it off with a bum gun , would you lick that surface ?

Well you probably would , I wouldn't.

Now instead of glass , think of skin with pores and creases.

Still think it's "pristine" ?

14 minutes ago, FlorC said:

I know how to use it.

I was just responding to : pristine.

 

If you think just spraying with the bum gun is making it pristine , ok for you then.

If a surface like glass has some excrement on it , and you shoot it off with a bum gun , would you lick that surface ?

Well you probably would , I wouldn't.

Now instead of glass , think of skin with pores and creases.

Still think it's "pristine" ?

So.....what do you insist on before you start rimming someone ??

The butt-spray: one thing about Thailand I miss everywhere else I go!

 

Sometimes in Europe you find a spray next to the toilet. However the length of tubing is unsufficient to use it as a butt-spray. What is it for then? It's for cleaning the toilet! Unbelievable! Why is there a spray to clean the toilet bowl and none to do the more important job of cleaning your butt? This is when I think the Western mind is not as bright as I thought.

 

I find toilet paper AWFUL.

The "bum gun" should be exported all round the world especially the UK where people just smear faeces over themselves and then clog up their toilet pipes with wads of paper.

It would make a great export. 

3 hours ago, Issanraider said:

Best invention since the wheel. Eliminates the dreaded skid mark syndrome and definitely more hygienic than dragging paper across your bum hole.

Before I moved to Thailand I took a couple back to England and installed them in my toilets at home as although you can buy them there they are considerably more expensive.

Bit of a shock to the system when you use them on a freezing cold winter morning but certainly a good wake up call!😂

Good idea

4 hours ago, Humpy said:

How have I managed 85 years without a 'bum gun'?

 

As a similar aged UK Citizen, nothing better than good old strong and shiny😄 

 

 

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Plumbers are reluctant to install them. They claim bacteria can travel back to the mains, which is complete BS.

 

I got them fitted on two properties, my son also has them.

 

They are probably less prone to leaks or bursting than the hoses on every washing machine.

I encountered this particular apparatus when I visited Japan in the mid-90s, and thought they were marvellous, especially as they were able to heat the water (slightly) before it was sprayed in the necessary region.

 

So when I got back to NZ I hunted around and found that a company imported those made by Toto, so I bought one and fitted it myself and it was the best thing I've ever done. In fact when I left NZ to come here, I uninstalled it and installed it in my former girlfriend's toilet and she was delighted.

 

I can't speak too highly of them.