I can imasgine taking raw fish slices but in crabs where you have to take so much time biting off the shells and raw prawns ? Not even the Japanese.

I wonder how it taste ?

There is something about eating things fresh and raw...but the crabs in Phuket are shipped from Issan, and the Shrimps in Issan are coming from the farms in the south.. IMO- Intestinal problems abound because of this ...

the high temperate zone in thailand welcomes strong possibilities of food borne disease - especially in raw fish/shellfish regardless of

the spice contents. raw fish handling here is not up to international standards where temp. calibration is required.

I really do enjoy the "raw" dishes.....Espiacally the raw crab with mango salad or the raw prawn salad...

Freshness and hygiene could be an issue but I myself have never had a problem....Whether its in Issan,pattaya or Phuket..

As for how it taste you must combined the Raw crustaceans with a genourous amount of garlic,fish,lime, and some green mango...Basically mix everything that its served with...

In my experience, Mum Aroi in pattaya serve these dishes the best....

KKU Medicine Faculty promotes prevention of harmful parasite infection (from raw fish and crabs) -- This ain't a pretty story.

http://www.news.kku.ac.th/eng/news/images/...etter/kku11.pdf