Clothing Optional

[nikster]

Running around shirtless in Thailand is wrong for a farang; but getting all twisted out of shape about it is even more wrong.

I sometimes catch myself thinking the shirtless guys are clueless idiots - but then again, so what, they're unaware of this aspect of Thai culture. Could happen to anybody.

I am admittedly fascinated with the clothing rules for Thais. As in, any Thai guy can hang out in their boxers as long as it's "at home". So far so good but "at home" seems to include the balcony facing the main road of the village, in plain sight of everyone. It even includes ones own soi, and sometimes the whole village.

Women are covered up pretty good though. If they're not, they're usually not women.

@mccw - no one would bat an eyelid if you were Thai. But you're not so you have to live with the gossip. Not the end of the world either, as long as you don't listen too closely to whatever fantastic stories they come up with. Gossip is as stupid in this country as in any other, and you wouldn't believe what kind of stuff my own people make up about foreigners.

[mccw]

"women cover up pretty good" maybe but they don't seem to mind going down the shops in their pyjamas 55

Gossip doesn't bother me; I also enjoy wandering about the garden in my boxers like a Thai ; I don't go much far out of the bounds of my property though, just to take a look at me shrubbery from the outside or chasing down an escaping son; not round the neighbours or anything like some wander all over the village with just boxers and a vest- like the vest makes it acceptable

[anselpixel]

Running around shirtless in Thailand is wrong for a farang; but getting all twisted out of shape about it is even more wrong.

I sometimes catch myself thinking the shirtless guys are clueless idiots - but then again, so what, they're unaware of this aspect of Thai culture. Could happen to anybody.

I am admittedly fascinated with the clothing rules for Thais. As in, any Thai guy can hang out in their boxers as long as it's "at home". So far so good but "at home" seems to include the balcony facing the main road of the village, in plain sight of everyone. It even includes ones own soi, and sometimes the whole village.

Women are covered up pretty good though. If they're not, they're usually not women.

@mccw - no one would bat an eyelid if you were Thai. But you're not so you have to live with the gossip. Not the end of the world either, as long as you don't listen too closely to whatever fantastic stories they come up with. Gossip is as stupid in this country as in any other, and you wouldn't believe what kind of stuff my own people make up about foreigners.

Good comment. When I cautioned my girlfriend about standing in front of the windows to dry herself after showering, she just looked at me as if I were nuts and said "I'm at home, la?"

Otherwise, she's a model of Victorian body covering behavior.

[Mapguy]

Probably his mother's fault.

[alobar]

noblesse oblige n 1: the obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically)

My sense of propriety and respect for behavior around a wat,

is a long way from idolatry.

Alobar: I kinda understand your feelings and even your action, though frankly I have to say you do come off as bit of a self-righteous busybody (who maybe guilty of idealizing the Thais a bit)...

But are you sure you want to use noblesse oblige? I mean it sort of fits with the impression I get from your OP -- but not in a good way.

[SteeleJoe]

noblesse oblige n 1: the obligation of those of high rank to be honorable and generous (often used ironically)

My sense of propriety and respect for behavior around a wat,

is a long way from idolatry.

Alobar: I kinda understand your feelings and even your action, though frankly I have to say you do come off as bit of a self-righteous busybody (who maybe guilty of idealizing the Thais a bit)...

But are you sure you want to use noblesse oblige? I mean it sort of fits with the impression I get from your OP -- but not in a good way.

Yeah, I know what it means...so you were being ironic? Glad to hear it.

But what does idolatry have to do with anything?

[murrinman]

surprised you get one on that big trunky nose of yours

[jackjones]

Quite an interesting post. Although I don't think I would have had the nerve to tell a stranger how to dress in a country that I don't actually come from. I think I would probably have looked at him and thought that he didn't actually realise he might be offending someone. I think you were quite fortunate that he was gracious enough, despite his beer swilling behaviour and objectionable appearance, to actually accept he might have been doing something wrong and then to cover himself up.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Quite an interesting post. Although I don't think I would have had the nerve to tell a stranger how to dress in a country that I don't actually come from. I think I would probably have looked at him and thought that he didn't actually realise he might be offending someone. I think you were quite fortunate that he was gracious enough, despite his beer swilling behaviour and objectionable appearance, to actually accept he might have been doing something wrong and then to cover himself up.

Yes, because the alternative is a scene involving two full grown Farang Utans brawling. That'll do a lot for local opinion on the species, almost as much as fashion choice.

[Paagai]

Fat, drunk and stupid is not way to go through life son.

Awwwww..... Really? Spoilsport

[Flatouthruthefog]

Quite an interesting post. Although I don't think I would have had the nerve to tell a stranger how to dress in a country that I don't actually come from. I think I would probably have looked at him and thought that he didn't actually realise he might be offending someone. I think you were quite fortunate that he was gracious enough, despite his beer swilling behaviour and objectionable appearance, to actually accept he might have been doing something wrong and then to cover himself up.

Hey come on, the OP was right and it was me what was out of line, ok?

And it's a bit cooler now, so it was a 3 day shirt, alright?

He was polite and I was just a bit smashed, y'know, so he put me straight.

But it WAS Singha, not Chang.........ok?

[goldenmonkey]

Of course. You should stop anyone parading around not wearing a suit and cravat and set then straight about how a proper gentleman dresses in public.

What do you want to be when/if you grow up?

A dictator would be nice. Then I could tell other people how to dress.

Haha, nice one

[uptheos]

A dictator would be nice. Then I could tell other people how to dress.

Sounds like a job for the farang wannabe Thai tourist police.

They could sort of walk the beat armed with dress code rules and offer friendly advice on what people should or should not wear in their adult years.

[lukasgohl]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and have never been to Thailand (some day when I can scrape together the money), but I'd really appreciate your help and perhaps in some small way this will help reduce ignorance about Thai culture.

I'm writing an article about foreign laws for travelers- is there any truth to the supposed Thai law that you can't drive shirtless? Can you get fined for such a thing? If not, are there any other laws that Westerners often naively break?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Lukas

[uptheos]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and have never been to Thailand (some day when I can scrape together the money), but I'd really appreciate your help and perhaps in some small way this will help reduce ignorance about Thai culture.

I'm writing an article about foreign laws for travelers- is there any truth to the supposed Thai law that you can't drive shirtless? Can you get fined for such a thing? If not, are there any other laws that Westerners often naively break?

What are the laws that foreigner's naively break in other SEA countries?

[lukasgohl]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and have never been to Thailand (some day when I can scrape together the money), but I'd really appreciate your help and perhaps in some small way this will help reduce ignorance about Thai culture.

I'm writing an article about foreign laws for travelers- is there any truth to the supposed Thai law that you can't drive shirtless? Can you get fined for such a thing? If not, are there any other laws that Westerners often naively break?

What are the laws that foreigner's naively break in other SEA countries?

Sure, laws that to a foreigner might be culturally different (hence the naivety). For example, kissing in public in India is frowned upon and travelers have been fined in certain parts. You can also get fined and/or jailed for eating during the day during Ramadan in UAE.

Is there any truth to the shirtless driving law in Thailand?

Thanks!

-Lukas

[uptheos]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and have never been to Thailand (some day when I can scrape together the money), but I'd really appreciate your help and perhaps in some small way this will help reduce ignorance about Thai culture.

I'm writing an article about foreign laws for travelers- is there any truth to the supposed Thai law that you can't drive shirtless? Can you get fined for such a thing? If not, are there any other laws that Westerners often naively break?

What are the laws that foreigner's naively break in other SEA countries?

Sure, laws that to a foreigner might be culturally different (hence the naivety). For example, kissing in public in India is frowned upon and travelers have been fined in certain parts. You can also get fined and/or jailed for eating during the day during Ramadan in UAE.

Is there any truth to the shirtless driving law in Thailand?

Thanks!

-Lukas

I'm sure as a writer/researcher you would have already tried google?

I can't recall ever seeing anyone driving shirtless in Chiang Mai, but I do think I've seen some in Pattaya.

On this link http://travel.yahoo....erests-25686954

Driving Shirtless

Thailand

Don't let the tropical weather tempt you to joy ride with your shirt off in Thailand. Police can (and do) hand out tickets if they spot you topless while driving a car or motorcycle.

Penalty: A mere slap on the wrist (or sun-burned shoulders). Tickets go for a few hundred baht (about $10).

[realthaideal]

Rule enforcement of drivers ? Rarely rarely rarely, almost never. The only violations any of us ever get busted for are for crossing intersections that are turn-only or not wearing a helmet.

I've never seen a driver of a 4-wheeled vehicle cited for any violation of dress code or improper driving technique for that matter.

Now... if only there was a no-nosepicking ordinance..... but that wouldn't end up stinging most of us anyway......

[uptheos]

Now... if only there was a no-nosepicking ordinance.....

That would be a real money spinner.

[mccw]

I find it odd not being able to park facing opposite to the direction of traffic in that lane when it would be permitted to park in exactly the same place if only the car was facing the other way.

More seriously; it is illegal to have drugs even in your system; so if you were piss tested in a club a day after arrival from Amsterdam you could be in serious trouble.

I suppose th king related laws could give you a story. Like the drunk german guy who couldn't buy booze because of the no drinking on kings birthday law then went and defaced his image which landed him in jail. You can search this forum for more details and other stories probably.

Not thailand but In Malaysia that woman got caned for having a beer with her husband in public. UAE it's also illegal to kiss in public and to be drunk full stop if female. Islamic countries will give u no end of laws the western mind finds baffling; such as stoning rape victims to death for adultery etc etc

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Is there any truth to the shirtless driving law in Thailand?

Well, in Thailand there are always two things to consider: what's actually in the law books, and what is actually enforced at any moment in time.

I see some tourists, mostly Russians it seems, ride a motorcycle without a shirt in places like Pattaya. It doesn't seem this bothers police as long as they wear a helmet.

'The law' doesn't mean all that much in Thailand, and is not equally applied anyway between places, between people, even between police stations in the very same town, or down to the individual officers.

I do understand you just want a fun list for a '10 weird things that can get you in trouble around the world' type article, and not an in-depth look at Thai social and law enforcement issues so by all means include it.

The list of truly weird, and 'downright shocking things that actually matter' is far longer. Like a hotel having a pest-control 'oops' resulting in half a dozen deaths, and still being open for business just fine. Or 1500 dogs being taken off the streets to be sold for food in Vietnam, with 700 not surviving the transport conditions, and they likely get fined for failing to comply with laws regulating the movement of animals. Refugees from Burma being towed out to see and released in the middle of the ocean to die. And so on. But no, by all means I'll let you (and the original poster) get excited about fashion, or the omission of it.

[lukasgohl]

Is there any truth to the shirtless driving law in Thailand?

Well, in Thailand there are always two things to consider: what's actually in the law books, and what is actually enforced at any moment in time.

I see some tourists, mostly Russians it seems, ride a motorcycle without a shirt in places like Pattaya. It doesn't seem this bothers police as long as they wear a helmet.

'The law' doesn't mean all that much in Thailand, and is not equally applied anyway between places, between people, even between police stations in the very same town, or down to the individual officers.

I do understand you just want a fun list for a '10 weird things that can get you in trouble around the world' type article, and not an in-depth look at Thai social and law enforcement issues so by all means include it.

The list of truly weird, and 'downright shocking things that actually matter' is far longer. Like a hotel having a pest-control 'oops' resulting in half a dozen deaths, and still being open for business just fine. Or 1500 dogs being taken off the streets to be sold for food in Vietnam, with 700 not surviving the transport conditions, and they likely get fined for failing to comply with laws regulating the movement of animals. Refugees from Burma being towed out to see and released in the middle of the ocean to die. And so on. But no, by all means I'll let you (and the original poster) get excited about fashion, or the omission of it.

Well, it actually doesn't have to be all cutesy-funsy. I'm really just looking to help Western travelers avoid faux-pauxs and punishment by making them aware of laws in other countries. This is kind of a quick-read post though, obviously truly shocking/serious issues deserve far more attention and a longer word count.

Any further elaboration on some of the "King's Laws"? What is the punishment for buying beer/alcohol on the king's birthday?

[bristolgeoff]

he was not inside the temple,in the area only.when sokran is on do you say something when everyone has little on and completely wet thru.let things go sometimes.unless you are the fashion police

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Any further elaboration on some of the "King's Laws"? What is the punishment for buying beer/alcohol on the king's birthday?

No punishment for purchasing or drinking, but there's punishment for places selling alcohol on certain days including election days, Buddhist holidays and royal birthdays.

The most serious ones probably involve Lese Majeste offenses, but you better Google for those as there is only limited leeway to freely discuss that on the forum, such is the strict nature of those laws and the draconian punishments on offer.

Other potential things you may get in trouble for: Gambling, very much including 'perceived gambling' even down to just playing cards somewhere semi-public. You can't really play cards in public, or risk being asked questions at the very least.

Then, 'working' without a work permit, even just playing a guitar somewhere with an audience present, as a hobby musician and un-paid. Same applies to just about any volunteer work.

One more: the customs department seems to have some people who are associated with mafia types, and slam draconian penalties on very marginal violations of allowed quantities of cigarettes or alcohol. Say you got too many cigarettes on you, then some people report being hauled off and threatened/detained until they pay a large sum of money for their release.

Then, prostitution with a girl who claims to be 18 but isn't; this again may be as a set-up in association with criminal police-elements.

And so on, and so on.

Actually, reading the above, it's better if people don't visit at all, and leave Thailand to people like me to enjoy. When you live here you just know these things; checking a girl's age becomes second nature to the point you're not even consciously doing it. And you know to move inside when playing cards. And some, the true experts, EVEN manage to plan 1 day ahead in their liquor shopping so they don't run out.

-----

EDIT: If you are reading the above and you are now going '<deleted>, is this guy for real or not?' then I will have truly succeeded in capturing what makes Thailand such an special place.

[Tonto21]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum and have never been to Thailand (some day when I can scrape together the money), but I'd really appreciate your help and perhaps in some small way this will help reduce ignorance about Thai culture.

I'm writing an article about foreign laws for travelers- is there any truth to the supposed Thai law that you can't drive shirtless? Can you get fined for such a thing? If not, are there any other laws that Westerners often naively break?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Lukas

The law I like is the 'underpants' law, it's illegal to leave you house without underpants on!

We must be due for a 'crack-down'………on this illegal behavior!