Comments on: Behaviour on the beach

by: Beguine

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:49:06 +0000

I agree with the idea of “when in Rome”. In Rio walking around the streets in a scimpy swimming costume is what locals do but a quick glance shows even the stupidest tourist that Thais are not doing that. The same probably applies to toplessness on the beach, although it is not true to say that no Thai women do that. I have seen quite a few topless Thai girls on the beach at Jomtien and some in Phuket. On the other hand it is certainly true that covering breasts is a recent idea imported from abroad. From old photographs you can see that Thai village women went topless. Things change the other way too. I remember being in St Tropez in the early 70s when police were raiding the beaches to arrest naked sunbathers. Nowadays it is considered completely normal there. Perhaps in another generation Bangkok belles will also be flaunting them again on the beach in Hua Hin. Some hope.

by: tonychang

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:38:24 +0000

I’m sure it will come as no suprise that it didnt bother me much.

by: Donald Tait

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 05:29:01 +0000

While basically agreeing with your sentiments, some 50 years when I travelled thru Thailand, including Hua Hin, it was not unusual to find uncovered breasts… in fact, the further you went into the country, the more common… And just take a look at some of the old Wat murals.

by: DawnHHDRC

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:48:03 +0000

This is one of my pet peeves, as well. That and people wandering around the town in their beachwear. These thoughtless tourists don’t seem to realise that they are being offensive, or maybe they don’t care. And, yes, the comments made by the locals and expats about these “bare all” bimbos & himbos are never complimentary.