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In the whole country, most people usually swim in their clothes. Not a lot of people know that.

Thais prefer to 'prevent' tanned skin. Much in the same way as westerners like to 'darken' our tans, Thai people want their skin as light as possible.

Tanned skin for westerners, usually indicates a lifestyle of leisure, holiday making, good health, an ability to 'get out of the office' and relax.

For Thais, lighter skin usually reflects a similar lifestyle of leisure, air-conditioned condos, private cars, indoor offices and umbrella'd escorts to and from parking lots (avoiding the sun, not the rain).

Many westerners find it odd to see groups of Thais basking in the ocean waves in pants and long-sleeved shirts. Much in the same way many Thais may find it inappropriate if we would wear only the barest necessities.

But remember: Don't go to the beaches where the tourists are. There everybody swims in very brief bikini's, tangers and golden chains. They probably get sunburned. Go to the beaches where the Thai people go.