Thai Beach Resorts

Bangsaen near Bangkok is a typical Thai beach resort. Most people there are Thai and there are very few foreigners. If you have been there before then you would know that most people swim in their clothes.

Why do Thai people swim with all their clothes on?

If you have ever been to a Thai beach resort (we're not talking about tourist traps like Phuket or Pattaya) then you will know that 90% of the people swim in the sea with all their clothes on. You will rarely see a woman in a swimming costume. And hardly ever will they wear a bikini.

Decency and Modesty

Thai people are rarely seen in swimming suit. They swim with their jeans and tee-shirt. This is not just because of the sun. For Thai people, it is also to do with their level of self-decency. They are just too decent to expose too much skin.

The Thai family are orthodox and do not want to show their bodies. It is the same in India also. Europeans often over expose themselves in foreign countries and then wonder why they are abused.

It is better to swim in decent clothes than to be topless and almost bottomless. Just think of not upsetting locals by taking too much off.

Pale Skin is Chic

Skin shall not be dark. A sunbathed skin is not appreciated by Thai people because it is the symbol of the peasant. If one has a skin dark, it means that he is working outside. Symbol of beauty is the whiteness.

So in Thailand foreigners are looking for sun to get a sunbathed skin, a symbol of nice holidays, but Thai people try to escape it!

There should be some ownness on the tourists to pick up the cultural cues of the country (or specific region within that country).

I mean for the swimming and splashing bit, it's better to get dressed anyway while you're out in the sun. my guess is that not wanting to get a tan also has to do with covering up. I really enjoy this aspect of Thai beach culture being ginger and whiter than white even after a year here. I think on the whole Thais are more modest about showing skin in public, TV ads and pop vids and front of magazine covers being an exception, oh yeah and newspapers.

Reader Comments

I remember a school trip in Trang. My class (ม.๕) was going to the beach! I was very excited put on my very modest one piece bathing suit under my clothes. We got to the beach...a very secluded Trang beach. I ran out across the lot and into the water tearing my clothes off as I ran and went into the water in my bathing suit. My Thai classmates all ran with the same enthusiasm towards the water, but kept their clothes on. I immediately realized I was underdressed and while no one said anything, I immediately knew that I was out of place. I went back up on shore and put my clothes back on and then got back in the water!

I am visiting Thailand next month with my family (wife and children) and we keep our regular clothes on when on the beach or swimming. I was told that thai people most swim in their clothes as well, for us to feel confortable

You should keep your clothes on while swimming in any beaches. For swimming pool in hotels, it better to stay away as other foreigners may not like it.

The nearest beaches to Bangkok - like Bangsaen in Chonburi and Cha-am the other direction - are popular with Thai people with few foreigners. Wearing speedos on these beaches will raise a few eyebrows! In Phuket you should easily find places where Thai people swim as well. But, like Khun Chin said, it is a public beach so don't worry about swimming in the sea with your clothes on.

I remember asking something similar a while back. I ended up buying a long sleeve 'rash guard' shirt. I loved it, it not only covers you up and gives you UV protection, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable wet as would a regular t shirt. It's made of material that dries quickly and doesn't affect you swimming. I bought mine's on Amazon and I highly recommend it for those who don't like to go topless on the beaches.

I'm a Farang but often swim in Thai fisherman's pants and a T shirt when in Thailand. You won't look unusual doing that.

I found it interesting the part about Thai tourist beaches where the locals swim with their clothes on. I find this interesting because I like the concept! Let's just say that I am a bit aesthetically challenged, and my man boobs and gut aren't exactly something I'm proud of showcasing to the world. So next time I visit Thailand beaches, I'll be glad that I won't be 'strange' swimming with my top on, I'm conforming to local customs! I'm thinking though of getting a shirt that's a bit more 'water friendly,' maybe one of those under armour loose shirts.

Well I always swim in Australia with my clothes on, basically I don't like getting sun burnt. Thai's don't want dark skin so they cover up.

yea, if you dont put on your clothes when swimming or taking a public bath... you'd probably be an alien for thai ppl...LOL (i mean they will keep watching you and avoiding your eyes ! goshhhh)

Many Thai people that you may see in the water with their clothes on are 1. shy 2. poor 3. do not want to make their skin darker.Most Thais that do not go to the beach often do not have a swim suit,so it is normal for them to wear a shirt and shorts in the water.

because if you or like me, I had a jelly fish sting me and I DO NOT wont me pe c e r stung, you would not go naked eather if you had that happen to you. unless of course your a women. but you get my meaning.

The people who were "out of order" in this situation were the Europeans. If they are incapable of respecting another country's customs, they should not have been there.

In Thailand it is quit normal to swim in clothes. Because of the heat wearing wet clothes takes you cool for some hours.

Now I booked a holiday to Thailand, and when I orientated myself a bit, I saw some pictures of Thai people swimming FULLY CLOTHED. After some digging I found, Thai don't ever wearing swimsuits because swimming in clothes cools you down. Ha, they are smart. So I am not take swimming trousers in my suitcase, but a lot of long sleeved shirts and long pants, you must respect the country you visited isn't it. I leave in six weeks but I can't almost wait until the time is there I think this will be the most pleasant holiday in years. I'll keep you all informed of my experiences over there. greetings for now.

Most of Thailand is beautiful with great beaches, lakes and waterfalls. The Land of Smiles is inhabited by friendly and happy people. The Kingdom of Thailand lies in Southeast Asia, with Laos and Cambodia to its east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia to its south, and the Andaman Sea and Myanmar to its west.

The country's official name was Siam (Thai: สยาม; IPA: [saˈjaːm], RTGS: Sayam), until 24 June 1939. It was again called Siam between 1945 and May 11, 1949, when it was again changed by official proclamation. The word Thai (ไทย) means "freedom" in the Thai language and is also the name of the majority ethnic group.

Travel Tips

If possible, travel only with carry-on luggage, at least on the outbound journey. Not only do you travel faster, you also avoid trouble with lost or mis-directed bags. You can get whatever you need in Thailand and at low cost. People often charge different prices for locals and foreigners. Be aware of it and get a local friend to help you. We don't really want to dwell on the two price system. It happens and there isn't much you can do about it other than walk away. National parks in Thailand charge an admission fee of 40 Baht for Thai people and 400 Baht for foreigners. It doesn't matter if it is a small waterfall or a massive mountain range. It is the same price.

You should always swim in clothes as a matter of respect

"You should always swim in clothes." my Thai friend said. "It is not a matter of being socially correct. It's just a matter of respect."

Thais prefer to 'prevent' tanned skin. Much in the same way as westerners like to 'darken' our tans. Thais 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).

Beach Clothes

Don't go to the beaches where the tourists are. They only swim in tiny briefs, getting sunburned and stung by the jellyfish. Go to the beaches where the Thai people go and swim in clothes. At almost all resorts where mainly the locals go, most people swim in the sea with all their clothes on. They then spend the rest of the day eating, chatting and sleeping under the umbrellas at the top of the beach. Enjoy the view and meet friendly local people.

Foreigners are a rarity here, so please dress decently and don't swim in just your speedos. Please cover up when you are walking around the beachfront or in the water. Ladies, please don’t go topless. Although most Thais won’t say anything, many of them are offended and shocked on how Westerners dress and behave on the beach.

The local Thai custom is to swim in clothes and you do well to respect that and join them. Exposing too much of your skin will not only earn you a sunburn, but is also frowned at by the locals. They also find people with pale skin very attractive, so don't go out and get a tan.

No matter how hot is is, gentlemen should wear long trousers. For ladies, pants are also acceptable, or you can wear a skirt or a dress that covers the knee. Sleeveless tops should be avoided. Instead of swimwear bring quick drying clothes that look good on dry land and in the water.

Exposing too much of your skin will not only earn you a sunburn, but is also frowned at by the locals. Thais consider public semi-nudity to be very low class. They usually swim with their jeans and T-shirts on, now rainwear also becomes popular. You're likely to cause offence if you wander around in skimpy gear.

Put your clothes on - we are going for a swim

Thais bathe in clothing not just out of modesty or because they do not like a tan, but because it pleases them to bathe dressed. They sometimes change into different clothes before they go swimming.

Actually, in the hot climate bathing in clothes makes sense: it is not necessary to spend time changing of clothes, or worry about the clothing left on the shore. Wet clothing protects from the heat.

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.

Why do Europeans prefer to be smeared by sun cream, which protects the skin only from the sunburns but leaves the harmful effect of ultraviolet rays, instead of imitating the Thais? Probably, the majority of people prefer to follow habits. If they meet someone with other habits, then at best they be surprised at this, and they usually condemn it.

Swimming in Jeans and T-shirt

Picture the scene: a heavy day on the golf course. Sweating, sweating, sweating. Even the shower afterwards does not stop the perspiration.

One day we avoided the statutory after-golf shower, and went to a beach. We sat under a palm-thatched hut, and I idly watched Thais swimming in the sea with their clothes on. Now I knew something about this. Modesty, my friend had said. But, as with all things in Thailand, there's more to it.

Acting on impulse, I jumped into the sea and swam around, wearing my perspiration-soaked T-shirt and jeans. My companion was impressed and joined in.

But what was this? As I sat soaked at the hut a little later, the breeze blew across my clothes, and I found I had cooled down considerably. My clothes dried out and I felt very comfortable indeed. Another shower later at the hotel and I felt really good. A case of Thais knowing their onions again.

For many times I bathed in sports wear and I can say that this much more pleasant than bathing in some swimbriefs.

Culture

Theravada Buddhism is central to modern Thai identity and belief, though in practice it has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from animism as well as ancestor worship. In areas in the southernmost parts of Thailand, Islam is prevalent.

Several different ethnic groups, many of which are marginalised, populate Thailand. Some of these groups overlap into Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have maintained a distinctly traditional way-of-life despite strong Thai cultural influence.

Ethnic Chinese also form a significant part of Thai society, particularly in and around Bangkok. Their successful integration into Thai society has allowed for this group to hold positions of economic and political power.

Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. Thais will bow to their feet of their parents or grandparents to honour them. In addition, the elders always rule in family decisions or ceremonies.

The standard greeting in Thailand is a prayer-like gesture called the wai. Taboos include touching someone's head or pointing with the feet, as the head is considered the most sacred and the foot the dirtiest part of the body. Stepping over someone, or over food, is considered insulting.

However, Thai culture as in many other Asian cultures, is succumbing to the influence of westernisation and some of the traditional taboos are slowly fading away with time.

Books and other documents are the most revered of secular objects, therefore one should not slide a book across a table or place it on the floor.

Food

Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. The staple food in Thailand is rice, particularly jasmine variety rice (also known as Hom Mali rice) which is included in almost every meal. Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice and Thais domestically consume over 100 kg of milled rice per person per year.

Clearly, rice is an important part of Thai culture. Over 5000 varieties of rice from Thailand are preserved in the rice gene bank of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the Philippines. The King of Thailand is the official patron of IRRI.

Thai culture has been greatly shaped in recent years by its vibrant and free press. There are numerous English, Thai and Chinese papers in circulation and Thailand is the largest newspaper market in South East Asia with an estimated circulation of at least 13 million copies daily in 2003.