Imagine going for lunch at a busy restaurant - full of dining businessmen. In the middle of everything a dumpy, middle-aged woman stands up, hikes up her skirt…and takes off her knickers. Her knickers! She’s not deranged, not making a political statement - she’s simply decided that it’s an acceptable time and place to change into her bathing suit.

The knickers - white granny jobs - are summarily kicked off as the restaurant stands still.  Oblivious, she pulls a swimsuit out of her bag and starts wiggling into it. Everyone’s getting views they’d rather not. Once her top’s off, Granny’s bits are on full display. Finally, painfully, she puts on her swimsuit top and sits down to her lunch, delivered by a horrified staff.

Such was our lunchtime spectacle the other day.

Arrogant or ignorant? We still can’t decide.

Yes, it’s Thailand.

Yes, it’s hot.

Yes, the beach is nearby.

…But what woman in her right mind would think this acceptable behaviour in a restaurant?

This is a modest country where shoulders and knees stay covered. Norms on Samui slide a little bit, it’s a resort island after all, but even still: Thais swim in their clothes. Would it kill us to put our bits away, at least at lunchtime?

Pictured: “The After” - Granny, swimsuit, pissed off staff

*farang is the Thai word for foreigner. Depending on the tone of voice, it might be an insult. In this case, it’s deserved.

With love,
  Koh Samui Sunset

Filed under: (Culture) Thailand 101 by admin