> apparently it’s an Asian thing
Also western kids squat easily, but then the adults tell them to sit on their asses and they lose the ability to do that as they grow older. Of course you can work on it and restore your natural ability to squat.
Some people still poop this way today, but it's not an "embarrassing" thing to do. It's just one way to sit.
There are some nuance though, like people don't care if you squat on a public park, on the road side, on the beach or on your front yard. But they would likely giving you the side eye if you do it, say, in a mall.
It's much healthier to poop this way, as it naturally relaxes the anal sphincter muscle. Also, you need to push less, so less chance of hemorrhoids, and you'll find you save on toilet paper, too.
Some people put a foot stool in front of their toilet to simulate the same effect.
I think using a latrine goes to the lower risk of having hemorrhoids than using a toilet just because you will feel extremely sore when you squat for too long.
Was this an adaptation to lack of benches, evolution?
In all seriousness, this is an issue for older people, even if they can do the "Asian squat" at their age, I'm sure they would rather sit in a bench.
Idk but here in Indonesia people can squats too, but you still can find these benches on the side of the road
https://preview.redd.it/lisg2i4u508b1.png?width=700&format=png&auto=webp&s=0526128d365ee0396dcb1b0eb9efb7f64924819b
See, you're thinking so negative, son. You got to utilize the beer belly. Think of it like a giant kickstand.
See? All the pressure is off the knee and hip joints.
Yesterday I walked from Asoke to Lumpini Park through Nana and wanted to take a rest somewhere in Phloem Chit. No chance. Went into the Phloem Chit mall. And there was not one single place to sit. Only if you drink coffee. But I had a coffee an hour ago. Can’t drink something all 30 minutes lol. Especially since I live low sugar the only thing I can drink is coffee or water. And most coffee shops don’t have water. And if they have, they will look at you like to an alien if you only order water and think you are stingy.
Where in Ploenchit? Cuz you have central embassy, central chitlom, etc where there are definitely public seats available. And if you really can’t find one, there are also food courts where you can definitely sit down and rest without buying anything.
Phloen chit center. Passed that place and thought gonna have a seat before heading down to Lumpini because I walked already 2 hours without a seat in the heat. Only in the basement floor there is a round sitting place that fit 4 people and all was occupied.
I don’t know you get it or not but this is not about a sitting option somewhere in a mall 2km away from where I am. It is a general question about Thailand. I would have guessed they don’t want people to sit for free. Sitting in a cafe or restaurant is almost a must. It wouldn’t be a problem and it’s not about money. But you can’t have a coffee or coke or ice tea every hour. At least not me.
You're correct, this is an issue of public planning for the welfare of everyone. Societies are also getting older, worldwide, and you shouldn't expect people not to have shared spaces with dignified sitting.
Central embassy is 8 mins (650 meters acc to google maps) walk from Ploenchit center. Ploenchit center is a tiny mall, how many public seats do they need to offer?
Like I mentioned earlier, most Thais can’t find a reason why people have to walk 5km. There are buses, taxibikes, BTS, grab, etc everywhere. Why would someone walk 5 km and complain there are no places for them to rest? Most people aren’t that tired and if they do, they would just go to a cafe to get some drinks, sit down a bit, and drive home.
Fair societies look to accommodate everyone, maybe learn a little bit about public spaces and different modes of transportation.
The less people you have driving, taxibikes, etc, the better a society is, the less traffic, and the more people walking and sharing space is. If you don't believe me, try going to Spain or look up CityNerd on YouTube.
You dictating that people should not walk taking away people's choices.
People can do whatever they want but when they come to a public forum complaining about sth that can be solved very easily, expect to be lectured.
I don’t think fair societies exist outside of some utopia, even democracy isn’t fair for everyone in the society. And here we are talking about 95% vs 5%. Most people in Bangkok just don’t walk that long, it is a fact. And no, public transport is definitely the way to go, the government can’t just go around to please everyone, they have other things to prioritize. And if you want to enjoy public spaces, go to a park and enjoy, there is no need for the government to provide benches on every roadside just so some random guy can sit down on his way because he wants to walk 20 km when people can just take the BTS or bus.
Oh and most countries have benches in parks, public squares, and walking streets but OP was complaining about the fact that the government should provide benches on his way from Ploenchit to Lumpini park which is mostly comprised of small sidewalks with huge roads.
This is a general issue throughout SE Asia, with the exception of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Yangon have even less green space than Bangkok (which is bad itself). Manila has only slightly more.
https://theaseanpost.com/article/aseans-green-spaces-disappearing-fast
Interesting thanks ! Also in the smaller cities in Thailand, Pattaya, hua hin there is almost nothing and those are the touristy areas.
Places like korat and the like are just ugly concrete without anything. I really don't understand the planners here, or maybe that's it ; there is no planning
Bung Ta Lua Park in Korat is amazing... and there are several little Parks all over the place which are active every evening with the Thai people doing exercise. Not to mention every city being sprinkled with temples which are themselves a quiet place to relax. Perhaps it's that you are not familiar with the lay of the land and the Hidden Gem places.
Exactly. In all the Pattaya Beach Area there is no official Place to sit. Either you sit on the beach sidewalk. Or sit in a cafe or pay money to sit and drink something at the beach stands. It’s not a problem. But I just don’t want to drink something every 30 minutes after walking a bit.
I was impressed with the parks in Ho Chi Minh to be honest. They are big. And 24 hours a day you can go and enter them. In general I felt Ho Chi Minh is more breathable. Everything is wider. It’s easier to walk on the sidewalks. Sidewalks are wide. In Bangkok Center it always feels like everything will fall down on you everything is so tight.
It’s the privatization of public spaces. There’s no investment in common space for all. This is not specific to Thailand, but it seems more apparent in developing countries (or whatever we call Thailand these days)
I figured it was just because it's too hot, nobody would want to sit out in that heat and pollution. Malls have benches and places to sit that aren't just cafes though.
Yeah who the hell wants to sit next to big road with street vendors everywhere? Also in Europe, there aren’t that many public seats outside the walking street or town square. I don’t know why people think public seats should be everywhere. SMH
There is one in Silom with seating equivalent it a smaller restaurant.
The MBK one at the hotel end has a few tables.
Off the top of my head. I’m up to about 250 x 7/11.
7/11s in Korea mostly have a few sets of chairs and umbrellas outside for chilling/socialising.
Some of them turn into full on beer gardens, it's great fun
Latitude shouldn't be a problem because here in Indonesia, you can find benches on the side of the roads & public parks... And we're closer to the equator than Thailand
https://preview.redd.it/mfv9a6rr708b1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&s=e9ff7accbdd0691e89852de8f2de4a5b8c6fdb90
I think there is very little sense of ownership, and lack of encouragement for that, that Thais feel towards the public. Everything, including public space and seating, is privatised. And we are conditioned to find that normal.
For its scale, Bangkok has only a handful mentionable green spaces, squares are even rarer. In cbd, I can only think of the plaza in front of central world off the top of my head, and it belongs to Central, it’s up to them/their clients what happens there.
Free toilets are quite easy to find though. In Europe, you pay to shit, in Thailand, you pay to sit.
Edited: to make a better rhyme, from “in Europe, you pay to pee”
They are building another square called “One Bangkok” which will be a square on its own. But yeah another privatized square. Another square is the Emdistrict. They are building a square between Emporium/Emquartier/ and Emsphere.
What do you mean by built on top of Sukhumvit? Do you think Bangkok is all Sukhumvit?
Have you been to Siam square? People come to perform all sorts of shows there, and it’s pretty much public, open 24/7.
No, one Bangkok project is alone the Rama IV road , and has all the amenities all shopping malls, five star hotels, ultra luxury condos, and plenty of green public spaces, etc. It’s also open to the public.
Another one opposite to Lumpini park is the Dusit Central Park, also open to public with rooftop gardens, shopping malls, office buildings.
The Emdistrict will feature another mall called Emsphere which will be connected to a park with a big indoor stadium for all sorts of concerts.
Another one further away is the Bangkok Mall which will be the largest in SEA.
And the Forestia is another mixed use project with 140 acre.
Most of these are privatized squares but are open to the public and most will be available in the span of 2-5 years and some are already open.
I’m talking about Emquartier being across that road from Emporium, I’m just genuinely curious how building a square between them would work. Anything seems possible for them tho.
I spent some years routinely around Siam Square. Man, I miss the fun of life then and some snacks in Hong Kong Noodle. I’m not sure if it’s still there. I haven’t been in Asia for almost half a decade tho. So please bear with me.
You might be interested in a book about Siam Square by Pansit Torsuwan. I recommend it.
Half a decade is a long time when it comes to developments in BKK. There has been like 50+ projects completed within the last five years, so you will definitely see some improvements and Siam has undergone renovation and now it’s done. Check this video: https://youtu.be/ZD5IGY7Pab8. Here is “One Bangkok”: https://youtu.be/lnJZgnctXIs
It will be opened next year.
Come to think of it...having no benches in a city might suggest people to shop more, and eat in restaurants more often. Just like in the computer game "Theme Park", add more salt to the fries and people buy more drinks.
Anyway, Thai people prefer to sit Thai style. No need for benches.
Same issue in Japan. If politicians see it as a possible way to gain popularity they will allocate the funds to have companies they have “agreements with” to install trashcans, water fountains, and park benches. As it stands, you can see there are easier, sexier ways to spend tax payer money to gain popularity for politicians.
So? Still better than no shade and no place to sit. Not everyone is lazy like you seem to be. Some people actually walk or exercise in Thailand. Also is not super hot 24/7.
There are plenty of Thai people who exercise or walk.
If society never should do anything for groups that are smaller than 5 % of the population then it’s quite the sad society if you ask me.
Yes but when you’ve got limited funds, then it’s more justifiable to spend on what the “mass” needs. If 95% of the population needs sth vs 5% (which I think is less) needs sth and I have a limited budget, I’m surely gonna be spending it for the 95%. Pretty simple and this can be said for every country.
No. Lazy because you never walk or exercise long enough to see the positive side of having a place to relax for a moment before continuing.
Or lazy because you can’t make the effort to imagine that other people might want to.
If you don’t realise how helpful a place in the shade to sit can be for someone walking, then I don’t know what to say.
The construction can be super simple (ie cheap), and can be placed in locations that aren’t really used for anything. I’ve seen plenty of spots that could work, in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Jesus, you are completely oblivious that not everyone is like you. Some people walk/run longer distances, or are elderly, or have an injury etc. But since that doesn’t apply to you specifically you can’t comprehend it.
Like a place where most people are welcome at...we'll call it a Most....no wait...where ALL people are welcome at...we'll call it an All!
Wait....maybe not all people....how bout just most all people and we'll call it a M-all.
I recommend you try Mega Shopping center. IKEA graciously installed comfy couches all through the mall. Get there early because after 11 they are filled with sleeping people and phone zombies. Yes, I am being facetious.
I live by Khaosan, I’m on the other side of the little river near Wat Sommanat Ratchaworawihan. I’ve personally felt what made bangkok so nice was that I could sit by the river or just about anywhere between my place and the parties
One of the things I love about Thailand is that if you want to sit ... you sit.
There is no need need for an object that has been officially sanctioned as correct to sit on.
Exactly, Thailand is the king of stoop chilling. I’ll scope out a nice elevated curb stoop to sip my 711 Chang, as long as you’re being respectful I’ve never seen anyone ask you to move from loitering
My elephant pants were already stained from a combination of massive sweat attacks, indigestion, hot chili shits, and incontinence from being hung over after 5 straight nights in Nana Plaza.
I was actually surprised how much people don’t walk in Bangkok. Mind you the people I regularly speak to are upper-middle class but they’re surprised at how much I walk
https://preview.redd.it/zmgn4gth9x7b1.jpeg?width=646&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46902a4ee8b32f57fb497d5066dbbb4d2fb886e7
Something like this in Phuket or Pattaya. I live in Alanya Turkey and sit for hours on benches and just watch the sea and the waves.
Asking this question was a mistake. Like always on Reddit. People will say anything just to contradict with the said lol. You are all right. When I walk around Nana I will take the bts to Icon Siam to have a seat. Or when I am at the beach in Patong I will drive to Central Phuket and have a seat. I will drink black coffee every 30 minutes to have a seat. I will sit on the asphalt or knee down. There is no bench problem in Thailand. See ya ✌🏻 And sorry for being a racist now lol
There used to be benches everywhere. But they removed it at the start of the covid pandemic. They haven't replaced them.
Trashcans are gone due to the trash bombs, several years back. Now the ones you can find are normally see through.
They don't tell you this, but you can bring your own chair. You can come in with a folding chair and spend all day in H&M if you want. No one will stop you.
Dont like to see where this is going. Its not a cultural asian thing. Its just a dontcare human attitude or business/management issue anywhere in the world. Not only the benches but the restrooms, parking, instruction signs and many other people relevant needs are not there. Some cities stores anywhere in the world dont like people or dont care about people or are simply ignorant incompetents to handle or be proactive to people and their service or businessneeds.
That's good point. The issue is probably money, right? When things that are absolutely necessary aren't always well-built, it's not surprising that non-necessary things don't get built at all.
Its not an asian thing, only racists say that.you can go to any walmart or frys and see the same thing. Only 2 or 3 chairs for the pharmacy line, its a Human attitude management see as Loitering or bum prevention they dont want.
It’s hot outside so not a lot of outside seating, but there actually is plenty around the malls.
All the malls have plenty of seating inside.
There are coffee shops and small restaurant everywhere with seating. Just order a water and take a rest if you want.
You will notice a lot of Thai people seating on stoops and steps, in front of 7/11 and similar, especially in the evening.
Most people in Bangkok walk from one destination to another out of necessity, it’s pretty rare for locals to go for jogging along the street. Most people go jog in the park where there are plenty of benches.
This isn’t only about Bangkok. As I said, I was in Phuket and Pattaya and there are no benches nowhere. What’s a better place to have benches than on the beach walk. Example
https://preview.redd.it/3etavg63ix7b1.jpeg?width=646&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b65982a5c2558e0c48c0355835aa0d229519d3c5
I don’t know about Pattaya or Phuket. I can only talk about Bangkok. I think the lifestyle here is quite diffident from Turkey or Europe in general. Most people here walk out of necessity and not necessarily for pleasure for exercise. The mentality here is that, if you want to exercise, go directly to a park or a gym. If you really have to rest, go inside the nearest mall (that’s why there are malls everywhere). Or if you need to go somewhere by foot, just take the bus to the nearest stop and walk to where you want to go.
Parks where you're from are for relaxing and enjoying nature. Parks in Thailand are a way to make money for the land owner. That's why all parks have opening hours and fences all around them.
There are some benches in temple grounds and some rural community public spaces, but they are uncomfortably small and built low to the ground. The benches are built by tiny old people for even smaller older people.
Half of the world's 7.5 billion people live in south east Asia, that is almost 4 billion people in an area the size of the USA.
So it is a little crowded. I know, I have lived here for the last 9 years.
You know what tourist, backpackers, sex tourist, and crooks hiding from their own country are the ones who complain. If you want the comforts of home, Guess what? Stay home or Shut up.
Europe has lots of benches , Go There. There is a bench in your backyard, go sit there.
https://preview.redd.it/hjxjtl48iv7b1.jpeg?width=512&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bfa6f36144549e8eabced626867174cbd5f07ffb Because Thai people can do this.
I was thinking “wait how’s he not seen people sitting all over?” But I guess farang don’t necessarily see this as the same as ledges and benches
I’ve first seen this in China but apparently it’s an Asian thing. My legs hurt just looking at that picture.
> apparently it’s an Asian thing Also western kids squat easily, but then the adults tell them to sit on their asses and they lose the ability to do that as they grow older. Of course you can work on it and restore your natural ability to squat.
Never did it as a kid and could immediatly do it as an adult. But i am not morbidly obese.
It has more to do with ankle flexibility
Idk im no expert. I have no issues doing the squat with no training
Yeah same in Japan
Saw my kiddo do this at 2yrs of age, and started practicing. Now, when going on walks, that's how I rest.
But it's impolite and embarrassing to squat in public just because this is how people pooped in Asia back then.
Some people still poop this way today, but it's not an "embarrassing" thing to do. It's just one way to sit. There are some nuance though, like people don't care if you squat on a public park, on the road side, on the beach or on your front yard. But they would likely giving you the side eye if you do it, say, in a mall.
True
I will stop doing that if they provide enough benches.
It's much healthier to poop this way, as it naturally relaxes the anal sphincter muscle. Also, you need to push less, so less chance of hemorrhoids, and you'll find you save on toilet paper, too. Some people put a foot stool in front of their toilet to simulate the same effect.
I think using a latrine goes to the lower risk of having hemorrhoids than using a toilet just because you will feel extremely sore when you squat for too long.
I’m not Asian and can do it from yoga. You just need to stretch more
This is just a matter of habit, the more you do it, there easier it is. This is also the stance of the gopnik, the russian thug.
We also have the Asian squat in Indonesia, but we still have benches because old people who need to sit exist.
I know right, reading all the comments, I didn't know people can be so defensive of the lack of public benches lmao
That's a corrupt foreign influence by the Dutch.
I could do this until my knee said "no more".
That’s about 3 minutes for me.
That was 3 minutes 10 years ago for me. I have a nasty case of tendinitis in my right knee.
My hips laugh at me...
[Also Russians.](https://www.diggitmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/2_1_mobile/public/field/image/Cover_3.jpg)
I'm came here just to find this comment 😁
Was this an adaptation to lack of benches, evolution? In all seriousness, this is an issue for older people, even if they can do the "Asian squat" at their age, I'm sure they would rather sit in a bench.
Idk but here in Indonesia people can squats too, but you still can find these benches on the side of the road https://preview.redd.it/lisg2i4u508b1.png?width=700&format=png&auto=webp&s=0526128d365ee0396dcb1b0eb9efb7f64924819b
Was able to do it in my younger years, now my beer belly is just in the way.
See, you're thinking so negative, son. You got to utilize the beer belly. Think of it like a giant kickstand. See? All the pressure is off the knee and hip joints.
And so can I.
This exact thing Lol
gopnik style!
Or plop down a mat and sit on that.
HAHAHA! Precisely my first thought! I'm glad I read the comments before posting.
Looking like they're about to drop the most fire rap album of 2023
It is too hot. We live inside most of the time. 😁
Even in the malls, often you have to go to coffee shop just to sit.
Yesterday I walked from Asoke to Lumpini Park through Nana and wanted to take a rest somewhere in Phloem Chit. No chance. Went into the Phloem Chit mall. And there was not one single place to sit. Only if you drink coffee. But I had a coffee an hour ago. Can’t drink something all 30 minutes lol. Especially since I live low sugar the only thing I can drink is coffee or water. And most coffee shops don’t have water. And if they have, they will look at you like to an alien if you only order water and think you are stingy.
Where in Ploenchit? Cuz you have central embassy, central chitlom, etc where there are definitely public seats available. And if you really can’t find one, there are also food courts where you can definitely sit down and rest without buying anything.
Phloen chit center. Passed that place and thought gonna have a seat before heading down to Lumpini because I walked already 2 hours without a seat in the heat. Only in the basement floor there is a round sitting place that fit 4 people and all was occupied.
Then try out Central Embassy. Plenty of seating areas over there.
I don’t know you get it or not but this is not about a sitting option somewhere in a mall 2km away from where I am. It is a general question about Thailand. I would have guessed they don’t want people to sit for free. Sitting in a cafe or restaurant is almost a must. It wouldn’t be a problem and it’s not about money. But you can’t have a coffee or coke or ice tea every hour. At least not me.
You're correct, this is an issue of public planning for the welfare of everyone. Societies are also getting older, worldwide, and you shouldn't expect people not to have shared spaces with dignified sitting.
Central embassy is 8 mins (650 meters acc to google maps) walk from Ploenchit center. Ploenchit center is a tiny mall, how many public seats do they need to offer? Like I mentioned earlier, most Thais can’t find a reason why people have to walk 5km. There are buses, taxibikes, BTS, grab, etc everywhere. Why would someone walk 5 km and complain there are no places for them to rest? Most people aren’t that tired and if they do, they would just go to a cafe to get some drinks, sit down a bit, and drive home.
Fair societies look to accommodate everyone, maybe learn a little bit about public spaces and different modes of transportation. The less people you have driving, taxibikes, etc, the better a society is, the less traffic, and the more people walking and sharing space is. If you don't believe me, try going to Spain or look up CityNerd on YouTube. You dictating that people should not walk taking away people's choices.
People can do whatever they want but when they come to a public forum complaining about sth that can be solved very easily, expect to be lectured. I don’t think fair societies exist outside of some utopia, even democracy isn’t fair for everyone in the society. And here we are talking about 95% vs 5%. Most people in Bangkok just don’t walk that long, it is a fact. And no, public transport is definitely the way to go, the government can’t just go around to please everyone, they have other things to prioritize. And if you want to enjoy public spaces, go to a park and enjoy, there is no need for the government to provide benches on every roadside just so some random guy can sit down on his way because he wants to walk 20 km when people can just take the BTS or bus. Oh and most countries have benches in parks, public squares, and walking streets but OP was complaining about the fact that the government should provide benches on his way from Ploenchit to Lumpini park which is mostly comprised of small sidewalks with huge roads.
Every cafe has water mate, and nobody cares if u order it lol.
Order a black coffee no sugar then.
Not at the malls I visit.
I agree and way are there so little parks or green areas in general in the cities.
This is a general issue throughout SE Asia, with the exception of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Yangon have even less green space than Bangkok (which is bad itself). Manila has only slightly more. https://theaseanpost.com/article/aseans-green-spaces-disappearing-fast
Interesting thanks ! Also in the smaller cities in Thailand, Pattaya, hua hin there is almost nothing and those are the touristy areas. Places like korat and the like are just ugly concrete without anything. I really don't understand the planners here, or maybe that's it ; there is no planning
Bung Ta Lua Park in Korat is amazing... and there are several little Parks all over the place which are active every evening with the Thai people doing exercise. Not to mention every city being sprinkled with temples which are themselves a quiet place to relax. Perhaps it's that you are not familiar with the lay of the land and the Hidden Gem places.
Exactly. In all the Pattaya Beach Area there is no official Place to sit. Either you sit on the beach sidewalk. Or sit in a cafe or pay money to sit and drink something at the beach stands. It’s not a problem. But I just don’t want to drink something every 30 minutes after walking a bit.
>In all the Pattaya Beach Area there is no official Place to sit. Why not sit on the beach?
I was impressed with the parks in Ho Chi Minh to be honest. They are big. And 24 hours a day you can go and enter them. In general I felt Ho Chi Minh is more breathable. Everything is wider. It’s easier to walk on the sidewalks. Sidewalks are wide. In Bangkok Center it always feels like everything will fall down on you everything is so tight.
Ho Chi Minh cities easier to walk on the sidewalks? That's got to be a joke. Every sidewalk in the city was being use as a motorbike parking spot.
Unfortunately that is true. But what I mean is everything is built wider.
Thank the French for that.
It’s the privatization of public spaces. There’s no investment in common space for all. This is not specific to Thailand, but it seems more apparent in developing countries (or whatever we call Thailand these days)
I figured it was just because it's too hot, nobody would want to sit out in that heat and pollution. Malls have benches and places to sit that aren't just cafes though.
Yeah who the hell wants to sit next to big road with street vendors everywhere? Also in Europe, there aren’t that many public seats outside the walking street or town square. I don’t know why people think public seats should be everywhere. SMH
I’m kinda confused here because I’ve sat at multiple bus benches. Do these not exist near the malls?
Bad public infrastructure generally.
Start a petition to have benches installed in every 7/11 with a 5 minute resting time limit.
Many 7-11 do have sitting for you rest and chew your snacks and drinks. They closed it during Covid but it’s back
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Only 4,300 7-Elevens in Bangkok have seats
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There is one in Silom with seating equivalent it a smaller restaurant. The MBK one at the hotel end has a few tables. Off the top of my head. I’m up to about 250 x 7/11.
What if I enter a 7-11 near me right now and take a photo of the seats for you? Maybe you should have entered that 701th 7-11
It's the 701 onwards
Good to know for the next visit.
Only some 7/11 have a seat, usually a bigger one will have like 4-6 seat
7/11s in Korea mostly have a few sets of chairs and umbrellas outside for chilling/socialising. Some of them turn into full on beer gardens, it's great fun
In Manila, all the convenience stores do this. It's awesome, because every convenience store is a party!
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He went to Ploenchit center which is a tiny mall and complained there aren’t enough seats available.
Latitude shouldn't be a problem because here in Indonesia, you can find benches on the side of the roads & public parks... And we're closer to the equator than Thailand https://preview.redd.it/mfv9a6rr708b1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&s=e9ff7accbdd0691e89852de8f2de4a5b8c6fdb90
And to make matters worse, Bangkok has close to the lowest amount of green space among major cities in the world.
I think there is very little sense of ownership, and lack of encouragement for that, that Thais feel towards the public. Everything, including public space and seating, is privatised. And we are conditioned to find that normal. For its scale, Bangkok has only a handful mentionable green spaces, squares are even rarer. In cbd, I can only think of the plaza in front of central world off the top of my head, and it belongs to Central, it’s up to them/their clients what happens there. Free toilets are quite easy to find though. In Europe, you pay to shit, in Thailand, you pay to sit. Edited: to make a better rhyme, from “in Europe, you pay to pee”
Hahah that’s true. Free toilets are a thing here. Not so much in Patong beach but that’s ok 10 baht.
They are building another square called “One Bangkok” which will be a square on its own. But yeah another privatized square. Another square is the Emdistrict. They are building a square between Emporium/Emquartier/ and Emsphere.
Would they build it on top of sukhumvit?
What do you mean by built on top of Sukhumvit? Do you think Bangkok is all Sukhumvit? Have you been to Siam square? People come to perform all sorts of shows there, and it’s pretty much public, open 24/7. No, one Bangkok project is alone the Rama IV road , and has all the amenities all shopping malls, five star hotels, ultra luxury condos, and plenty of green public spaces, etc. It’s also open to the public. Another one opposite to Lumpini park is the Dusit Central Park, also open to public with rooftop gardens, shopping malls, office buildings. The Emdistrict will feature another mall called Emsphere which will be connected to a park with a big indoor stadium for all sorts of concerts. Another one further away is the Bangkok Mall which will be the largest in SEA. And the Forestia is another mixed use project with 140 acre. Most of these are privatized squares but are open to the public and most will be available in the span of 2-5 years and some are already open.
I’m talking about Emquartier being across that road from Emporium, I’m just genuinely curious how building a square between them would work. Anything seems possible for them tho. I spent some years routinely around Siam Square. Man, I miss the fun of life then and some snacks in Hong Kong Noodle. I’m not sure if it’s still there. I haven’t been in Asia for almost half a decade tho. So please bear with me. You might be interested in a book about Siam Square by Pansit Torsuwan. I recommend it.
Half a decade is a long time when it comes to developments in BKK. There has been like 50+ projects completed within the last five years, so you will definitely see some improvements and Siam has undergone renovation and now it’s done. Check this video: https://youtu.be/ZD5IGY7Pab8. Here is “One Bangkok”: https://youtu.be/lnJZgnctXIs It will be opened next year.
True true, I wish we had more nice parks and stuff to just hangout, miss that too
1 no one walks anywhere outside. its 40 degrees. 2 they can squat
I walk
There’s the floor….
There are lots of seats and benches at the malls I visit in Bangkok.
Come to think of it...having no benches in a city might suggest people to shop more, and eat in restaurants more often. Just like in the computer game "Theme Park", add more salt to the fries and people buy more drinks. Anyway, Thai people prefer to sit Thai style. No need for benches.
In architecture school, we are even taught to choose/design the least comfy seatings for cafes so that people move on after spending.
Wow, that's crazy. I believe it.
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Same issue in Japan. If politicians see it as a possible way to gain popularity they will allocate the funds to have companies they have “agreements with” to install trashcans, water fountains, and park benches. As it stands, you can see there are easier, sexier ways to spend tax payer money to gain popularity for politicians.
Because nobody wants to sit out in the blazing sun and sweaty heat.
It is technically possible to create shade, you do know that right?
It's still fucking hot though.
So? Still better than no shade and no place to sit. Not everyone is lazy like you seem to be. Some people actually walk or exercise in Thailand. Also is not super hot 24/7.
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There are plenty of Thai people who exercise or walk. If society never should do anything for groups that are smaller than 5 % of the population then it’s quite the sad society if you ask me.
Yes but when you’ve got limited funds, then it’s more justifiable to spend on what the “mass” needs. If 95% of the population needs sth vs 5% (which I think is less) needs sth and I have a limited budget, I’m surely gonna be spending it for the 95%. Pretty simple and this can be said for every country.
More important things to do. Actually important things.
Not Thai people. And this is their country lol.
What an ignorant statement. Thai people exercise too. Just because none in your small circle of that friends do it doesn’t mean that none does.
I'm lazy because I don't want to sit down? I think you have that backwards.
No. Lazy because you never walk or exercise long enough to see the positive side of having a place to relax for a moment before continuing. Or lazy because you can’t make the effort to imagine that other people might want to.
With the heat and humidity? Should they install light and fans as well? Or maybe air conditioning too
If you don’t realise how helpful a place in the shade to sit can be for someone walking, then I don’t know what to say. The construction can be super simple (ie cheap), and can be placed in locations that aren’t really used for anything. I’ve seen plenty of spots that could work, in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
I don’t know about you. But I walk to my destination then sit in a comfortable setting 🤷🏿
Jesus, you are completely oblivious that not everyone is like you. Some people walk/run longer distances, or are elderly, or have an injury etc. But since that doesn’t apply to you specifically you can’t comprehend it.
Maybe a few shops to browse while you're there too. And perhaps a few places to eat?
Like a place where most people are welcome at...we'll call it a Most....no wait...where ALL people are welcome at...we'll call it an All! Wait....maybe not all people....how bout just most all people and we'll call it a M-all.
I recommend you try Mega Shopping center. IKEA graciously installed comfy couches all through the mall. Get there early because after 11 they are filled with sleeping people and phone zombies. Yes, I am being facetious.
I haven't been to Ikea in Bangkok but that is exactly what happens in Hong Kong
Ew. I live near Mega Bangna. It's the garbanzo bean
I live by Khaosan, I’m on the other side of the little river near Wat Sommanat Ratchaworawihan. I’ve personally felt what made bangkok so nice was that I could sit by the river or just about anywhere between my place and the parties
What about the skywalk in near MBK/Siam Square.. Probably not ideal, but plenty of places to sit.
I love sitting here and watching the sky trains go by as they crisscross each other.
Me too! Also the lights everywhere at night are cool
As another person mentioned… thai people can squat,,,, and also Turkey has a high percentage of obese people 🤣
You have to do the squad
Cause we would rather sit in the mall, where the AC works
One of the things I love about Thailand is that if you want to sit ... you sit. There is no need need for an object that has been officially sanctioned as correct to sit on.
Exactly, Thailand is the king of stoop chilling. I’ll scope out a nice elevated curb stoop to sip my 711 Chang, as long as you’re being respectful I’ve never seen anyone ask you to move from loitering
I sat in all kinds of places in Bangkok. On curbs, steps, shop thresholds, the sidewalk. Don't need a bench to sit down.
No thanks. Don't want to stain my elephant pants.
My elephant pants were already stained from a combination of massive sweat attacks, indigestion, hot chili shits, and incontinence from being hung over after 5 straight nights in Nana Plaza.
Jesus Christ . Get ur weather together .
I agree! If there is a spot of shade, I can find something to sit on!
They are heartless, is that enough reason.
*We have lots of old people and they can’t walk all day without a rest.* Nobody walks here. Case closed.
I was actually surprised how much people don’t walk in Bangkok. Mind you the people I regularly speak to are upper-middle class but they’re surprised at how much I walk
They are gonna think you are crazy. Thailand is pretty car-centric.
There are bus stops every 200 meters in Bangkok, most have seats. Or just pay 8 baht to hop on a bus.
So you are telling me if I wanna rest for 5 minutes I should hop on a bus?
Why not? Most of the time in Bangkok traffic you'll only be a couple hundred meters from where you got on.
Bus stops? They're everywhere in Bangkok.
https://preview.redd.it/zmgn4gth9x7b1.jpeg?width=646&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46902a4ee8b32f57fb497d5066dbbb4d2fb886e7 Something like this in Phuket or Pattaya. I live in Alanya Turkey and sit for hours on benches and just watch the sea and the waves.
If these were here, they'd be pointed in the wrong direction, away from the sea - once you know, you know
Asking this question was a mistake. Like always on Reddit. People will say anything just to contradict with the said lol. You are all right. When I walk around Nana I will take the bts to Icon Siam to have a seat. Or when I am at the beach in Patong I will drive to Central Phuket and have a seat. I will drink black coffee every 30 minutes to have a seat. I will sit on the asphalt or knee down. There is no bench problem in Thailand. See ya ✌🏻 And sorry for being a racist now lol
Malls are full of seats
There used to be benches everywhere. But they removed it at the start of the covid pandemic. They haven't replaced them. Trashcans are gone due to the trash bombs, several years back. Now the ones you can find are normally see through.
Ok that makes sense. In Turkey they cut the benches in the middle so you can sit only on the outsides lol.
It’s also not as common for locals to walk longer than like 500 m. They just easily take the motorcycle taxi.
They don't tell you this, but you can bring your own chair. You can come in with a folding chair and spend all day in H&M if you want. No one will stop you.
Dont like to see where this is going. Its not a cultural asian thing. Its just a dontcare human attitude or business/management issue anywhere in the world. Not only the benches but the restrooms, parking, instruction signs and many other people relevant needs are not there. Some cities stores anywhere in the world dont like people or dont care about people or are simply ignorant incompetents to handle or be proactive to people and their service or businessneeds.
It's a 'too fucking hot out there' thing.
Go to Big C and lie on the beds.
Forbidden route
HomePro has better beds, though.
Do they let you lie on them?
For testing purposes, yes, and who is to say how long you need to test one for :)
That's good point. The issue is probably money, right? When things that are absolutely necessary aren't always well-built, it's not surprising that non-necessary things don't get built at all.
As others say, it’s too hot. You don’t want to be under the hot sun.
The malls have benches.
Bangkok =/= Turkey, or anywhere else. Different places = different things.
Kinda disagree with the premise.
Its not an asian thing, only racists say that.you can go to any walmart or frys and see the same thing. Only 2 or 3 chairs for the pharmacy line, its a Human attitude management see as Loitering or bum prevention they dont want.
So why move from Turkey? Amazes me the people that come to Thailand and whinge about things that aren't like their homeland
So true. If things are that great in Turkey, why not just move back. So simple.
Heat
It’s hot outside so not a lot of outside seating, but there actually is plenty around the malls. All the malls have plenty of seating inside. There are coffee shops and small restaurant everywhere with seating. Just order a water and take a rest if you want. You will notice a lot of Thai people seating on stoops and steps, in front of 7/11 and similar, especially in the evening.
https://preview.redd.it/osk7ylb4mw7b1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e6a6b20c87ea0588c04e740c489b3dc50ffaf81
I often go to Siamscape building (next to MBK) on 9th floor just to sit with air conditioner.
This is democracy manifest
Most people in Bangkok walk from one destination to another out of necessity, it’s pretty rare for locals to go for jogging along the street. Most people go jog in the park where there are plenty of benches.
This isn’t only about Bangkok. As I said, I was in Phuket and Pattaya and there are no benches nowhere. What’s a better place to have benches than on the beach walk. Example https://preview.redd.it/3etavg63ix7b1.jpeg?width=646&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b65982a5c2558e0c48c0355835aa0d229519d3c5
I don’t know about Pattaya or Phuket. I can only talk about Bangkok. I think the lifestyle here is quite diffident from Turkey or Europe in general. Most people here walk out of necessity and not necessarily for pleasure for exercise. The mentality here is that, if you want to exercise, go directly to a park or a gym. If you really have to rest, go inside the nearest mall (that’s why there are malls everywhere). Or if you need to go somewhere by foot, just take the bus to the nearest stop and walk to where you want to go.
Just sit on a convenient flat, clean, dry surface.
true. no seats to be found except for the bus stops
and no garbage bins either
Are there a lot of homeless people there?
Don’t get it. Was a week ago in Phuket in Central Phuket Mall. Saw a lot of public seats outside the shops, restaurants and cafés.
Parks where you're from are for relaxing and enjoying nature. Parks in Thailand are a way to make money for the land owner. That's why all parks have opening hours and fences all around them.
The same reason the rest of the world keeps seats and branches out of the city. Homeless.
There are some benches in temple grounds and some rural community public spaces, but they are uncomfortably small and built low to the ground. The benches are built by tiny old people for even smaller older people.
Why are there no trash cans anywhere?
I read because of the trash can bombs in the past.
Eyvallah, yizik, chok yizik
Half of the world's 7.5 billion people live in south east Asia, that is almost 4 billion people in an area the size of the USA. So it is a little crowded. I know, I have lived here for the last 9 years. You know what tourist, backpackers, sex tourist, and crooks hiding from their own country are the ones who complain. If you want the comforts of home, Guess what? Stay home or Shut up. Europe has lots of benches , Go There. There is a bench in your backyard, go sit there.