Wetlook World Forum

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I have recently moved to Thailand to live and work for a few years, and I chose a place to live very close to the beach (about a 2 minute drive, 10 minute walk). I was quite happy to see but initially somewhat bemused, that the vast majority of Thai's swim fully clothed in the sea. There's multiple reasons for this which I won't go into, but basically they can find it offensive to go to the beach in skimpy swimwear that most Westerner's wear. And when I say fully clothed, I mean jeans, long sleeve T-shirts, hoodies, light weight jackets etc.

Now that I understand this culture tip, I think absolutely nothing of putting on my cotton cargo's (I find jeans simply too hot here) a long sleeve light weight shirt and going for a walk along a crowded beach and simply stroll into the water and swim around for a while, then coming out to walk across the road to one of about 3 million outdoor restaurants, and having some lunch or dinner; still soaked of course. Totally acceptable behavior and doesn't raise an eyebrow.

Songkran aside, I am one of very few Farang's to do this, and you can typically spot the Westener's as they are the ones in the before mentioned skimpy swimwear, and they somehow just look wrong...

Just thought I would share this for anyone planning to visit Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia etc.

P.S. Both the wife and I do however save our jeans and "heavier" clothing for swimming in our pool.