Tales from the Loo: An unsual Thai history

Reminding us that poop is funny, a motion-sensor on this ancient stone toilet makes a farting noise when visitors squat over it. Classy.

Outhouses for monks: This style of latrine was adopted from Sri Lanka around 700 years ago when the Sukhothai kingdom embraced the Sri Lankan branch of Buddhism as the state religion. It was so innovative that Thai monks did not waste any time adopting it for their own temple grounds.

Outside view of the monk's loo. Nearby is a display highlighting the royal loo, which explains that Thai people adopted the Hindu notion of the God-King -- the king was a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. This led to a multitude of rituals, customs and ceremonies pertaining to both the king’s public and private functions. "There was no exception even for his defecation session!" says the museum.

From the late 19th century, free public outhouses like this could be found throughout Bangkok. Though basic and rudimentary, it was viewed as a mechanism for building a civilized nation. Instead of going to the fields or to the piers as before, Siamese people would do their business in a more systematic and hygienic manner.