Don't forget your underwear or you might be a criminal . . .

[Gaybutton]

Legal Corner: A Look at One of Thailand’s Most Unusual Laws

By Adam Judd

16 June, 2024

In the land of smiles, Thailand, where the sun shines bright and the beaches beckon, there exists a law that has raised many an eyebrow.

It’s the infamous underwear law, a regulation that insists on the wearing of undergarments whenever one steps out of their abode. Now, before you dismiss this as mere hearsay or the stuff of urban legends, let’s delve into this peculiar piece of legislation with a mix of earnest inquiry and a pinch of humor.

**The Law and Its Roots**

At its core, the underwear law is not technically enshrined in Thai statutes but rather emerges from the depths of social customs and expectations. It’s an unwritten rule that whispers from the paddy fields of rural Thailand to the bustling streets of Bangkok: “Thou shalt not venture forth sans underpants.” The rationale? A blend of modesty, hygiene, and perhaps a dash of superstition—after all, who wants to risk offending the spirits with indecent exposure?

**Enforcement: Myth or Reality?**

While the law may sound like it’s straight out of a comedy sketch, it’s not actively enforced by the Thai police. You won’t find officers conducting spot checks for skivvies or setting up underwear checkpoints. However, it’s worth noting that in certain conservative communities, going commando might earn you some disapproving tuts and possibly a lesson in propriety from the local elders.

**Cultural Considerations**

In Thailand, respect for tradition and social norms is paramount. The underwear mandate is less about legal enforcement and more about adhering to societal expectations. It’s akin to an unspoken agreement among Thais to maintain a certain level of decorum in public spaces—kind of like not slurping your soup too loudly at a formal dinner.

**Monastic Exceptions**

Now, what about our revered Buddhist monks? Surely they’re not subject to such worldly concerns? Indeed, monks are often seen as living beyond the material trappings of society, including, it seems, undergarments. Their religious attire, designed for simplicity and modesty, likely exempts them from this peculiar regulation.

**Conclusion: To Wear or Not to Wear?**

In conclusion, while you’re unlikely to be fined for flouting the underwear law during your Thai adventures, it’s probably wise to err on the side of caution—and comfort.

So there you have it—a lighthearted look at one of Thailand’s most talked-about (but least enforced) regulations.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/06/16/l ... sual-laws/

[Dodger]

It looks like Adam has run out of things to talk about AGAIN.

Thailand hasn't revamped their laws since Yul Brynner was sitting on the throne.

[Gaybutton]

Thailand hasn't revamped their laws since Yul Brynner was sitting on the throne.

It certainly is nothing new. I posted about this in 2017 - and the illustration is from 2012.

See: https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic ... 040#p78040

If the law says you must wear underwear, I wonder whether it is legal to be wearing only underwear . . .

[Jun]

Now, what about our revered Buddhist monks? Surely they’re not subject to such worldly concerns? Indeed, monks are often seen as living beyond the material trappings of society, including, it seems, undergarments.

How has he checked this ?
There is often underwear on the washing line within temple complexes.

[Dodger]

Maybe this is why Thai boys often wear 2 pairs of undies.

I guess they just want to be on the safe side...

[Jun]

Maybe this is why Thai boys often wear 2 pairs of undies.

What should be illegal is wearing 2 pairs on stage in a gogo bar. If they must wear something, best practice is one pair, in a light colour & thin material.

I suppose a law requiring people to wear underwear when they have left their home would apply on the stage of a gogo bar, so prohibiting nudity?

[Gaybutton]

I suppose a law requiring people to wear underwear when they have left their home would apply on the stage of a gogo bar, so prohibiting nudity?

First I don't recall ever seeing boys wearing 2 sets of underwear. I suppose I never noticed.

Many of the boys reside in the bars, so when they appear they're not leaving home, they are home. I guess the underwear law would apply if they are taken off - assuming they are even aware of the law in the first place. I wasn't until I saw that Ripley's Believe It or Not illustration and until this article I haven't seen or heard of it since.

Thailand is not the only country with bizarre laws. Here are some favorites actually on the books in the USA: https://www.onelegal.com/blog/funny-us- ... prise-you/

And more in the UK and USA: https://www.wrighthassall.co.uk/knowled ... range-laws

[Jun]

First I don't recall ever seeing boys wearing 2 sets of underwear. I suppose I never noticed.

I don't think it was common in the Sunee Plaza bars. Particularly not in the bars where there was never much intention of using underwear to preserve modesty.

On the other hand, if, for example, we consider Fresh Boys, pre-covid they all had their boys in white underwear with very thin material. Very nice it was too, but perhaps 20~30% of the boys sneaked another layer on underneath.
I've seen it elsewhere too.

[Gaybutton]

perhaps 20~30% of the boys sneaked another layer on underneath.

I believe you, but I'm surprised I never noticed. Next question: Why were they doing that?

[Dodger]

Almost all Thai boys wear boxers from the time they can walk which are almost considered outer-wear especially up-country. Wearing briefs under the boxers is also very common even when they are wearing jeans or other long pants. It's a cultural thing.

Ladyboys sometimes wear two pairs of snug-fitting briefs to help compress and conceal their bulges, but NEVER boxers...God forbid!

As you well know, the boys in the bars typically wear only the briefs they are wearing on stage when you off them. In contrast, if you hooked up with a non-working boy you met in one of the rural areas for instance he would most likely be wearing boxers over briefs.

Back in Sunee's hey day you could always tell the new recruits because they almost always wore boxers over briefs when coming right off the bus. They soon changed their habits after learning the working-boy ropes. Personally, I had a preference for the raw recruit saggy boxer look.