A few months ago I noticed a poster in a village that depicted in great detail how to use an outhouse toilet in true Lao style. While instructional/motivational/propaganda posters are used commonly in development work in Laos, I thought that one might be a valuable resource for visitors, tourists, and people new to Laos. Recently I found the same poster on top of a cupboard in my office in both boy and girl versions, which I’ve uploaded to flickr for educational purposes only.
The title, translated literally, is “How to use a latrine/outhouse”. These posters were designed for use in schools because both the boy and the girl wear the public school uniform: white shirt and black or blue pants/skirt.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the whole process are steps 3-5, where one must balance carefully without letting clothes or hands touch the (usually) wet, dirty floor. Practice squatting with feet flat on the ground and you’ll begin to get an idea. Those wearing pants would do well to follow this young boy’s example of scrunching pants near the knees to keep them from falling. Finally, note that water is used instead of toilet paper (see #5 for details).
I must note that the toilets I use on a daily basis are rather boring western-style toilets.
tags: howto, squatty potty, asian toilet
I like this system–the squatting and the water. Good for our bodies and the environment. Again, I’m glad I found your blog!
nice post! it’s pretty much the same as train station toilets here with the water part. but you’ve seen those too.
Have a good day, James!