The island’s evolution through the lens of sanitation at Museum Phuket
Phuket City, often referred to as Phuket Town, serves as the capital of Phuket Province on Thailand’s largest island. With a rich multicultural heritage shaped by centuries of trade, the city showcases a unique blend of Chinese, Portuguese, and British influences in its distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture.
According to this article, Phuket City Municipality has launched an innovative exhibition titled ‘Phuket Toilet: Civilization in the Gooseneck,’ offering visitors a fascinating journey through the evolution of sanitation in this historic Thai city.
Now open at Museum Phuket, housed in the colonial-era Chartered Bank Building on Phang Nga Road, the exhibition explores how toilets and sanitation practices have shaped urban development and public health throughout Phuket’s history.
Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas officially inaugurated the exhibition on Thursday (Feb 27) at a ceremony attended by government officials, private sector representatives, and community members.
“Toilets are more than just a necessity for hygiene; they symbolize the advancement of civilization, shaping the way societies and cities evolve over time,” Mayor Saroj explained during his opening address. The exhibition forms part of the broader ‘Discover Restroom’ initiative, which aims to highlight sanitation as a key indicator of social progress.
Created through a collaboration between the municipality and Museum Siam Phuket, the exhibition features interactive displays and engaging activities across five themed zones:
- World of toilets – An educational toilet-themed game providing global perspectives on human waste management throughout history.
- Civilization in the toilet – A chronological display of various toilet designs reflecting Phuket’s urban growth across different eras.
- Phuket’s memory toilets – An examination of the island’s early public health infrastructure and sanitation management systems.
- Public toilets – An interactive zone highlighting the crucial role of restroom facilities in a major tourist destination, featuring the entertaining Toilet Detective game.
- Showing off – A creative, immersive area where visitors can experience unique toilet settings, from beachside facilities to traditional Peranakan-style restrooms.
The exhibition aims to educate both locals and tourists about the often-overlooked importance of sanitation infrastructure in urban planning and public health, while celebrating Phuket’s unique cultural history through this unexpected lens.