What Is a Bum Gun? A Traveller’s Guide to Bidets in Thailand

18 октябрь 2024 г.

If you’ve travelled to Thailand, you’ve probably come across a bathroom fixture that’s unfamiliar to many Westerners: the bum gun. Officially known as a bidet sprayer, this handheld nozzle is a common sight next to toilets across Thailand. For first-time visitors, it may seem confusing, but the bum gun is an essential part of daily hygiene for locals.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a bum gun is, why it’s so popular in Thailand, how it works, and what every traveller should know before giving it a try.

The Origins of the Bum Gun in Thailand

While the original bidet originated in 17th-century France as a standalone basin, the modern handheld bidet sprayer evolved much later and spread throughout parts of Asia, including Thailand. As Thailand’s plumbing and sanitation systems modernised during the late 20th century, bidet sprayers began appearing in homes, public toilets, and hotels.

The handheld sprayer was a natural fit with Thailand’s emphasis on cleanliness, cultural preference for washing over wiping, and the practicality of tropical living. Today, the bum gun is a standard feature in Thai bathrooms, from Bangkok high-rises to rural homes.

Why Do Thais Use Bidets Instead of Toilet Paper?

There are several reasons why bidets are favoured over toilet paper in Thailand:

• Hygiene

Water cleans more thoroughly than wiping with paper. Washing with a bum gun reduces bacteria and minimises irritation, especially important in Thailand’s hot, humid climate.

• Cultural Norms

Water is seen as purifying in many Asian cultures. In Thai tradition, cleanliness is closely tied to notions of respect, especially around the body.

• Environmental Impact

Using a bidet significantly cuts down on toilet paper consumption, helping save trees, reduce waste, and lower household expenses.

• Economic Benefits

Toilet paper isn’t just unnecessary—it can also be costly, especially over time. The bum gun offers a low-cost alternative once installed.

Fun Fact: The average person uses over 100 rolls of toilet paper a year. Switching to a bidet can reduce this by up to 80 percent.

How to Use a Bum Gun (Without Making a Mess)

If it’s your first time using a bum gun, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Locate the sprayer
You’ll find it attached to a hose next to the toilet, much like a mini shower head.
Stay seated
Unlike traditional bidets, there’s no need to move. Stay seated, reach for the sprayer, and position it where needed.
Press the trigger gently
Water pressure varies. Start slowly and adjust the angle and strength to your comfort.
Dry off
You can use a small amount of toilet paper to pat dry or let the area air dry. Some locals keep a towel specifically for this purpose.

Tip: Always aim carefully and test the pressure before spraying. Bum guns can be powerful if the pressure valve is set high.

Is the Bum Gun More Sanitary Than Toilet Paper?

From a medical and hygiene standpoint, yes. Water rinses the area clean, while toilet paper only wipes it. Doctors often recommend washing with water to prevent irritation, haemorrhoids, and infections—especially in warm climates.

Using a bum gun reduces bacteria, provides a more refreshing clean, and can help prevent common hygiene-related discomforts.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Bidet Use

Bidet sprayers aren’t just cleaner—they’re greener. Toilet paper production requires massive amounts of water, energy, and trees. Every roll of paper used leaves a footprint.

In Thailand, where environmental sustainability is increasingly important, the bum gun offers a practical and affordable solution.

Fun Fact: Over 36 billion rolls of toilet paper are used in the US alone each year, consuming around 15 million trees. Bidets drastically cut this demand.

Where Will You Find Bum Guns in Thailand?

Nearly everywhere:

• Hotels: From budget hostels to five-star resorts

• Public bathrooms: Shopping malls, restaurants, temples, and airports

• Homes: Standard in almost all Thai households

• Local businesses: Cafes, offices, and convenience stores

It’s common for Thai bathrooms to have a bum gun but no toilet paper, so always carry tissues just in case.

Tips for Travellers Using Bum Guns

• Try it at least once: It may seem odd, but most people who try it are pleasantly surprised.

• Be mindful of the floor: Avoid spraying too wide, as the water can make tiles slippery.

• Carry tissues: Some restrooms don’t supply toilet paper, assuming the bidet sprayer is enough.

• Respect local customs: If you’re staying with a Thai family, it’s polite to use the bum gun correctly and cleanly.

Conclusion: Embrace the Clean

The bum gun may be unfamiliar at first, but it’s one of the most practical and sustainable hygiene tools in Thailand. Whether you’re a long-term expat or a short-term visitor, learning how to use a bidet sprayer enhances your cultural experience—and your personal cleanliness.

It’s cleaner, more eco-friendly, and deeply ingrained in daily Thai life. So next time nature calls in Thailand, reach for the sprayer and join the millions who already prefer the bum gun.

Have you used a bum gun on your travels? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more blogs turned into travel videos.

References:

• National Geographic – “Cultural Hygiene Practices in Asia”

• Bangkok Post – “Environmental Benefits of Bidet Sprayers”

• The Spruce – “How Bidets Save Water and Paper Resources”

• Tourism Authority of Thailand – “A Traveller’s Guide to Using the Bum Gun”