From 'The Nation'
Study finds toilet habits lacking
BANGKOK: -- There are enough public toilets in the country but many locals still practise poor hygiene as faecal coliform bacteria have been found on toilet floors and door knobs, a health study found.
The problem comes from users who crouch atop seats rather than sit when visiting toilets, it said.
Seven per cent of users do not wash their hands after flushing, it found.
The data arrive as the country prepares to host the second World Toilet Expo and Forum in November next year, spurring health officials to take action.
Deputy Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnveerakul said the ministry and related departments were organising the exhibition.
He said the country could not upgrade washrooms further without first educating people about the importance of personal hygiene.
The matter especially affects the safety of people living in high-density urban areas.
The survey found that the only areas where modern toilets are lacking were those along the borders and in forests, where pit toilets are more commonly used.
The study found faecal coliform bacteria on half the floors of public toilets.
About 31 per cent of the toilet seats were also found to contain the bacteria, while 7.7 per cent of the flush levers were found to be contaminated.
