KHON KAEN, THAILAND – A gas station in Khon Kaen turned its public toilets into a bizarre theme-park-style attraction, and a local man’s video tour set off a wave of online enthusiasm.
From ‘Chubby Restroom’ to glittering gold throne
On 16 December, Nax Chanaphat Reerom posted a humorous walkthrough of the unconventional facilities. He began at the “Chubby Restroom”, a stall so narrow he could barely step inside, joking that it was
“Almost as wide as my hand!”
said Nax Chanaphat Reerom, visitor.
He then moved on to the “Snow White Toilet”, decorated with forest-themed wallpaper, before reaching the spacious “Celebrity Restroom”. The highlight of the tour was the “Golden Toilet”, where everything, including the bowl, was gold-coloured.
Glass walls and a mysterious ‘Toilet???’
In the Golden Toilet, the walls and door were fully glazed, prompting the tester to ask about privacy.
“Where is the privacy in here?”
said Nax Chanaphat Reerom, visitor.
Not every cubicle was self-explanatory. One stall carried only the sign “Toilet???”, and even after a closer look, he remained puzzled, asking:
“What is the secret here?”
said Nax Chanaphat Reerom, visitor.
Speculation, accessibility and ‘considerate creativity’
Online users speculated that the mystery might lie in the unusual glass door, wondering whether it opened differently or concealed some surprise. The unanswered questions helped make the stall particularly popular among social media commenters.
The station also catered to children and people with disabilities, with special cubicles designed for safety and accessibility. The concept combined playful creativity with a degree of practical consideration.
Internet applause and a new ‘check-in’ stop
Reactions across the internet were enthusiastic, with users praising the creativity of the gas station owners and construction team. One commenter wrote:
“Simply brilliant! Finally something different.”
said an online user, commenter.
Many suggested marketing the toilets as a new “check-in” hotspot for travellers, turning a brief fuel stop into a curious experience. The tester’s infectious laughter and incredulous expressions helped the video become a viral hit.
Part of a wider Thai restroom trend
The Khon Kaen site was not alone, as Thailand has seen a small trend toward unconventional sanitary facilities. At the Dream World theme park in Pathum Thani, a men’s restroom with a two-way mirror drew attention, allowing those inside to see out while people outside saw only their own reflection.
According to observers, such ideas enliven everyday routines, turning a basic necessity into a short, amusing experience that tends to stick in visitors’ memories.
Escapism, ‘sanuk’ and free advertising
In a period marked by negative headlines, many people appeared to welcome light, positive entertainment, with a video about funny toilets offering a simple diversion. The unusual facilities showcased Thai inventiveness and the notion of “sanuk”, the joy taken in whatever one does, even in building a restroom.
For the gas station, the attraction amounted to highly effective free advertising. Travellers were expected to stop specifically to experience the curiosity—and likely to refuel or shop at the same time.
Could quirky toilets become a roadside norm?
The enthusiasm raised the question of whether creative toilet design might become a new trend for rest stops and gas stations. Queues in front of the Golden Toilet could soon become reality if other businesses respond with even more extreme designs.
One thing seemed clear: the gas station in Khon Kaen gained more attention from this single witty idea than from any conventional campaign. Sometimes, an extraordinary toilet was all it took to make a lasting impression.