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Funny and Unique Signs in Southeast Asia

I love taking pictures of signs because they tell so much about a country. For instance, Canada’s bilingual “stop-arrêt” sign is unique, and so are the many weather-related warnings, “ice falling” being my favourite.

I collected pictures of exotic and funny signs during our trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Here are the best ones.

Malaysian and Thai stop signs

One country respected them, the other not so much.

Malaysian Stop Sign
Thai Stop Sign


“Crowded Area – Watch Out Fire”
and “Beware of Snatch Thief”

I found the first one in one of Ko Phi Phi restaurants’ districts. I found it amusing. Yes, Asian cooking (stir-fry over the fire) is a fire hazard and yes, the area was quite crowded. However, the sign didn’t offer any solution to the problem!

This second one was taken in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. I have heard of motorcyclers’ snatching bags but I wasn’t overly concerned in Malaysia’s capital. To be honest, we were a bit apprehensive before going there because we didn’t speak the language and didn’t know much about the culture but it turned out better than expected. In fact, I loved Malaysia. We felt safe there and people were very friendly and welcoming.

Crowded Area – Watch Out Fire
Watch Out For Snatching Bag Thief

“Tonight All You Can Eat BBQ – Ladyboy 335 B” and “No Durians”

I took the first one in a busy restaurant in Ko Phi Phi. I found it funny that it lists different prices for girls, boys, ladyboys (Thailand’s transgendered population) and guys. I guess the logic is that “boys” eat more than, respectively, kids, ladyboy and women.

The second one was taken in Singapore’s SMRT, the local subway system. While most interdictions are pretty common worldwide, the “no durians” one can be puzzling at first. The durian is a SE Asian fruit, shaped like a U.S. football with spikes, and it has the most offensive smell ever, somewhere between old blue cheese, gym socks and rotten flesh. Some people love it, most hate it. Seriously, you can’t miss the durian stalls, you can smell them from miles away! Taking the fruit in the subway would be the best way to make people pass out.

No Durians
Tonight All You Can Eat BBQ – Ladyboy 335 B

“Please drive slowly”

This good advice was posted in Ko Lanta, Thailand. A few minutes after I took the picture of the sign, we witnessed our second motorbike accident in just a few days. It wasn’t fatal, just a few broken bones, but it was quite a sight. One of the motorbikes, the one driven by a farang (foreigner) was totally destroyed. Thai people are probably the most careless drivers I have ever seen and the ubiquitous motorbikes are a road hazard.

Please Drive Slowly

“Warning: Alcohol Impairs Judgement”

This funky sign was taken in Ko Phi Phi’s bar district. I love all the stickers covering the sign, as well as the swimmer kissing the fish. I doubt people read the sign though, considering a lot of backpackers probably haven’t seen Thailand sober.

Warning: Alcohol Impairs Judgment

“Please don’t drink beer here”

This handwritten sign was on a bench, a couple of meters away from Ko Phi Phi’s police station. Because, you know, getting drunk in front of the sobering cell may not be the best idea.

Please Don’t Drink Beer Here

“Finish a zone of to control traffic regulation”

I have no idea what this sign was supposed to mean. Something to do with traffic. Or zone. Or control. Not that anybody cared in Phuket, drivers don’t read road signs anyway.

Finish a zone of to control traffic regulation

“Improper Use of Sanitary Host Spray is Strictly Prohibited”

Okay, let’s assume it’s a “hose spray”, and not a “host spray”. And let me explain that one… at least partially. Squat toilets are common in Malaysia and in Thailand (less in Singapore). Most don’t have toilet paper but a hose that sprays water instead. I’m gonna be honest with you, I didn’t try this feature. I mean, I already spray water on myself when I wash my hands, I’m not going to wet my pants after using the bathroom. So the question remains: what is considered an “improper use of hose spray?” And how do you define it? And what do you do with the offenders?

Improper Use of Sanitary Host Spray is Strictly Prohibited

“Warning: Non-Thai Pickpocket Gang”

I found that one in Wat Pho, in Bangkok. I guess it targets Westerners who think they are only safe around other Westerners. Well, apparently they aren’t. Shocking, I know.

Warning: Non-Thai Pickpocket Gang

“Keep to Left”

This Singaporean sign isn’t that funny I guess, but it reminds me how organized Singapore is. Despite being one crowded country, things run pretty efficiently, partially because people do their part. And indeed, when you are walking in a busy street, you tend to “stay in your lane”!

Keep to Left

“Tsunami Hazard Zone”

This one was taken in Ko Muk, our first Thai island, and it was posted on pretty much all the islands we went to. They were installed after the 2005 Tsunami and they reminded us of the disaster. I watched a few YouTube videos of the tsunami that were taken by tourists in Ko Phi Phi and Phuket, and after having visited the places myself, I can’t imagine how sudden and shocking it must have been.

Tsunami Hazard Zone

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Zhu

French woman in English Canada.

Exploring the world with my camera since 1999, translating sentences for a living, writing stories that may or may not get attention.

Firm believer that nobody is normal... and it’s better this way.

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