Can Toilets Affect Our Health?

Created By RISC | 2 days ago

Last modified date : 2 days ago

If our stool can reveal insights about our health, then so can proper, clean, and hygienic toilets. Poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and consumption of contaminated water can lead to diarrheal diseases. While preventable and treatable, diarrhea remains the third leading cause of death among children under five. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 1,000 children die from diarrhea every day, totaling more than 400,000 deaths annually.

To raise awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation, the World Toilet Organization (WTO) established World Toilet Day on November 19, recognized by the United Nations. This day serves as a launchpad for global campaigns and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Target 6.2 specifically focuses on providing adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, ending open defecation by 2030, with special attention to the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable groups.

Clearly, the lack of quality toilets is not a minor issue—it is a national public health concern. Addressing it requires adequate public utilities, well-designed and maintained restrooms, and proper waste management systems.

The Ministry of Public Health has introduced the National Public Toilet Standard (HAS), based on three core principles: Clean, Adequate, and Safe, to raise public toilet standards and enhance Thailand’s image. Basic requirements include:

✅ Health
• All areas—including floors, walls, ceilings, and mirrors—must be clean, stain-free, and dry. Doors, handles, and locks must be fully functional.
• Sanitary fixtures such as sinks, faucets, urinals, toilets, bidet sprays, and flush buttons must be clean and in proper working order.
• Adequate clean water supply.
• Sufficient hand soap and toilet paper.
• Proper ventilation and no unpleasant odors.
• Trash bins with lids, clean and leak-free.
• Wastewater pipes and holding tanks must be intact, with no leaks or damage.
• Regular cleaning and monitoring systems in place.
• A pleasant environment that supports both physical and mental well-being.

✅ Accessibility
• Sufficient number of toilets for all users.
• Facilities must accommodate everyone, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
• Public toilets must remain functional during all operating hours.

✅ Safety
• Toilets should not be in isolated or hidden areas.
• Clear male–female separation with visible signage.
• Adequate lighting.

When all these standards are properly implemented, maintained, and monitored, they significantly improve access to equitable sanitation and hygiene for everyone. While many sectors have made progress, others still require greater awareness and upgrades to meet the standards.

According to the 2025 Public Toilet Assessment Report by the Environmental Health Bureau, Department of Health (data as of November 4, 2025), of 7,461 public toilets assessed, 6,999 met the standards, while 462 failed, representing 6% of all assessed facilities. Buildings with the highest number of non-compliant toilets include religious sites, schools, government buildings, and restaurants—places that serve children and the elderly, who are especially vulnerable.

Chart showing the results of the toilet assessment for the year 2025
Source: Environmental Health Bureau, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health

Public buildings are not the only concern—households must also prioritize hygiene and cleanliness. Even simple practices like handwashing are crucial. Data shows a positive trend in households having designated handwashing areas with water and soap or cleaning products—an encouraging sign that should continue with ongoing promotion and monitoring.

Chart showing the proportion of the population using handwashing facilities with soap and water
Source: Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council

Toilets matter. Neglecting them affects everyone’s health and well-being. Change begins at home.

Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President, RISC