A popular theme park in Thailand has come under fire for featuring a two-way mirror in a male toilet which allows urinating men to watch female patrons as they fix their hair and make-up.
The case has triggered public outrage on social media about privacy and gender discrimination.
On March 20, a netizen identified as “internet Hall of Fame,” who has more than 3.7 million followers, shared a video revealing the two-way mirror used in the men’s restroom at Dream World Bangkok.
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According to its official website, the park, located in the Thayaburi district, a 50-minute drive from Bangkok, offers seven themed areas in “a bright, lively atmosphere and a variety of enthralling rides.”
Two-way mirrors often use a thin metallic coating, which causes the brighter side to appear as a regular mirror, allowing people on the darker side to see through. It is commonly used in settings such as interrogation rooms.
However, a viral video shows a two-way mirror installed outside a men’s toilet.
Appearing completely like a normal mirror, it prompted several unsuspecting female passersby to stop and check their hair and make-up.
Footage also showed two men urinating inside the toilet watching the women fix their appearance.
According to the Daily Mail, the two-way mirror was first installed in the park in 2019. It is unclear whether it is still in use.
Thawat Yamkasem, the operation director of the park, said the design was intended to provide a “fun experience for everyone”.
“Because the bathroom window is made from special glass, those on the inside can see outside, while outside it is just a mirror for those who pass to look at themselves,” he said.
The video went viral online, attracting more than 13.4 million views and more than 36,000 likes at the time of writing.
Many online observers have condemned the practice as “disgusting” and “disturbing”.
One person said: “Maybe I am too woke, but this feels extremely misogynistic and degrading. I am genuinely disgusted.”
Another added: “That is not a theme park, that is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Whoever designed that needs immediate therapy.”
“That is not for women to look at their faces, it is for men to enjoy the view while peeing,” said a third.
A similar situation occurred in China.
In 2021, a bar in Guangzhou was discovered to have installed a two-way mirror in the female toilet which allowed male clients in a VIP room to watch female customers as they fixed their appearance.
It was subsequently removed after government intervention.
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