'Penis Whitening' Craze Sweeps This Surprising Country

Hot on the heels of the 3D vagina craze, Thailand makes international headlines again for its nether-region alteration trends. Culture Trip sheds some ‘light’ on the country’s penis-whitening craze.

Skin whitening, usually in the form of creams, has been popular in Asian countries for decades, as darker skin is often associated with a lower socio-economic background (such as working outdoors in a manual labour job). However, this latest phenomenon has people scratching their heads wondering if the nation’s beauty industry has simply gone too far.

What do 3D vaginas and penis whitening have in common?

Would it surprise you if we said that the penis-whitening Facebook post went viral, with 19,000 shares in two days via the very same hospital that skyrocketed the #3DVagina to fame? Once again, Lelux Hospital in Nonthaburi is behind the news story that everyone is talking about, but, unlike last time, this is not a lone employee posting on Facebook – it is the hospital offering their penis-whitening service.

According to the BBC, the netizen community has reacted in varying ways, with many confused as to why men would go to such lengths. Others offered ‘suggestions’ for the whitened penis: ‘It can be used as a torch light. Let it shine!’ Some people reacted with comments expressing that colour was not an issue, but rather size (and moves!) were more important.

How is this magical procedure performed?

Since the Lelux Hospital posted their penis-whitening service online, the Thai Ministry of Health has issued a warning that explains the painfulness of the treatment and the other negative effects, such as scaring and potential damage on the individual’s reproductive system, that may come with it.

The penis-whitening procedure is done with a laser, which breaks down the melanin in the skin, and repeat treatments are given until the desired colour is acquired. The laser treatment costs $650 (£480) for five sessions.

Despite it being early days for this beauty trend, Lelux Hospital already receives approximately 20–30 vagina- and penis-whitening patients per month, with many coming from abroad to go under the laser.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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