[expat1000]

In Thailand, and I pretty sure everywhere else in SE Asia, very dark skin is not only considered unattractive but “scary”.

I have to constantly remind the kids here, especially my 11 yo niece, not to fear people based on skin tone, and more importantly, not to trust them based on that, or overall pleasant appearance, either.

About the Vietnamese farm workers covered head to toe - that makes sense to me, same as in desert areas. A light covering is not only cooler, but necessary protection against sun burn and cancer - that’s why we wear hats in the strong sun!

[Cronos]

in a strong sun the best outfit is the jellabah -- what Arabs wear -- woollen/cotton white loose material covering the entire body -- white to reflect the sun and keep out the UV rays, yet loose enough to allow free flow of air.

Natural fibres only -- the artificial ones aren't good