what an amusing thread. I can only comment based on my personal experience. During a recent visit to BKK I stayed at the Oriental to attend the Oriental cooking school. While there I had numerous local guests without any hint of problem. Likewise at Raffles in Singapore. Although I expected to be hassled about guests, this never occured. and in both places I was welcomed in short pants - even in the evening. The idea of being turned away at the door is unimaginable based on my experiences.