Southeast Asia values safety. From riding 6-deep on a scooter to suffering heat exhaustion on a daily basis, safety always seems to be at the forefront of Asian culture.
When it comes to electrical safety, I'm positive Southeast Asian countries are the world-leaders. Power lines every where are up-to-code. And by "up-to-code," I mean, the possibility of death by electrocution is a very real threat.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
I met some Kiwi Sparky's (Electricians) on this beach, who were begging people not to walk under this area. Live wires were shooting off sparks night and day, and one of them was laying on the ground... in water. Smart.
Anywhere you go, you'll see power poles that have hundreds (literally) of cables attached to them. These cables straight-up sizzle 24/7. Hearing the sweet sounds of electrical currents buzzing overhead is an everyday occurrence.
Bangkok, Thailand
Fortunately, not all these wires are for electricity. Some are for cable television, which is good news considering you won't die when you touch one of those (if you're lucky).
Power poles are overloaded with cables for TV because none of the cable companies share wires. They'd rather hang their own than use the same line as a competitor. Super smart and cost effective, which seems to be the same logic used when putting a metal handrail beside live electric cables.
Manila, Philippines
Thailand isn't the only offender. Electricity and cable issues are problems all over Asia. The Philippines struggle for power on their islands, so this is a common power pole anywhere you go.
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Pretty sure this pole can hold at least 100 more cables before it's over capacity.
Not only is it incredibly dangerous, but it's incredibly ugly.
Hanoi, Vietnam
These countries don't have the infrastructure to bury cables underground. Even if they did, it's too expensive, and they're poor. But, it's not like there are no other options.
For instance, maybe install a few solar panels to offload some of the electricity needs? The cost of solar panels has to out-weight the medical bills of people dying every year. Plus, there's no shortage of debilitating sun and heat, so harnessing the sun's energy seems like a no-brainer.
But, alas, they prefer the eye-sore power poles and possibility of death by electrocution at any moment over logic. Per the usual.
A little word to the wise: on your next visit, stay away from anything that sizzles. Don't be a wise-guy, who tries to grab a television cable and accidentally grabs a live wire, then dies in the street.
Fortunately, I haven't witnessed this firsthand... yet.