Why is Western-calibre Toilet technology so rarely replicated in other countries?

Question

Perhaps in Canada and the USA we have an unhealthy obsession with the way our toilets look, feel, and flush, but, if nothing else, this has led to simple, functional fixture design.

Why then, in other countries, such as, say, Thailand or Russia or the Netherlands, is the whole system so often so poorly executed?

Fine, you're not hung up on toilets the way I am. But why use a tank mounted on your ceiling with a special tube leading to the business end, wherein you've added a superfluous poo-catching shelf? Why not just use a one-piece fixture with basic plumbing, and be done with it?

Answer 1

There are a number of patent issues involved. But mainly, they are used to their, and comfortable with,  types of "disposal" products.