Brief type are quit normal in Asia. But it could change because they see the style (board shorts) popular in the USA.
I wear Speedo type all my life. When I was in my 20s, I like 1/2" sides. Because here in the USA people mostly wear board shorts(except S.F.), after some giggles and negative incidents(feelings), I went to 1". Later I went to 2". Now I am moving to 6" (square cut). I mean, will I eventually go to 1 foot ??
(Another reason I won't wear thongs, even though I would! )