Thailand abolishes public school uniform hairstyle rules
The Ministry of Education in Thailand has officially abolished the uniform hairstyle regulation for students in public schools. This change allows individual schools to determine their guidelines for student hairstyles as they see fit.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, speaking on behalf of the ministry, stated that the revocation was announced in the Royal Gazette last year. Schools across the country have since received formal notifications of this decision.
These notifications instructed schools to gather input from teachers, students, and parents and to obtain approval from the school board or management committee before establishing specific hairstyle policies.
“The ministry reiterates the 2020 regulation on student hairstyles was officially revoked on January 16, last year,” Siripong explained. “Therefore, ear-length hairstyles or three-sided shaved hairstyles will no longer be considered standard student hairstyles.”
He further clarified that no regulations now exist dictating the length or style of students’ hair, leaving such decisions to the discretion of each school.
Moreover, schools are urged to foster environments where students can engage in constructive discussions to find the best solutions regarding hairstyle policies.
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob, according to Siripong, is prioritising student rights, particularly by offering support and advice on student welfare through the Semapithak Centre. This centre aims to guide student behaviour through various measures without imposing restrictions on their freedom.
The measures are designed to encourage proper behaviour, giving students freedom within a framework that avoids self-harm or negative societal impacts. The ministry maintains that all schools have established rules to promote harmonious coexistence among students.
Siripong emphasised that although opinions may differ, policies should aim to provide opportunities, uphold respect, and minimise bullying among students, reported Bangkok Post.
“Discipline is important, but it must go hand in hand with human rights,” he concluded.
In related news, Thailand’s Education Ministry is set to introduce a new regulation allowing children to wear regular school attire instead of traditional scout uniforms during scout events.
