Voices of students on school rules and uniforms

While the topic of school uniforms and hairstyles has become of public interest. The question is should it be abolished, relaxed or remain stringent. Thai PBS World spoke to those who wear school uniforms on a daily basis regarding their views on the school dress code and to understand whether they are satisfied with what is going on in their schools.

Uniform and equality

A grade 12 student from Rattanakosinsomphot Ladkrabang School, Natkamol Thanjai, said that she is satisfied with dressing in school uniform and students should put on the uniform every day, as it indicates that these kids are students. It can also prevent class discrimination.

“Wearing casual clothing makes it look like a divided class. Normally, I’m stressed from studying, why would I want more stress from thinking about what I have to wear to school each day, let alone the money to buy clothes? If I don’t dress nicely, then I will be a victim of gossip or bullying. I think that a school uniform makes all students feel equal”.

Similarly, a grade 11 student from Seekan (Wattananun Upathum) School said, even with the school’s relaxed uniform rules, which allow students to design their own outfits, he will wear the standard uniform anyway, as it can keep him safe. “I don’t want to be the centre of attention. Just imagine if my classmates were dressed in casual clothing, and some of them look really smart and trendy, but I wear budget clothing, I’m afraid of being discriminated against”.

He analysed the reasons why some school rules are extremely tough. “I think they want to teach us how to live with others. School is like a community that has certain rules and regulations. One day, when you go outside, you will face more stringent rules. Basically, they prepare us to survive in the outside world”, said Phuvarich Mailamai.

We then asked about what he thinks is a big problem in his school, he said that it’s certainly not the uniform or hairstyle, but the bullying and the lack of support system for the victims.

On the contrary, a grade 8 student from a private school in Nakhon Pathom province, Punn Phaochinda said she wishes she could wear casual clothes some days in the week, because school uniforms are so boring. “I also wish the school would allow us to have any hair style and put on make-up”, she added.

When asked what she would think if any of her friends wore casual clothing to the classroom, she replied “I think they are brave. If I could follow them, then I would, but I’m afraid of the consequences of my actions, whether I will be expelled”.

It has been more than half a century since school uniforms were made compulsory in Thailand. Nowadays, however, some private schools have relaxed uniform rules by allowing their students to don casual clothing on some days of the week, but students must abide by other rules, for example no sleeveless shirts, crop-tops or short skirts.

In the near future, mandatory uniform wearing might be scrapped. The Move Forward party promised, in their election manifesto, to promote equality by doing away with school uniforms. Despite not being in power yet, the youth movement ‘Taluwang’ has called for the commencement of Move Forward’s policy.

Interestingly, the vast majority of the Thai public support the continued wearing of school uniforms. According to a survey by NIDA Poll, conducted between June 21^st and 23^rd, 2023, of the survey group of 1,310 people aged 15 years and over, from all walks of life and various educational backgrounds across the country, 80.53% said school uniforms promote discipline, 35.65% stated that they help to identify student’s educational institution, 23.82% reported that they are for student safety, 21.76% thought that they helped parents to save money, 20.23% said uniform can reduce “bogus students”, 18.17% believe that wearing a school uniform is a symbol of the pride of students and their parents.

Student choices

In February this year, the Ministry of Education revoked its regulations on student hairstyles and allowed each school to formulate their own hair rules. This is aimed at easing tensions and complaints about student hairdos.

In reality, most schools throughout Thailand continue to adhere with the old rules and very little has changed.

Today (Wednesday), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that students in the 437 schools under its supervision are allowed to choose their own hairstyles and to wear casual dress at least one day a week. The new order states that the change in the rules on hairstyles is to recognise the rights and human dignity of the students. It instructs schools to develop rules in compliance with the new regulation.

This policy will make BMA school rules less strict than in some private schools, including Punn’s school. She mentioned one rule, stating that every long haired girl must wear it in a firm pigtail and wear only a white ribbon. She wants the school management and teachers to concentrate on teaching and the quality of education, rather than picking on students who violate dress code policy, which is a minor infraction.

Punn admitted that she is not satisfied with the school rules, adding “I don’t understand why they set these rules.”

Likewise, Natkamol admitted that, sometimes, she feels uncomfortable with school rules, especially in the case of male students, who are forced to wear a very specific hairstyle.

“I feel that that rule is not right. For example, when teachers find that a student has long hair, they cut students’ hair themselves. In another case, students who colour their hair and then dye it black again, but it does not turn really black as the teachers want, they send those students home immediately”.

Natkamol pointed out that, actually, it’s about students’ rights and they have already complied with the rules, but they are too stringent. When she has to confront that kind of situation, she feels discouraged about going to school.

Apart from the hairstyle rules, however, Natkamol said she has sufficient freedom in school.

By Jeerapa Boonyatus