Thailand’s Ministry of Education has officially revoked the regulation concerning hairstyles for students in public schools. This decision, communicated by ministry spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat, allows individual schools to establish their own hairstyle policies as they see fit.
The revocation, which was published in the Royal Gazette last year, has been formally communicated to schools nationwide. The ministry emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from teachers, students, and parents, and obtaining approval from school boards or management committees before implementing specific hairstyle guidelines.
Siripong confirmed, “The official revocation of the 2020 regulation on student hairstyles occurred on January 16 of last year.” As a result, styles such as ear-length cuts or three-sided shaved hairstyles will no longer be recognized as standard.
With no longer any stipulations on hair length or style, decisions regarding hairstyles and dress codes are now left to the discretion of individual schools. Schools are encouraged to create avenues for students to engage in constructive discussions about appropriate solutions.
In this move, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob is committed to advocating for student rights and welfare through initiatives like the Semapithak Centre, which aims to promote positive student behavior while allowing them freedom within a safe framework.
The ministry asserts that all schools should maintain rules that promote harmonious coexistence, encouraging policies that offer opportunities for students, uphold respect, and help minimize bullying. Siripong stated, “Discipline is important, but it must go hand in hand with human rights.”
