In an unprecedented move, following increasing calls for freedom and liberties in schools, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to allow students in the 437 schools under its supervision to choose their own hair styles and to wear casual dress at least one day a week.
In one of two letters issued to district chiefs by Wantanee Wattana, the deputy permanent secretary of the BMA, students may wear whatever hair style they wish, but the styles should “look healthy” and improve the personality and confidence of the students.
The original rules, imposed by the Education Ministry, state that the hair of male students must be cut evenly short, with hair on the front not exceeding 3cm in length. Female students must have their hair cut evenly up to the earlobes for junior high school students and 4cm below their earlobes for senior high school students.
The new order states that the change in the rules on hair styles is to recognise the rights and human dignity of the students. It instructs schools to develop rules in compliance with the new regulation.
The other letter concerns student uniforms. It states that, in order to ease the financial burden on parents buying uniforms for their children, schools must allow students to dress casually at least once a week. Students are, however, free to wear uniforms for the whole week if they so wish.
All district chiefs are instructed to publicise these changes in hair style and dress codes before they are implemented in the schools.
