Thailand Ends Decades of Strict Student Hair Rules After Landmark Court Ruling

A 50-year-old directive limiting student hairstyles is overturned, marking a victory for student freedom and self-expression in Thailand.

In a landmark decision, Thailand's highest administrative court has struck down a 50-year-old directive that enforced strict regulations on student hairstyles. The ruling, which annulled the Ministry of Education's 1975 directive, declared the rules unconstitutional, citing excessive restrictions on personal freedom and a lack of alignment with contemporary social conditions. This victory follows years of student activism and protests, highlighting a significant shift in Thailand's approach to student rights and self-expression.

For decades, Thai students faced rigid appearance standards, often imposed by military governments. Male students were mandated to have army-style crew cuts, and female students had to maintain short, ear-length bobs. These rules, originating under the decade-long dictatorship of Thanom Kittikachorn, were seen as a reflection of Thailand's conservative, hierarchical, and authoritarian culture.

The recent court ruling, prompted by nationwide student protests in 2020, has been met with delight by some students who have long sought the freedom to express themselves. However, concerns remain among others who fear that some schools may continue to impose strict guidelines despite the government intervention. Student activist Khao Klong, who experienced the harsh impact of the former regulations firsthand, emphasizes the need for continued vigilance to ensure that the spirit of the ruling is upheld.

The protests of 2020, led by groups like Bad Students, challenged long-standing taboos and demanded reforms. These demonstrations, which sometimes adopted the visual cues used in pro-democracy protests, underscored the students’ desire to overhaul the dress code and hairstyle regulations. The students' advocacy efforts have led to the education ministry repealing its hairstyle regulations in 2023, aiming to ensure they "do not limit students' bodily freedom."

The court's decision also acknowledged that the hairstyle regulations aimed to cultivate students as future responsible citizens, emphasizing the need for close supervision. Thunhavich Thitiratsakul, an educational policy researcher, notes that the military's influence on how students are told to show up to school has persisted until today. The recent ruling is a move to address that situation.

While the court order represents a significant victory, the path forward requires continued effort. Schools must now consult with their communities and school boards to adjust their regulations. It remains to be seen whether students will have a seat at the table. This court ruling is a welcome development for students such as Nijchaya Kraisriwattana, who have already seen the impact of the new guidelines in her school. She is now looking forward to even more freedom.