Thailand: For generations, Thai students endured humiliation- forced haircuts, public shaming, and strict control over their appearance. Now, that era is finally over.
Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has annulled a 50-year-old directive that enforced strict hairstyle regulations for students, marking a significant victory for student activists who have long campaigned for personal freedoms. The ruling, declared the 1975 junta-era directive unconstitutional and out of touch with modern society.
The overturned directive mandated short hair for boys and ear-length bobs for girls. While many schools had relaxed their rules over time, some institutions continued enforcing outdated regulations, even punishing students with forced haircuts.
In response to a 2020 petition filed by 23 public school students, the court ruled that the directive violated individual rights protected by Thailand’s constitution. Student activists have campaigned for years against rigid hairstyle policies, arguing that they infringe on personal dignity and freedom.
In 2020, Thailand’s education ministry permitted students to have longer hairstyles with some restrictions- boys’ hair could not cover their necks, and girls with long hair had to keep it tied. These regulations were fully repealed in 2023, granting schools and parents the ability to set their own guidelines. However, some schools continued enforcing the original 1975 directive, citing discipline and tidiness.
Reports of teachers cutting students’ hair in school assemblies as punishment have sparked public backlash. In January, the Ministry of Education reaffirmed the removal of hair length restrictions, emphasizing diversity and fairness in education.
The Supreme Court’s decision now reinforces student autonomy over personal grooming. While some activists warn that conservative school managements may still impose their own restrictions, the ruling sets a legal precedent for protecting student rights.
