Thailand Ends Decades-Old Rule on Student Hairstyles

After years of debate, students in Thailand now have the freedom to choose their hairstyles, following a court decision that overturned a long-standing rule. The Supreme Administrative Court recently struck down a 1975 directive that required students to keep their hair short, calling it unconstitutional.

The ruling comes after a petition filed in 2020 by 23 students who challenged the strict regulations. For decades, male students were required to keep their hair cropped short, while female students could only have shoulder-length hair. Those who disobeyed often faced disciplinary action, including public humiliation. The decision is being hailed as a step forward for personal rights in Thailand’s education.

Following the court’s ruling, the Ministry of Education has handed over the responsibility of setting hairstyle rules to individual schools. Some schools are allowing parents to participate in policy discussions, while others are consulting teachers and student committees to create new guidelines.