Education Ministry Rejects Nationwide Hair Policy Changes
Thailand's Education Ministry rejected recommendations to relax student hair policies, saying schools—not the ministry—set hairstyle rules and that amending child protection law would be inappropriate for the issue.
The Ministry of Education has rejected calls to relax student hair regulations, saying it has no direct authority to impose or set hairstyle rules. On August 18, Education Minister Prasert Chantharueangthong revealed after a Cabinet meeting that the ministry had prepared a report on recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission regarding student hair rights and guidelines, submitted to the Cabinet for acknowledgment. This followed the Cabinet's referral of the commission's recommendations to the ministry for consideration since 2024.
The minister stated that the commission's recommendations contained two key points. First, the commission proposed that the ministry clarify student rights and freedoms regarding hairstyles to prevent rights violations or unnecessary restrictions. However, the ministry concluded it has no direct power to issue regulations on student hairstyles, as such internal school policies fall under the authority and management of individual schools. The ministry already has clear guidelines on this matter, established since 2023 following advice from the Office of the Council of State, which require schools to bring the hair issue into discussions involving school committees, teachers, parents, and students to reach conclusions suited to each school's context.
"Regarding the second point, the commission proposed that the ministry amend the Child Protection Act of 2003 to explicitly recognize student hair rights in law. However, the ministry concluded that the act's core purpose focuses on child safety, and matters of dress or hairstyles fall outside the law's scope. Therefore, student hair rights cannot be directly legislated through this law, as it may conflict with the law's intent and scope," the minister said.
Prasert added that this Cabinet report represents the ministry's completion of its review of the commission's recommendations. The ministry continues to emphasize that schools should handle hair policies appropriately, creating space for all parties—especially students—to voice their opinions, ensuring school management aligns with context while respecting student rights alongside school regulations.
