Thailand Students Uniforms and Dress Code

All university students in Thailand wear uniforms to school. The university uniform consists of a white dress shirt or dress blouse, a black (or dark color) skirt (for women) or slacks (for men), and a university pin and belt buckle. White "polo" shirts are not acceptable for men or women. Women must wear skirts (short, long, mid-length) - no slacks. Sleeveless blouses and very short skirts are not acceptable. Men are supposed to wear dark neckties, but in recent years this element appears to be waning. Within the requirements of the uniform there is a great deal of variation reflecting personal style. While it is useful to bring one set of the basic uniform elements with you, it is easy to obtain uniforms during the orientation days. Many Thai students wear their uniforms off-campus as well. In Thai culture being known as a university student confers a measure of respect that is highly valued. Foreign students wearing their uniforms off-campus have found that they are frequently treated with more respect and are given better prices from sii-lors (taxi-truck) drivers and market vendors.
The spread of the western culture to an undeveloped countries can be a good or bad thing depending from which perspective you’re looking at. Most accept the western culture with open arms but there are some that still try to preserve the culture and old age tradition, old ways of doing things, but they seem to be fighting the losing battle, the obvious changes that we’re seeing are the changes in language, food and dressing attire.

It seems now many Western School systems are beginning to adopt dress codes as well. Freedom of choice becomes an issue yet leveling the field as to who as better this and better that. With the implementation of dress codes it allows all students to be on the same level in attire. It is no more of $120 Nike shoes or I have chic jeans and you have dollar store jeans I think that students go to school to learn, and not to make a fashion statement. Most schools have regulations on how students dress. The intent is to keep students safe and focused on academics. Teachers have enough on their plate to motivate learning without having to monitor which slogan is affecting who today.
Baggy pants and bandannas could be interpreted as gang dress in American School systems. Dressing as a gang member intimidates other students and spreads fear instead of focusing on academics. Pants with large pockets are often restricted because a weapon or drugs could be carried in them. Certain colors are often banned if gang colors. Dressing seductively is a great distraction to the opposite sex. It only makes sense to put restrictions on what can be worn to school. Sexual thoughts are already frequent in middle school and high school. Most students do not need visual aids. The imagination is active enough not to mention the sexual predators that lurk.



More and more public schools are switching to uniforms. This custom used to be reserved for private and Catholic schools but public schools are finding some positive results. When students wear uniforms to school, no one can tell who has more money. The latest expensive jeans can't be shown off along with the designer polo.
The results have been better attendance because students always have something acceptable to wear. Studies uncovered the fact that some students were missing school because they didn't have "cool" clothes to wear or the one pair of jeans that was "cool" was too wet to wear to school. And, since students are not distracted by who is wearing what, students focus better on academics and their own business.
How we dress does matter. Even entrepreneurs that work out of their home feel their workday is more productive when dressed appropriately rather than working in pajamas.
How we dress does affect our performance.
In America, no state to date has legislatively mandated the wearing of school uniforms. Although most dress codes and uniform policies are developed at the district or school level, twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws—with varying degrees of detail and interpretation—that address school dress.



Some state statutes affect only dress codes with no mention of uniforms; others address dress codes and uniform policies separately; others include uniforms within dress codes.

Although some may feel that dress codes infringe on rights or freedom of choice, I for one believe it is something that should be practiced globally. In Thailand even the teachers are given a set of standard dress codes.
In schools, males are expected to wear formal pants (no jeans or cargo pants) and a button-up/collared long or short sleeve formal shirt (no golf shirts). Ties are required on Mondays and all special occasions/days/festivities (e.g. Teacher Appreciation Day). Ties may be required by some schools on a daily basis. Brown or black formal shoes are accepted (no running shoes or sandals). Males are expected to be clean shaven. Facial hair is allowed only if it is properly trimmed and is presentable on a daily basis. Earrings or visible facial rings (eyebrow, lip, nose, chin, etc) are not accepted. Visible tattoos are not accepted. Generally hair should be short and presentable. Males with long hair may be expected to wear it pulled back.
Outside schools, males are free to wear what they please, with a reminder that no matter how hot it is, it is not acceptable (in Thai society) to not wear a shirt in public (unless at a beach, etc).


In schools, females are expected to wear knee length or longer skirts with a presentable blouse (no low cut or revealing shirts). Shoes should be dress shoes – open toe and high heel shoes are acceptable (no sandals or running shoes). Visible facial rings (eyebrow, lip, nose, chin, etc.) are not accepted. Earrings are accepted providing that they are not worn in excessive numbers (E.g. 4 earrings in each ear). Hair should be presentable. Visible tattoos are not accepted.
Outside schools, females are free to wear what they please, with a reminder that revealing clothes are not considered acceptable for female teachers at any time (in Thai society).
Dress codes in Thai government schools may seem strict at first, but appearances and first impressions are extremely important in Thailand. If you are a teacher, you will be expected to dress accordingly especially in a school * The ESL teachers will participate in an English club for students once per week. This is scheduled during school hours at the same time as various other clubs available to students. This can usually be done as a group with any other foreign teachers at the school.
If you have ever visited any of the royal temples in Thailand then you would know that there is a strict dress code. Shorts, singlets and flip flops are not allowed. At the beach, the dress code is almost Victorian. Most Thais are shocked by the men walking around at the top of the beach or in shops wearing only a speedo.


There is also the same reaction for the European girls who go swimming or sunbathe topless. For Thai people, they prefer to go swimming in all their clothes. This is partly due to their aversion to getting a tan, but it is more to do with their level of self-decency.
The rules about dress code also goes for all government institutions such as district offices and courthouses. Even at schools they are very strict about visitors. At our school we have had dozens of tourists visit us over the years. However, if they are wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts then I am not allowed to show them around. But, these rules are not just aimed at foreign tourists. It is also aimed at educating the Thai population on how to dress properly.

Although Thailand's school children are spared the competitive fashion battles that all too often plague public school dress codes, student self-esteem and family budgets in the west, the



purchase of mandatory uniforms still places a significant financial burden on many Thai families.
The Thai government has implemented a financial assistance program to subsidize educational expenses for those families.


All students wear a uniform with the exception of Years 12 & 13 who follow a strict dress code. Students across the schools are required to wear black leather (or simulated leather) shoes as part of the uniform.
The uniforms have been designed with consideration to comfort in a hot climate and functional ease for children. Secondary Division students in Years 7 to 11 have their own distinctive uniform which allows for a choice in colour and design.

Well no matter if you are for or against uniforms I feel that add professionalism and a very elegant look to the young women.