The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to allow students in schools under its supervision to wear any clothing and hairstyle they desire at least one day a week, aiming to reinforce students’ confidence.

On 28 June 2023, The Active website reported that Athapol Anunthavorasakul from the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, posted on his Facebook page the BMA’s official letters for schools under the BMA to establish guidelines for students, allowing them to wear the clothing and hairstyles they choose without compulsion at least one day a week.

The two official letters were issued to the District Director on 23 June 2023 to build understanding and impose the new rules for students’ guidelines on the dress code and hairstyles. The new rules aim to recognize the rights and human dignity of students.

The BMA’s letter said that to reduce the financial burden on students’ parents, the schools under its supervision are requested to establish guidelines for students allowing them to wear any clothing at least one day a week, and the schools’ guidelines must be based on the students’ decisions.

The letter stated that before they are applied, the guidelines must be widely published. If students are unable to conform to the guidelines, they can instead wear any uniform provided by their school. Any actions that violate their freedom over their bodies are prohibited. And the gender expression, religion, and sexuality of students must be considered.

The other letter regarding hairstyles said that the guidelines on hairstyles must be based on enhancing hygiene and improving confidence and personality. If the guidelines could not be followed, schools must solicit students' and parents’ opinions to foster mutual understanding and reach agreements. Any actions that violate their rights and freedoms, such as forced haircuts, humiliating punishments, etc., are strictly prohibited.

According to the official statistics for 2021, there are 437 schools under the supervision of the BMA.

The Facebook page of ‘Bad Student’, a movement advocating rights in schools, said that even though this does not represent 100% freedom, and applies only to schools under the BMA, it is considered a progressive step toward a society that recognizes students’ rights over their bodies. Bad Student hopes that someday Thai students will have the absolute rights that they should have following human rights principles.