Winter is coming but a school in the northeastern province of Buriram has banned colourful coats during Thailand’s mourning period.
On 3 November 2016, Somsak Taemsoaksoong, the principal of Nangrong School announced in an assembly that only black, grey and white coats were allowed and colourful coats would be confiscated, reported Khaosod English.
“Government officials [like our school staff] have to wear black for a year,” Somsak said. “So if students wear bright colors, it looks kinda off.”
Students have responded with concern since the temperature in Buriram is cooling rapidly, with thermometers dropping to 23 degrees Celsius on the day of the principal’s announcement.
Most students do not own coats in muted colours and fear they will now get sick.
In the aftermath of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death on 13 October 2016, Thailand’s government has encouraged the wearing of muted tones.
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