① Trend of Wearing Thai School Uniforms
Wearing local high school uniforms has become a trend among Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. Chinese tourists are posting photos on social media wearing these uniforms. This trend has sparked controversy as wearing the uniform has become a part of the travel itinerary.
This trend started with Ju Jingyi, a famous Chinese actor and singer. Ju Jingyi wore a Thai high school uniform during his trip to Thailand, wrote her name, and even attached a student ID card. She posted pictures of himself wearing the uniform on social media, which created a lot of buzz.
A uniform shop in Bangkok promoted their business by posting Ju Jingyi’s picture on Facebook.
After Ju Jingyi’s visit, Chinese tourists started to wear school uniforms and post verification photos. In China, Thai movies and dramas featuring actors in school uniforms have also become a hot topic. Many Chinese tourists flocked to uniform shops in Bangkok.
A Thai who runs a uniform shop in Bangkok said, “The popularity of the Thai romantic comedy movie ‘First Love’ screened in China sparked this trend as the high school girls’ uniforms in the movie became famous. Chinese tourists rent the uniforms, purchase them, and engrave their names or phrases.
The Thai Tourism Authority welcomed the trend of Chinese tourists posting photos in school uniforms, saying it would help the tourism industry. Thanet Phetsuwan, the Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, expressed his opinion that “the trend of wearing Thai school uniforms will expand cultural influence and help attract more Chinese tourists to Thailand.” Travel sites also sell tour products that involve taking photos while wearing school uniforms.
② Verification Photos by Chinese Tourists
The trend of wearing school uniforms among Chinese tourists has drawn negative views from the Basic Education Commission of the Thai Ministry of Education. The commission stated, “Wearing a uniform with only a name engraved is not illegal, but if you engage in outdoor activities wearing a uniform with a school logo, the school in question may raise issues or take legal action.
They expressed concerns that wearing a uniform with the name of a local school could harm the school.
Some legal professionals have suggested that the act of ordinary people wearing school uniforms could potentially lead to legal issues.
A Thai lawyer advised against wearing uniforms with school logos or names. He warned that if this advice is ignored, violators could be fined up to $40 according to the Uniform Law. He further stated, “Impersonating a student by wearing a uniform or unauthorized use of the actual name of a local school is illegal.”
Student groups are also expressing concerns about this trend. They state that the trend of Thai school uniforms could negatively impact the movement for dress code liberalization.
They argue that “wearing a uniform for fashion and mandatory uniform wearing should be distinguished” and “students’ uniform wearing should be voluntary. In Thailand, strict rules on wearing uniforms apply to middle and high school students and college students.
There has been a consistent call for dress code liberalization in Thailand. Students from Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University, known as prestigious schools in Thailand, have also protested against uniforms.
③ Ongoing Movement for Dress Code Liberalization
The uniform culture in Thailand has been ongoing for quite some time. Uniforms carry significant meaning in Thailand. Thai college students are required to wear uniforms. All university uniforms are identical in design and color. The distinction between schools is made through patterns engraved on neckties and badges. Female students can wear skirts in any style they prefer.
Most Thais believe that uniforms ensure equality among students. Some students, however, have protested against uniforms, viewing them as remnants of authoritarianism from the military regime era. However, schools have prevented students who do not wear uniforms from entering classrooms and have sent them home.
The practice of wearing uniforms in Thailand continues, and the movement for dress code liberalization is also ongoing. Although uniforms have not been completely abolished, some schools have abolished the requirement to wear uniforms in response to the continuous call for dress code liberalization. In June, Bangkok allowed students to wear casual clothes at least once a week and had freedom over their hairstyles. The city stated, “This measure is to respect and not infringe upon students’ freedom, rights, and dignity.
By. Seo Sung Min
Most Commented