Thai Ministry of Education Maintains School Haircut Policy Autonomy

On August 18, 2026, Thailand’s Minister of Education, Prasert Chantararuangthong, announced that the Ministry will not implement a national policy to 'unlock' or standardize student haircut regulations. Following a review of recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding student rights, the Ministry concluded that it lacks the direct authority to impose a uniform hairstyle mandate across the country.

According to the Minister, the current framework—established in 2023—remains in effect. This policy delegates the authority to determine haircut standards to individual educational institutions. Schools are required to facilitate a collaborative process involving school committees, teachers, parents, and students to establish their own specific guidelines.

For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this means that school dress codes regarding hair will continue to vary significantly depending on the specific institution. Parents and students should consult their school’s internal handbook to understand the local regulations in place. While the Ministry has clarified its stance on its lack of direct regulatory power, it remains to be seen if future advocacy from human rights groups will lead to further legislative discussions or if the current decentralized approach will remain the permanent standard for Thai schools.