Hair Length In Govt Schools

[Lannatyne]

Firstly, not sure where this topic is most appropriate - here, teaching, general etc. If mods would like to move, then feel free to do so.

Given that this country has finally realised that it isn't in girls best future interests to get kicked out of school for becoming pregnant, legislation is shortly to be passed to allow their education to continue.

Today, I'm gobsmacked that my 13 yr old neice has been sent home because of the stupid hair length / style rule. It's neat and tidy, is in the usual schoolkid Thai style, and is all of 1/2 inch over her collar.

Just wondering if this is a rule that has been revoked before, but continues to be applied either in ignorance by the school, or by resentful / vengeful teachers.

Any info, or feelings from you guys about this most silly of 'control and obey' standards would be interesting.

[MikeyIdea]

I have heard nothing about that rule is country wide, it's up to school and necessity

Most government schools have the rule that pupils must have short hair in grade 1 to grade 3 (I agree with the rule, reduces flees a lot), then they can have longer hair in grade 4 to 6, short hair again in grade 7 to 9 (to protect the child is the reason I have heard) and finally long hair in grade 10 to 12

My feelings? Same as with westerners who choose to have their children born in government hospitals and then complain that they are not allowed to join during delivery. It's their choice and they have chosen a place where the rule is like that. If they don't like it, then choose a private hospital.

If you don't like the rule, then choose a school that has different rules for your child

[Firelily]

As far as I am aware, it used to be a nationwide regulation until May 2003, since then, it has been up to individual education area offices / schools. There are many govt schools, especially in rural areas, that continue to enforce the old tradition / style.

[a99az]

I was overseeing an exam at a government school with another teacher at the end of last year. When a Thai teacher walked in and started cutting chunks of hair off of students heads. Not a word was said by ether the teacher or the students as he went about his task. I was not too happy that this should be done during an exam, in fact I think it was bang out of order.

[mkawish]

I was overseeing an exam at a government school with another teacher at the end of last year. When a Thai teacher walked in and started cutting chunks of hair off of students heads. Not a word was said by ether the teacher or the students as he went about his task. I was not too happy that this should be done during an exam, in fact I think it was bang out of order.

And my question to you, sir, is....

What did you as a teacher and proctor do about the incident?

Are you behaving like the Thai PM, Apisit?

Smile and keep on smiling and do nothing, say nothing....

And more importantly, NOT A WORD FROM ME, MY GOOD SELF..... EITHER?

i WOULD HAVE TO SALUTE YOU, IF YOU HAD TAPPED THE PERSON ON THE SHOULDER AND ADVISED THE PERSON WHOEVER THE PERSON WAS, EVEN IF HE WAS THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL, TO TAKE CARE OF THE HAIR CUTTING BIZ AFTER THE EXAM.... I would have done that for the sake of the students taking the exam....

In reference to hair standards in Thailand, it is a tolerable absurdity, very much like the kind of tight fitting blouse and skirt student uniform....

I would venture to say, that has contributed much to the unplanned pregnancy in school age population also, imho.

Do you know what the Thai official language for unplanned pregnancy?

ไม่พร้อม ( mai prom ) = not ready....

No wonder, the Thai educators and society as a whole are having so much troubles and problems dealing with this mess, because they keep on thinking that female students in middle schools are too young, too immature and definitely Mai-Prom ....

Edited January 5, 2011 by mkawish