BANGKOK: Dozens of students rallied in Thailand on Wednesday (Jul 29) to demand from the government greater gender rights and an end to what they called outdated curriculum and discriminatory rules on uniforms and haircuts.
Onlookers in Bangkok cheered and applauded as students of mixed ages carrying placards and banners and rainbow flags, fans and umbrellas marched to the education ministry in protest at a school system they said was far behind the times. The group included secondary school pupils and some older students.
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They took aim in particular at rules that prescribe specific hair length and styles for male and female students.
Members of a youth pride student group tear a health and hygiene book during a rally for gender rights at the Education Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
"What about students of other genders? This is something the ministry needs to consider because it is normal to be diverse," said Panupong Suwannahong, 19, a protest organiser.
"The school uniform segregates the students' genders."
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The demonstration comes amid an increase in student-led political protests in Thailand in recent weeks. The group, however, said it had no ties to an anti-government movement.
Members of a youth pride student group hold an LGBT flag during a rally for gender rights in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
On the steps of the ministry and in front of its permanent secretary, student Pimchanok Nongnual, 19, shaved her hair with electric clippers in protest at "suffocating" gender rules.
"What about gender fluid or non-binary students?" said Pimchanok.
Although it is a largely conservative Buddhist society, Thailand has a reputation for openness and free-wheeling attitudes and has a vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) social scene.
Members of a youth pride student group attend a rally for gender rights in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
Its cabinet backed a civil partnership Bill on Jul 8 to <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/t<a href=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-bangkok-rally-students-gender-uniforms-haircut-rules-12974244>Read More – Source</a></p>_
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BANGKOK: Dozens of students rallied in Thailand on Wednesday (Jul 29) to demand from the government greater gender rights and an end to what they called outdated curriculum and discriminatory rules on uniforms and haircuts.
Onlookers in Bangkok cheered and applauded as students of mixed ages carrying placards and banners and rainbow flags, fans and umbrellas marched to the education ministry in protest at a school system they said was far behind the times. The group included secondary school pupils and some older students.
Advertisement
Advertisement
They took aim in particular at rules that prescribe specific hair length and styles for male and female students.
Members of a youth pride student group tear a health and hygiene book during a rally for gender rights at the Education Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
"What about students of other genders? This is something the ministry needs to consider because it is normal to be diverse," said Panupong Suwannahong, 19, a protest organiser.
"The school uniform segregates the students' genders."
Advertisement
Advertisement
The demonstration comes amid an increase in student-led political protests in Thailand in recent weeks. The group, however, said it had no ties to an anti-government movement.
Members of a youth pride student group hold an LGBT flag during a rally for gender rights in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
On the steps of the ministry and in front of its permanent secretary, student Pimchanok Nongnual, 19, shaved her hair with electric clippers in protest at "suffocating" gender rules.
"What about gender fluid or non-binary students?" said Pimchanok.
Although it is a largely conservative Buddhist society, Thailand has a reputation for openness and free-wheeling attitudes and has a vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) social scene.
Members of a youth pride student group attend a rally for gender rights in Bangkok, Thailand, Jul 29, 2020. (Photo: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)
Its cabinet backed a civil partnership Bill on Jul 8 to <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/t<a href=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-bangkok-rally-students-gender-uniforms-haircut-rules-12974244>Read More – Source</a></p>_
