Last week's images of Mathayom students at Bangkok Christian College wearing casual outfits to school following the launch of its new "casual Tuesdays" scheme have sparked debate throughout the country. While some argue that school uniforms are essential, as they represent the institution and promote discipline, others say they are unnecessary and that there is no link between uniforms and order.
According to school director Supakit Jitklongsap, casual Tuesdays is a pilot programme that is being trialed for six weeks. The idea is to encourage a sense of expression and improved social skills among students.
However, only a day after news of the pilot project made headlines, Private Education Commission (Opec) sent a letter to the school, asking them to review their action. Secretary-General Chalam Attham later clarified that Opec was not asking the school to cancel the scheme, but wanted to know more about it, due to concerns over its potential impact. Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin has also said he has no plans to put an end to the scheme. The school director responded by saying that the issue was a matter for discussion among students, parents and teachers.
Supporters of the scheme agree that students have a right to express themselves. Opponents believe that uniforms foster a sense of equality among students, and have raised concerns that those who cannot afford fashionable clothing could be made to feel inferior. Some also worry that wearing casual clothes could potentially distract students from study.
To find out what the kids themselves think of it all, Life asked 10 students from different provinces and social backgrounds about what they felt were the pros and cons of a no-uniform day and whether or not they would like their schools to follow suit.
Chonphob Chalermchuang, 17 Mathayom 5 Bangkok Christian College, Bangkok
The no-uniform scheme is great. I agree with it. However, the school has set up some rules. We have to wear appropriate dress. We are not allowed to wear ripped clothes, sandals or shorts that are too short. Brand name clothes shouldn't be restricted. It's our right to wear whatever we want. I don't think anyone will feel unequal. We're friends. And we're used to dressing casually at summer school. There's no difference.
Thanyarat Chathaisong, 16 Mathayom 4 Boonwattana School, Nakhon Ratchasima
Academic performance and equality have nothing to do with clothes. What you wear is a personal choice. I'm in favour of a casual clothes day. I'm tired of ironing my uniform! But the clothing should be appropriate. Students have to be in class for seven to eight hours a day. If we have one day to feel relaxed and be ourselves, it's a good thing.
Anupong Tultemwong, 15 Mathayom 3 Municipal School 5, Lampang
There are downsides. If students skip class, it's hard to identify whether they are students or not. And some students will focus on what they should wear that day instead of focusing on study. But I like the idea because going casual is comfortable.
Sasirin Saengchart, 17 Mathayom 5 Debsirin Nonthaburi School, Nonthaburi
The project is a great start. It offers more alternatives to students and allows them to be themselves. But teenagers are very attached to their friends and many will want to have what their friends have, even if they can't afford it. Wearing causal outfits won't affect academic performance. That's up to the students. If my school adopts this kind of project, I think there should be rules that don't allow revealing outfits. I actually prefer to wear a uniform to school because I don't have to figure out what to wear in the morning.
Nannapas Nairua, 14 Mathayom 2 Mater Dei School, Bangkok
The plus side is that students don't have to buy a school uniform. We can wear clothes that we already have. But students may compare clothes, especially girls. The project might affect student performance for the first couple of weeks because it's a new experience, but after that everyone will get used to it. I don't mind wearing a uniform, but if my school introduces the scheme, I'll wear a T-shirt with the school logo and long pants. Sleeveless dresses should not be allowed. Pants and skirts should be knee-length.
Natthaphon Nansunee, 16 Mathayom 5 Sankamphaeng Wittayakom School, Chiang Mai
The project helps students to figure out their personal style. But we shouldn't be allowed to wear skintight outfits or anything very short. Casual clothes have no effect on study. It's all about study habits. Students already wear informal clothes to cram schools at the weekend. This is similar.
Khwanna Thunsri, 13 Mathayom 2 Chiang Rai Municipality School 6, Chiang Rai
Wearing casual clothes to school helps students to feel relaxed, but I don't want to do it. My teacher said that, in order to show people we are students, we must wear uniforms to school, and I agree with her. Wearing casual attire can distract us from study. When there's a school event, my friends can't focus on their studies because they just want to show off how beautiful their dresses are.
Vanith Sowattanasakul, 15 Mathayom 2 Thai Christian School, Bangkok
Wearing comfortable clothes helps us feel relaxed and we can understand the lessons better. I'd prefer to wear casual clothes once a week because I don't have time to wash my clothes. I don't think wearing informal clothing will make students feel unequal because we do the same thing. We should be able to wear whatever we like as long as the clothes are respectable. Tops shouldn't be sleeveless, and skirts and shorts should be knee-length.
Nitiporn Thongmai, 17 Mathayom 6 Krabyai Vongkusolkit Phitthayakhom School, Ratchaburi
I agree with the no-uniform scheme. I want to dress casually too. Dressing in our own style won't interfere with study because it's all about determination. But even though I'd like to wear informal clothes to school, I don't feel ashamed of my uniform. I don't mind if my school doesn't have this project.
Ornwasa Aggapich, 14 Mathayom 2 Streesmutprakan School, Samut Prakan
I would love to have a casual clothes day at school because I have to wear a scarf as part of my uniform -- it's hot! What you wear has nothing to do with academic performance. It depends on the teachers. If the teachers are good, we enjoy studying. I don't think students will compare their clothes. I focus on what I want to wear, not on what others wear. But we shouldn't wear tank tops or shorts to school.
While some believe school uniforms promote discipline, others argue there is no link between uniforms and order. Photo: Apichit Jinakul
