Council chiefs in Bangkok have relaxed uniform and hairstyle regulations for 437 schools in the capital - allowing one wear-what-you-like day a week.

Wantanee Wattana, deputy permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), issued two letters to district chiefs outlining new guidelines for school uniform and hairstyle regulations in schools under the supervision of the BMA.

The rules do not apply to pupils in schools across the rest of Thailand, where they must maintain hair and uniform relgulations.

In the first letter, Wantanee addressed the uniform guidelines, instructing schools to allow students to have the freedom to dress as they wish for at least one day a week.

The students will have a role in the decision-making process before the rule is publicised and enforced.

Meanwhile, students who are unable to follow the new guideline of dressing freely will have the option to wear their regular student uniforms, PE uniforms, or other designated uniforms according to the specific policies of their respective schools.

The second letter issued guidelines allowing students to have free hairstyles that are clean, healthy, and enhance their personality and confidence, with the aim of respecting students' rights and preserving their dignity.

The letter emphasised that in cases where students cannot comply with the guidelines, schools must engage in open dialogue with students and parents, seeking mutual agreement and ensuring that no actions are taken that violate their rights and freedoms, such as forcibly cutting their hair or causing them embarrassment.

The letter also prohibits any actions that infringe upon students' rights to freedom of body and mind, while also emphasising the importance of respecting their individual identities, diversity, religious beliefs, and sexual orientations.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the new guidelines will be continuously assessed, and if there are more negative consequences than positive outcomes, they may be subject to revision or changes in the future.