Thai Schools of Past to Modern Coeducation

Hello, I am Jones, a travel blogger. Today, I would like to tell you a special story that I happened to learn while traveling in Thailand. It is about Thai schools. When you ride a tuk-tuk around Bangkok, you will come across various schools.

When I was riding a tuk-tuk with my Thai friends, they explained to me about the Thai school system and which schools are famous in Thailand while looking at the schools in Bangkok. Thanks to them, I was able to learn in detail about how my Thai friends went to school when they were young and how the schools have been reorganized now. Since I heard this information directly from my local friends, it is trustworthy information. For information about the fun of seeing old-style buildings and shopping malls while riding a tuk-tuk and appreciating the schools, please refer to my previous post.


Thai Schools, Past and Present: From Prohibition of Coeducation to Free Education


I was able to ask my local friends about the Thai school system and hear their stories about their childhood.

The most surprising thing I heard from my Thai friends was that coeducation was only allowed relatively recently. All of my friends said they went to girls' schools. It was interesting to learn that Thailand had a similar experience, even though Korea and other Asian countries had separate education for boys and girls in the past due to the influence of Confucian culture.

Why was coeducation banned in Thailand? Considering the characteristics of Thai culture and historical background, I think that family-centered values ​​and religious influences must have had a big impact. As a Buddhist country, Thailand emphasized the importance of the family and tended to be cautious about interactions between boys and girls.

However, as times change, Thai society is gradually becoming more open. These days, young Thais do not feel aversion to coeducation, but rather think that it is a good opportunity to have various experiences.

I was able to listen to my friends' stories with interest because I wondered why only girls could go to school in the past, and only boys could go to school together, even though Thailand is not a particularly Confucian culture.

In the past, Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam had a culture of separating boys and girls until they became adults, to the point that there was a Chinese character saying, "Men and women should not sit together until they are adults."


A Look into School Life in Thai Schools: Characteristics of Elementary, Middle, and High Schools


Thailand's elementary school is a 6-year course, just like ours, and students can enroll starting at age 7. In particular, Thailand offers free education, so it is impressive that all children can enjoy the opportunity to learn. It is also said that education is provided free of charge to children.


Middle school and high school are each a 3-year course, and high school is not compulsory education. One of the biggest characteristics of Thai schools is the long summer vacation. It is said that students can take a long break for 2 months to avoid the hot weather. It is said that high school is not compulsory.


In addition, Thai schools consider character education very important. They help students grow into people with good personalities through education that shows respect for adults and fosters a sense of community. Respect for authority must come from the heart, and students must bow to their superiors to show respect. And this tradition can be found everywhere in Thailand.


Thai School Culture: Uniforms and Hairstyles


Most students in Thai schools wear uniforms. In particular, the uniforms of girls' schools are famous for their neat and tidy designs. When I saw Thai school uniforms, I felt that they were similar to Japanese school uniforms. I think it may be because they were influenced by Japan in the past.

Thai schools have quite strict hair regulations. However, I heard that they have been relaxed a lot these days.


This concludes my introduction to elementary, middle, and high schools in Thailand based on my own information.


Thai culture seen through Thai schools


While listening to stories about Thai schools, I was able to discover new aspects of Thai culture. From family-centered values, religious influences, and changing social aspects, Thai schools are not just educational institutions; they are like a microcosm of Thai society. Many tourists like Thailand, and when they visit Thailand, they see Thai students passing by, and often see Thai students at 7-Eleven or restaurants. I hope that my posting will help them understand those students a little.

And I hope that this posting will be of some help to those of you who are planning a trip to Thailand. Next time, I will come back with a more informative and interesting Thailand travel story.