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Thailand’s strict school dress code tested as students ditch uniforms on first day of semester

14 Sept 18:28 Key points summarised by AI

Hundreds of Thai students defied strict uniform rules by wearing casual clothes on the first day of the new semester, sparking an unprecedented challenge to traditional dress codes.
The Education Minister is considering updating the controversial uniform code, hinting at allowing students to wear casual clothes one day a week or month, with new guidelines expected by month-end.
The 'Bad Student' group is leading the no-uniform campaign, documenting school responses despite threats of legal action from the Education Ministry against their website and those defaming schools or teachers.
The movement highlights a broader debate on authoritarianism, student rights, and the financial burden of uniforms, contrasting the ministry's view on discipline and equality with student calls for choice and reduced expenses.

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.