A school in southern Thailand lifts hijab ban

Thailand’s Ministry of Education has defused a dress-code row at a school in Pattani province by giving the green light for Muslim students there to wear the hijab and long trousers in line with their religious rules.

Thailand’s Ministry of Education has defused a dress-code row at a school in Pattani province by giving the green light for Muslim students there to wear the hijab and long trousers in line with their religious rules.

Starting on Monday (May 21), Muslim students at the Anuban Pattani School could wear hijab and long trousers.

“It’s just that they also must respect school rules by wearing only the colors allowed by the school. For example, hijab should be in white color or the color of their uniform skirt,” Deputy Education Minister Lt-General Surachet Chaiwong said on Sunday. 

During the past week, tension was rising at the Anuban Pattani School over what Muslim students should wear. About 20 teachers went on leave amid the standoff. 

Although the school is located in the predominantly Muslim province, its students had never worn Islamic dress to class until last week. 

Some students, backed by their parents and the Muslim for Peace Foundation, reported to the new semester wearing hijab and long trousers.