Uniforms in Thailand:

A culture fixated on fitting in

students wear bright batik shirts and gather for an assembly

It’s never a strange sight to see someone in Thailand wearing a uniform on the job, after work or during the weekend.  In every culture certain professions or groups call for a uniform for safety and convenience, such as police officers, fireman and school children.  But in this country it’s taken a step further, requiring professionals such as teachers, bank tellers and university students to all don specific uniforms.  Not only are more professionals here obligated to wear them, they seem to be widely accepted and even embraced.

office workers sport matching hot pink suits

When some people think about wearing a uniform everyday it can seem like a restriction or something that’s being forced upon them.  But for many people in The Kingdom, growing up in a culture where there has always been a standardized dress code doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.  Many foreigners have also taken a liking to the uniforms, confessing that it makes their lives easier in the morning and also makes them feel more immersed in the Thai culture.


“I can’t ever remember a time when there weren’t uniforms,” says Narong Pok Hailstone, a local English teacher who’s lived in Phuket for five years after growing up in Seattle.  “I don’t have to worry about what to wear and people like the tradition of it.” 

           

It’s undeniable that Thailand is known for its uniforms but the reasons behind why they are worn may not fall in line with the obvious visual homogeny.  One reason that all schools, universities and an overwhelming amount of offices require a uniform is for consistency and order. Uniformity can be pleasing on the eye and an easy choice for any superior.  But one reason that doesn’t lie on the surface is the issue of status.  Wearing a uniform throughout your day-to-day life says to people, I’m successful, I’m educated, I’ve earned this.  It may be one reason people in Thailand don’t always seem eager to change out of their work clothes when the day is finished.  It’s not uncommon to look at a person living here and instantly be able to estimate their status among society. 

bank tellers follow the uniform standards

The consistency of a uniform also seems to go against the national slogan of mai pen rai, which suggests that the country is laid back and just goes with the flow.  As many people living on the island can attest to, that motto can be music to your ears or throw a wrench in well thought out plans.  Perhaps the regularity of the uniforms combats the chaos just enough to give Thailand the harmony it needs.  It could also serve as an aid to the language barrier that is ever prevalent.  Uniforms help identify workers from customers, students from teachers. 

The Thai culture is renowned for commitment and loyalty to the country so nationalism is another reason to wear uniforms after hours.  It’s not surprising that students from a young age sport scout uniforms once a week and that many government positions don uniforms that have a military feel.  University students proudly wear pins and buttons to show off their devotion to their school.  The strict attire unites the culture and also sends a message of allegiance to any visitor walking through town.

The importance of unity has been evident recently as the country pays its respects to Princess Bejaratana by wearing black and white to work.  The stark contrast of again seeing the bright, tropical uniforms that dot the island is a nice reminder of the vibrant charm and unison of the culture.  One thing is for sure; uniforms of every cut and color give Thailand a certain uniqueness that isn’t found everywhere.   

many uniforms have a militant quality to them