University Student Uniforms in Thailand

The other night over a beer, I was speaking with a friend of mine in California (I am back in California temporarily) that has not yet traveled to Asia, and we were talking about how life is in Chiang Mai.  I mentioned that our small business is right down the street from Chiang Mai University’s main gate, which is one of the bigger universities in Thailand, and I mentioned that all the students wear uniforms.  He was in a bit of shock.  He had heard how school kids in high school down to the first grade wear uniforms, but he didn’t realize that even university students wore uniforms as well, and coming from an American perspective he found that a bit amazing.  But it is true.  University girls are required to wear a simple black skirt with a brown belt and starched white button shirt, with a pin on their collar designating their school.  Guys wear black slacks and a white dress shirt.  The uniforms are called Nisit.  The students all appear equal, and income levels are not shown by what they wear.  And the students look pretty smart and spiffy, fashion-wise.  My California friend thought that would certainly be boring to have all university students dressed alike, but I would like to report right here that it is quite the opposite.  In fact, I find the system of university student uniforms to be a lot more fun than the way it’s done in the USA. Continue reading

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