What to Wear

To be a teacher in Thailand is to be in a place of honor. School is considered a second home, and teachers are like second parents to their students. Teachers are to live an exemplary life before their students, their parents and the community.

The rule of thumb is you must be dressed so you can enter a Buddhist temple. Women teachers wear dresses, skirts, and pants that are standard for teachers in US schools. Women whould be considerate to the Asian staff, parents, and students who may be offended by clothes that reveal cleavage or too much skin such as low-necklines, spaghetti straps, short skirts, mini tops that expose navels, etc.

Male teachers wear shoes, pants, and shirts with collars. Some men who find shoes too hot wear sandals with socks instead. Ties are not required but wearing one is judged as "professional" by many in the community. Coats are only worn during graduation and prom ceremonies.

Jeans are not allowed except on "no uniform day" during the last Friday of the month. PE teachers, sports coaches, advisers during school activity days may wear T-shirts and shorts of a modest length to teach.

It is hot in here, and although the offices and classrooms are air-conditioned some women teachers opt to wear short sleeves and cool clothes.