For the first time the university has given permission to five cross-dressing students to wear women's gowns at their graduation ceremony.
"We think it is the right decision for us because society is open to this at present," said Udom Ratamarit, the deputy dean of administration at Bangkok's Thammasat University.
The university allows undergraduate students to cross-dress in classes and was under increasing pressure to extend the flexible dress code to graduation gowns.
At least four cross-dressing students had asked for permission to dress as women at last year's graduation ceremony but were denied.
The university OK'd the new dress code after receiving a go-ahead from the Royal Household Bureau, which handles questions of etiquette for all functions involving the Thai royal family. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to preside over the university's August 30 graduation ceremony.
Thailand, a predominately Buddhist country, has a relatively high tolerance for transvestites, transgender people and homosexuality.
On May 29, a transgender woman was allowed to run for a councillor seat in a provincial administration in the northern province of Nan. Yonlada Suanyos, 30, a doctorate holder and owner of a jewellery business, won the election to become Thailand's first transgender provincial councillor.Authors: Somchai Kwankijswet and Peter Janssen
Thai university allows cross-dressing graduates
For the first time the university has given permission to five cross-dressing students to wear women's gowns at their graduation ceremony.
"We think it is the right decision for us because society is open to this at present," said Udom Ratamarit, the deputy dean of administration at Bangkok's Thammasat University.
The university allows undergraduate students to cross-dress in classes and was under increasing pressure to extend the flexible dress code to graduation gowns.
At least four cross-dressing students had asked for permission to dress as women at last year's graduation ceremony but were denied.
The university OK'd the new dress code after receiving a go-ahead from the Royal Household Bureau, which handles questions of etiquette for all functions involving the Thai royal family. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is to preside over the university's August 30 graduation ceremony.
Thailand, a predominately Buddhist country, has a relatively high tolerance for transvestites, transgender people and homosexuality.
On May 29, a transgender woman was allowed to run for a councillor seat in a provincial administration in the northern province of Nan. Yonlada Suanyos, 30, a doctorate holder and owner of a jewellery business, won the election to become Thailand's first transgender provincial councillor.Authors: Somchai Kwankijswet and Peter Janssen
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