A student shared his experience on social media after he wasn’t allowed to sit for a teaching license exam because he was wearing women’s clothing.
Punyaphat Detchabamrung, also known as Tonkhao, posted on social media saying he was stopped from taking the exam by the chief proctor because he wore a woman’s uniform, although he was registered as “Mr.”
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“It was a waste of time and opportunity”
According to Punyaphat, the Teachers Council of Thailand only requires exam candidates to dress formally or wear a university uniform, with no rule saying they have to dress based on their birth gender, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
He said he was stopped about 30 minutes into the exam and called it a waste of time and opportunity.
In another post, he mentioned that the university’s teachers were aware of what happened and were giving him full support.
Meanwhile, People’s Party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat spoke out on his own social media, saying the examiner’s actions showed how the system still strips away people’s sexual identity.
Punyaphat Detchabamrung
“Is it just for show during Pride month?”
The opposition MP, who’s also vice-chair of the committee focusing on children, youth, women, seniors, people with disabilities, ethnic groups, and LGBTIs, has been a strong voice for LGBTQIA+ rights in Thailand.
“The government keeps saying it supports equality and non-discrimination, but things like this still happen. Talented people are being pushed out of the system just because their identity doesn’t fit the norm. The World Health Organization stopped classifying being transgender as a disorder back in 2019,” Tunyawaj said.
He added that this isn’t just about the individual; it also affects the country’s economy by holding back human potential.
“The Thai system still uses gender to control how people should behave. That goes against international standards and basic human rights. So is the government serious about rights and diversity, or is it just for show during Pride month?”
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Also read: Thai King and Queen Officiate Nation’s First-Ever Royally Sponsored Same-Sex Wedding
