School students in Thailand can no longer be expelled if pregnant

Administrators of schools, colleges and universities are now prohibited from expelling pregnant students or forcing them to transfer to other educational institutes under a new ministerial edict.

The edict was jointly issued by the ministries of education and higher education, science, research and innovations and has been published in the Royal Gazette, enabling its enforcement.

The ministerial regulation is aimed at protecting the rights of all students to a proper education, including those who are pregnant, while they are studying in school, at college or at university.

If a pregnant student wants to be transferred at their own free will, schools, colleges or universities must, however, comply with the wishes of the student.

Previously, pregnant students were dismissed or forced to leave their schools, colleges or universities because they were regarded as bringing shame to their institutes. They often dropped out and were denied further education.