The Recognition of LGBTQIA+ Rights as Human Rights in Thailand's Six Public Universities
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Abstract
This study investigates the recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights in Thailand's six public universities, including Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, Silpakorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University, in terms of uniform dressing, graduation gowns, and name prefixes. Later, in the context of a university setting, this study discusses the legal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights in a broader Thai society. This study employs a mixed-method research design, primarily using documentary research and supplemented with qualitative methods of short interviews with six representatives from selected universities to confirm the documentary data. According to the findings of this study, LGBTQIA+ rights were recognized in various ways at the majority of public universities. They all allow LGBTQIA+ students to wear uniforms that correspond to their gender. Chiang Mai University allows them to wear their uniform and graduation gown officially. Moreover, student councils at Kasetsart University and Thammasat University are very active in ensuring the rights of LGBTQIA+ students, especially the right not to use the name prefix at the student level. Unlike others, Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University, and Silpakorn University do not have a specific rule for a name prefix. The fact that some LGBTQIA+ rights are not recognized in educational settings reflects some of the legal constraints and public awareness of LGBTQIA+ human rights in Thai society.
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