16-11-2023 (BANGKOK) Thammasat University, located in Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok, has become the first educational institution in Thailand to grant “period leave” to students experiencing conditions related to their menstrual cycles. The university’s academic committee approved the decision last week, allowing students dealing with period pain, headaches, and fatigue to take leave without affecting their academic grades.
In a statement posted on its student union’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the Academic Department requested collaboration from faculties, institutions, and colleges to permit students’ absence due to menstrual periods. However, the statement did not specify the duration for which a student may take a leave of absence.
Thammasat University, the second-oldest university in the kingdom and renowned for its progressive stance, particularly in politics and law courses, has set a precedent by introducing this policy.
While this move is a first for Thai universities, several countries globally have implemented laws allowing menstrual leave. Japan, Indonesia, and Spain are among the nations that have officially recognized and sanctioned leave for women during their menstrual cycles. Additionally, in various countries, some employers have voluntarily started offering period leave, even in the absence of legal obligations to do so.
