A shocking incident in western Thailand has sparked outrage after a teacher shaved bald spots into the heads of 66 students as punishment for allegedly violating school hair rules.
The incident took place at Maesod Technical College and was first reported by Thaich8 News on August 23. According to local reports, the teacher deemed the students’ hair too long and decided to enforce discipline in a humiliating manner.
Punishment goes too far
Not only did the teacher use clippers to leave uneven bald patches on the students’ heads, but he allegedly also brandished a firearm to intimidate them. School authorities later ruled the punishment “inappropriate and excessive,” leading to the teacher’s dismissal.
Thai media outlet Onenews31 confirmed that a total of 66 students were subjected to the ordeal.
Barber steps in to help
The case drew the attention of well-known Thai barber “Choppy Champ,” who expressed his disapproval in a Facebook post, calling the punishment cruel and unnecessary.
Moved by the students’ situation, he offered to provide free haircuts to restore their appearance and dignity. He also stressed the need for educators to prioritize students’ feelings and mental well-being when enforcing discipline.
Social media outrage
The incident quickly went viral online, with users condemning the teacher’s actions and warning of the long-term psychological impact.
- One person wrote: “This teacher lacks morality. The students will be mocked by others for having the bald spots.”
- Another shared: “I’ve been through something similar before. As a boy with long hair, I was forced by a teacher to shave my head.”
- A third commented: “What right do you have to do this to a child? Even parents can’t do that—if we’re talking about real humanity.”
Possible legal action
Thaich8 News reported that students have been advised to consider taking legal action against the teacher, though no follow-up has yet been confirmed.
For many, the incident has reignited discussions around strict hair policies in schools and the mental health consequences of harsh, outdated punishments.