Clothing and Accessories: Women and the statist policies in Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram era (1938-1944)

Abstract

The implementation of the 10^th statist Regulation on Thai citizens' dress code in Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram era (1938–1944) led to the regulation of citizens' physical appearance and body, particularly women's attire. Subsequently, the government introduced specific dress codes for women, requiring them to follow the state regulation that varied according to occasions and the activities at different locations. This was done to ensure that women behaved appropriately as civilized subjects and in accordance with the state's norms. The regulation also reflected the state's support for women to participate more actively in public life statist dress code symbolized modernity, representing an subjects’ identity and social status in public spaces.