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In
1922 (B.E. 2465) Thailand was governed by an absolute monarchy
within which Thai women were suppressed; therefore the publication
of the Satri-sup newspaper provided an outlet for their feelings.
This paper discusses women's voices with respect to human rights,
education and lifestyles in Thai Society. These opinions were
presented and published by educated Thai women in Satri-sup,
reflecting the inferior status of women. The women's resistance
against their inferior position was also clearly stated, and
their defiant voices highlighted inequality in law, education
and lifestyle.
In law, they aimed
to change marriage law so that a man could legally have only
one wife. The Act of Contagious Diseases was also a law that
they felt took advantage of women, so they requested abrogation
of the Act. With regard to inequality in education, the women
asked for equal time in primary and secondary schools. Realizing
the importance of language, women wanted to study foreign languages,
especially French. In addition, they demanded the right of access
to professional knowledge, convincing reluctant parents to send
their daughters to school.
During this time,
Western styles of living gradually entered Thailand, having
a great impact on Thai people- especially Thai women-who saw
this trend as an opportunity to promote equality. They wanted
a chance to work outside of the home in order to gain social
acceptance. According to Thai tradition, female matchmakers
arranged marriages, but some of these individuals were found
to be dishonest. As a result, opposition to dishonest matchmakers
was publicized in the newspaper. In addition, because of the
arrival of the Western fashions, Thai women wanted to change
their traditional dress from the Jong-Kra-Ben to the Western
skirt.
Ironically, some
people who lacked belief in the potential of women presumed
Satri-sup to be secretly penned by men. However, most people
quite agreed with the ideas because of support offered by King
Rama VI, who realized that equality between men and women reflected
the overall level of civilization within the country.
Therefore, their
goals were progressively realized. In law, especially family
law, there were many changes, and in particular, an act prohibiting
the trade of women and girls was codified in 1928. In response
to women's requests, a law concerning the suppression of prostitution
was proclaimed in 1960. The allotted time for education in primary
and secondary schools for women was expanded to be equal to
that given to men. Moreover, some gained a chance to study abroad.
Women could finally work and serve society as teachers, nurses,
doctors, writers and secretaries. Gaining more respect, women
could attend many social activities such as sports, social events
and dances. These accomplishments were due, in part, to the
defiant and resistant voices featured in Satri-sup.
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