The King Rama IV had studied a lot of western literatures and he realized and understood the importance of gender equality. The first action was the passing of a law that prohibited men from selling their wives and prohibited parents from forcing their daughters to get marry involuntarily. These prohibitions allowed women to have the right over their own body and the right to choose their own spouse. Later in the reign of the King Rama VI, compulsory education was provided to all citizens regardless of gender. The King Rama VI also advocated monogamy but at that time it was not widely practiced by the Thai people. However, polygamy was abolished in 1932 during the reign of the King Rama …show more content…
Therefore, more, and more Thai women became well educated. There were some job opportunities such as becoming nurses and teachers for them. The belief that women were passive and dependent was gradually converted into active and independent women; since some Thai women don't have to rely on their husband's incomes anymore. In addition, during the Second World War, some women were sent abroad to be trained to be a nurse, consequently, some of them notice the gender equality from western countries. Through this impact they began to take action by fighting for their own women's rights.