One year after Thailand legally banned corporal punishment, the practice is seeing a resurgence, fueled by traditional proverbs and societal attitudes that previously normalized it. The nation now faces the challenge of effectively curbing its return in schools and homes.

An old Thai proverb says, “If you love your cow, tie it up; if you love your child, beat them”. It is meant to convey that a loving and responsible guardian should discipline their child and that corporal punishment is an act of care as sensible as tethering one’s cattle so that it does not wander off. For many generations, this proverb and traditional practices have normalised corporal punishment. This attitude is also displayed by teachers in schools. One year after Thailand legally banned...