In Thailand, women cannot become fully ordained monks in the traditional Theravada monastic system. The Theravada tradition reserves full ordination for men only, and women are limited to the status of “nuns” or “mae chi” (laywomen dedicated to a religious life). The mae chi have a role in supporting the monastic community and engaging in religious practices, but they do not have the same level of recognition and privileges as fully ordained monks. However, it’s important to note that there have been efforts in recent years to advocate for greater gender equality within Buddhism. Some women in Thailand and other Theravada Buddhist countries have sought higher ordination through other Buddhist traditions that do allow full ordination for women, such as the Mahayana tradition practiced in countries like Sri Lanka and Taiwan. The issue of women’s ordination remains a subject of debate and discussion within the Thai monastic community and the broader Buddhist world. While progress has been made in recognizing the important role of women in religious practice, the full ordination of women as monks in Thailand’s Theravada tradition remains a topic of ongoing exploration and dialogue.