The Wider Image: Thailand's rebel female Buddhist monks defy tradition
Boodsabann Chanthawong, 49, a businesswoman, works at her office, weeks ahead of her ordination to be a novice monk in Bangkok, Thailand, November 22, 2018. Officially, only men can become monks and novices in Thailand under a Buddhist order that, since 1928, has forbidden the ordination women. Officially, only men can become monks and novices in Thailand under a Buddhist order that, since 1928, has forbidden the ordination of women. A growing number of women defy generations of Thai Buddhist tradition by becoming ordained as novice monks at the unrecognised all-female Songdhammakalyani monastery. "I'm going to overcome this obstacle and become ordained like I've always wanted," Boodsabann said. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha SEARCH "FEMALE MONKS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.