A growing number of women defy generations of Thai Buddhist tradition by becoming ordained as novice monks at the unrecognised all-female Songdhammakalyani monastery outside Bangkok. Officially, only men can become monks and novices in Thailand under a Buddhist order that, since 1928, has forbidden the ordination of women. The country does not recognize female monks or novices. One option for devout Thai women is to become white-clad Buddhist nuns, who follow a less-strict religious regimen than monks and are often relegated to housekeeping tasks in temples. In recent years, more Thai Buddhist women seeking to become full-fledged "bhikkunis," or female monks, have been defying the tradition by pursuing the other option: getting ordained overseas, usually in Sri Lanka or India. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha SEARCH "FEMALE MONKS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY. Matching text: THAILAND-BUDDHISM/WOMEN

New bishop Fernando Vergez Alzaga lies in front of the altar during his ordination ceremony leaded by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican November 15, 2013. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION)

New bishops lie in front of the altar during their ordination ceremony leaded by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 24, 2013. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION)

Pope Francis leads a bishops ordination ceremony in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 24, 2013. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION)

Pope Francis leads a bishops ordination ceremony in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican October 24, 2013. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION)

Rabbi Alina Treiger speaks during her ordination ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Rabbi Alina Treiger speaks during her ordination ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

German President Christian Wulff (R) greets Charlotte Knobloch (L) President of the central council of Jews in Germany at the ordination of Rabbi Alina Treiger at the Pestalozzistrasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi William Wolff (C) attends the ordination of Rabbi Alina Treiger at the Pestalozzistrasse Synagogue in Berlin November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

General view as Rabbi Walter Jacob ordains rabbis Alina Treiger, Konstantin Pal and Boris Ronis at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (R) is congratulated by an unidentified wellwisher after being ordained at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (L) is congratulated by an unidentified wellwisher after being ordained at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (2ndL) stands amongst male colleagues during her ordination the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (C) is applauded after her ordination ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Walter Jacob ordains Rabbi Alina Treiger (back to camera) at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Walter Jacob ordains Rabbi Alina Treiger (back to camera) at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Walter Jacob ordains Rabbi Alina Treiger (back to camera) at a ceremony at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (C) speaks as Rabbi Konstantin Pol (R) and Rabbi Boris Ronis (L) look on during their ordination the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

German President Christian Wulff speaks at the ordination of Rabbi Alina Treiger, Konstantin Pol and Rabbi Boris Ronis at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Walter Jacob (C) ordains Rabbi Alina Treiger (C, back to camera), Rabbi Konstantin Pol (R) and Rabbi Boris Ronis (L) during their ordination the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

German President Christian Wulff speaks at the ordination of Rabbi Alina Treiger, Konstantin Pol and Rabbi Boris Ronis at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS HEADSHOT)

German President Christian Wulff (L) greets Rabbi Alina Treiger (R) as he arrives for her ordination at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

German President Christian Wulff (L) greets Rabbi Alina Treiger (R) as he arrives for her ordination at the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin, November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (2ndL) smiles while sitting amongst male colleagues during her ordination the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

Rabbi Alina Treiger (2ndL) laughs while sitting amongst male colleagues during her ordination the Pestalozzi strasse Synagogue in Berlin November 4, 2010. Treiger's ordination was the first in Germany since Regina Jonas became the world's first female rabbi in 1935 in a ceremony in the western city of Offenbach. Treiger, 31, was born in Ukraine and completed her religious studies in Potsdam outside Berlin. REUTERS/Odd Andersen/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

American Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson, who is openly gay, looks at religious items on sale as he tours the "market place" on the fringes of the Lambeth Conference in Cantebury, southern England July 21, 2008. The Lambeth Conference, a 10-yearly Anglican summit hosted by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, launched its working agenda on Monday. Robinson was not invited to the conference as an official delegate, but that did not stop him from coming to Canterbury on Monday to tour stalls in the conference "market place" where lobbyists set out their wares. Conservatives and liberals have rowed over the ordination of Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the 450-year history of the Church. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN)

American Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson, who is openly gay, walks past religious clothing for sale as he tours the "market place" on the fringes of the Lambeth Conference in Cantebury, southern England July 21, 2008. The Lambeth Conference, a 10-yearly Anglican summit hosted by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, launched its working agenda on Monday. Robinson was not invited to the conference as an official delegate, but that did not stop him from coming to Canterbury on Monday to tour stalls in the conference "market place" where lobbyists set out their wares. Conservatives and liberals have rowed over the ordination of Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the 450-year history of the Church. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN)

Six priests lie on the ground as Pope Benedict XVI ordains them as bishops in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican September 29, 2007. REUTERS/Dario Pignatelli (VATICAN)

Reverend Cameron Partridge (C), a transgender Episcopal priest, Reuben Zellman (R), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, and Justin Tanis, program manager for the National Center for Transgender Equality and transgender identified, speak at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reuben Zellman, the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, speaks at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reverend Cameron Partridge (C), a transgender Episcopal priest, Reuben Zellman (R), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, and Justin Tanis, program manager for the National Center for Transgender Equality and transgender identified, speak at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reuben Zellman (L), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, and Reverend Cameron Partridge, a transgender Episcopal priest, speak at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reuben Zellman (R), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, meets with other transgenders of the Jewish faith at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reuben Zellman (R), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, and Reverend Cameron Partridge, a transgender Episcopal priest, speak at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

Reuben Zellman (front), the first openly transgender student to be admitted to Hebrew Union College and pursuing studies toward rabbinical ordination, looks over his notes before speaking at the Transgender Religious Summit at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, January 20, 2007. Transgender religious leaders and academics will meet for three days to discuss how people of faith can respond to discrimination and hatred against transgender people within their congregations and communities. REUTERS/Kimberly White (UNITED STATES)

New priest lie in front of Pope Benedict XVI as he leads a mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. New priest lie in front of Pope Benedict XVI as he leads a mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican May 15, 2005. Benedict XVI ordained 21 new priests on Sunday. REUTERS/Max Rossi Pictures of the month May 2005

The Sixth Reting Lama (C) is congratulated by Qi Xiaofei (L), representative of China's Religious Affairs Bureau, after the ordination at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa January 16. The Chinese government ordained the reincarnation of the Tibetan "living Buddha" in a move that could exacerbate already bitter relations between Beijing and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Supported by the Religious Affairs Bureau in Beijing, the government of the Tibet Autonomous Region approved selection of the two-year-old boy as the reincarnation of the Sixth Reting Lama, who died in February 1997, the official Xinhua news agency said. But many Tibetan Buddhists were likely to reject the boy as a fake unless the Dalai Lama, in exile in Dharamsala, India, accepts him as the legitimate reincarnation. The woman on right is unidentified.

ASW/DL

Young monk apprentices, clad in white, pay obeisance to their parents and other elders for the last time May 25 in Colombo before donning yellow robes to enter the Sassna (path to monkhood). The young boys are undergoing a series of Buddhist ordination rituals at a temple at Ragama, a suburb of Colombo. The yellow robed monks, regardless of their age, are revered by Sri Lankans. Earlier in the day, sixteen young boys aged between 9 and 15 years were ordained at a temple ceremony, which coincides with a week of religious festivities for Vesak or Buddha Purnima, which is celebrated this year on May 29.

AL/LCY/JIR