How a monastery in Nakhon Pathom is breaking barriers to Thailand’s monkhood

1 Oct 22:32 Key points summarised by AI

The Venerable Dhammananda, Thailand's first fully-ordained female monk and abbess of Songdhammakalyani Monastery, champions the establishment of bhikkhunīs (female monks) against entrenched male-dominated Buddhist traditions.
Despite growing numbers, women aspiring to be bhikkhunīs in Thailand must seek ordination abroad, as the Sangha Supreme Council prohibits it, citing a 1928 order and the historical 'extinction' of female monks in the kingdom.
Bhikkhunīs face significant societal discrimination and lack official legal recognition in Thailand, encountering barriers to acceptance and integration, as exemplified by past exclusions from national events.
Dhammananda emphasizes that restoring all four Buddhist communities, including fully-ordained women, is crucial for a balanced and strong Buddhist society, and calls for collective responsibility to restore public faith amidst recent monastic scandals.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.