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In terms of education, Luang Mae graduated Ph.D. in Buddhism
from Magadh University in India. She is considered the first Thai woman
who graduated Ph.D. in Buddhism. She is a well-known religious scholar,
especially at an international level regarding the issue of women’s
participation in ordination.
The topic of her PhD thesis discusses about “a comparative study
of Patimokkha Rules for Bhikkuni in 6 sects,” which guarantees that at
least she is one of the people who are well informed about Bhikkuni.
Her knowledge is deeply rooted, in terms of Theravada Buddhism as
well as other sects. From the beginning, academic strength has helped
her overcome the challenge of becoming Bhikkuni through ordination.
This leads to the understanding in personal rights and responsibilities.
As a result, she is able to protect women’s rights and responsibilities
on the Bhikkuni road with stability.
In 2014, after over 12 years of ordination, “Luang Mae” was
appointed by Mahintawangsa, the patriarch from Sri Lanka, among
the Buddhist monks of both sides, to be “Pawattini” or the first
female preceptor of Thailand. Until today, “Luang Mae” still focuses
on building quality and knowledge to Bhikkhuni, Bhikkhu, and Thera-
vada in Thailand, as well as establishing a network of Bhikkhuni,
Bhikkhu, and Theravada in Asia.
In addition, Thailand is still part of the convention on the
elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. It is the
agreement, which involves promoting gender equality, eliminating
rules, laws, traditions, customs, and values that appear to discriminate
women. Thailand has also joined the international convention on
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