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Etiquette guide for gay monks
Buddhist Monk
Thai monks are to be taught "good manners" to curb “homosexual expressionÃ"
Following reports that some gay and transgender Buddhist monks have taken to wearing make-up, carrying pink purses and dressing in tight robes, a senior monk has developed a new etiquette course for the monks.
Buddhist preacher Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi will introduce the new course at the Novice Demonstration School in Chiang Rai province in Thailand next month.
Monks in Thailand have been criticised for their extravagant lifestyle, as well as for running fake amulet scams and breaking their vows of celibacy.
Wudhijaya was particularly concerned about the more flamboyant actions of gay and transgender monks, as well as allegations of sexual relations between the monks.
The good manners guide would apply to all novice monks and would also address other issues such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
"If it succeeds in improving their manners, I'll expand the curriculum to other novice schools nationwide," Wudhijaya told The Nation newspaper.
