Gay monks told to stop wearing makeup
Gay and trans Buddhist monks in Thailand have been given a new set of guidelines aimed to curb “flamboyant” behaviour such as wearing makeup.
The “good manners” curriculum is being introduced in the northern province of Chiang Rai.
Senior monk Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi told the BBC the guidelines were designed to address issues like smoking, drinking alcohol, walking and going to the toilet correctly.
However, he added he was especially concerned about gay and trans monks, who he said could often be seen carrying pink handbags and wearing tight robes.
If the new rules are successful, there are plans to expand them to other areas.
Guidelines on issues such as smoking and drinking are detailed in the traditional 75 Dharma principles of Buddhism, and the 227 precepts for monks.
More than 90 per cent of the Thai population are Buddhist.
