Female Renunciants (Nang Chi) in Siam According to Early Travellers’ Accounts (Siam Society)

Cr. Kapook

The article titled “Female Renunciants (Nang Chi) in Siam According to Early Travellers’ Accounts” by Peter Skilling explores the history and role of female renunciants in Siam (Thailand) based on early European travelers’ accounts from the 17th century. It discusses how women, unable to become fully ordained nuns, still pursued religious lives as “nang chi” or “mae chi,” living near temples, shaving their heads, and engaging in religious practices. The study highlights how these women played a significant part in the religious landscape of Siam, even though they lacked formal ordination.

Thailand Foundation invites you to explore the story of mae chi. See how the value of compassion and openness are present through the stories of these female figures who, despite lacking officially recognized ordination, still find ways to make significant contributions to the Thai spiritual circle.

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Author: Peter Skilling

* This article was published in the Journal of Siam Society and is being shared on the Thailand Foundation Website with permission from The Siam Society.

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