Buddhist monk meditating by the Mekong River. Nong Khai, Thailand, 2010.

A small number of women choose to become Mae Ji, non-ordained religious specialists who permanently observe either the eight or ten precepts. Mae Ji do not generally receive the level of support given to ordained monks, and their position in Thai society is the subject of some discussion. instead, they are expected to live as lay followers, making merit in the hopes of being born in a different role in their next life. As a result, lay women primarily participate in religious life either as lay participants in collective merit-making rituals, or by doing domestic work around temples. Lay follower, northern Thailand, 2010.

Portrait of a village girl. Northern Thailand, 2010.