Mae ji (Thai: แม่ชี, , IPA: [mɛ̂ː tɕʰiː]) are Buddhist laywomen in Thailand occupying a position somewhere between that of an ordinary lay follower and an ordained monk. It is illegal for women to take ordination in Thailand. And they are expected to work essentially as maids to ordained monks, rather than receiving training and the opportunity to practice. Mae ji have traditionally been and still are marginalized figures in Thai society. During the 20th Century, new movements to improve the lot of mae ji but the situation is still far from being acceptable under modern standards of human rights. The Bhikkhuni lineage is being introduced by Venerable Dhammananda, but oppositions from the high-ranking Thai monks seems to have discouraged mae ji from joining her.