Maechee Pratin Kwanorn

Thailand

Maechee Pratin Kwanorn was born in Petchaburi, Thailand. Her family farmed and had a small business. She studied while helping with the family business and farm duties. She went forth as an alms mendicant Maechee in 1963 at Wat Sanambrahm in Phetchaburi. She studied Pali and earned Grade 6 in Pali in 1970 in Bangkok. By 1973, she graduated with excellence in Pali in India as a Pali Achariya from Nalanda University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in 1974. Then she earned her Master's degree in India in 1977 from Makot University.

After she completed her education, she along with Maechee Dr. Sumon Yuyot, founded the Thai Maechee Institute in Ratchaburi, Thailand in order to develop the role of Maechees, and thereby society. In 1978 she started a girls' nursery school in Prachinburi, at a branch of their main office.

Her earnest efforts have been acknowledged by many including: the Buddhist Women's Association of Thailand, which presented her with a Medallion Award for Excellence in Social Service, the Ministry of Education, and Princess Sirindhom personally presented her with a Sema Dhammachakra Award.

Maechee Pratin is currently President of the Thai Maechee Institute and Founder of the Dhamma Charini Witaya School for maechee and women in need. She is determined to improve the educational opportunities for women and girls.