BANGKOK, March 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Seven Thais and 11 women from other countries will be honored with the United Nations' list of Outstanding Women in Buddhism for 2006 for their contributions to Buddhism.

    The seven Thai females, including a female monk, a novice and two nuns, and 11 others are scheduled to receive the awards at theUN office in Bangkok on Tuesday.

    Female monk Dhamarakitta and novice Dhammamita were selected for their work to push for the ordination of female monks. Two nuns, Rachada Amatayakul and Sarochar Chaiket, were selected due to their social work and roles in Buddhism, reported The Nation newspaper Tuesday.

    Laywoman Ouyporn Khuan-kaew, Dr. Suteera Thomson Vichitranond and Dr. Amara Malila are among three other Thai recipients of the awards.

    Ouyporn, the founder and director of the Women for Peace and Justice Project, was praised for combining Dhamma, the promotion of peaceful means and feminism with her social work. Suteera won recognition for her support for the setting up of Buddhism classesat the bachelor's degree level to laywomen and nuns.

    Amara, a doctorate holder and a medical doctor, was selected for her writing of 50-plus books on Buddhism and frequent lectures on the subject.

    Each year, the UN honors women who make remarkable contribution to Buddhism on the occasion of UN International Women's Day, whichfalls on March 8.

    Other outstanding women in Buddhism this year come from Bhutan,Cambodia, Britain, Australia, and Sri Lanka. Enditem