BANGKOK: Senior Thai monks are to teach Buddhist etiquette to homosexual novices to help curb "flamboyant" behaviour including wearing lipstick and overly tightening their saffron robes, they said yesterday.

They said numerous reports of new monks plucking their eyebrows into a feminine arch, walking with an exaggerated swing of the hips and carrying handbags were all sullying the reputation of the conservative Buddhist faith.

"The aim of teaching them etiquette is to educate them on how they should act, talk, eat and dress properly," leading preacher said Phra Vudhijaya Vajiramedhi, who is launching the behaviour classes next month.