In Myanmar (Burma), kappiya are generally young men or boys who live in the monastery they support.
[6] Some female renunciants called kappiya thilashin also serve as lay attendants to monastic institutions (kyaung), providing support to ordained monks as managers and treasurers, entrusted with the ongoing upkeep of monasteries.
[10] Some are sent to become temple boys to acquire merit; others, because they are given free room and board; and others to receive religious and moral instruction.
Temple boys may undertake the formal step of sāmaṇera ordination as part of their role, depending on their age and local custom.
Historically speaking, serving as a temple boy has provided a means for social mobility; notable figures including politicians (Chuan Leekpai and Watana Muangsook) and actors (e.g., Rangsiroj Panpeng) spent their formative years in this role.