Culture
Department of Religious Affairs Awards 400 Scholarships to Buddhist Scholars
The Thai Department of Religious Affairs has awarded 400 scholarships to monks and novices to support the study of Pali scripture and the preservation of Buddhism.
On August 27, 2026, the Department of Religious Affairs, under the Ministry of Culture, held a ceremony at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok to distribute 400 scholarships to Buddhist monks and novices. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the event was presided over by Somdet Phra Wachirattanomoli, a member of the Sangha Supreme Council, and Mr. Chaiyapol Suksiam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs.
These scholarships are part of an ongoing initiative established in 2013 to support the education of clergy members who have passed the Sanam Luang Pali examinations, ranging from the 3rd to the 8th grade of Pali studies. The program aims to empower religious successors to preserve and propagate Buddhist teachings. Since its inception, the fund has supported over 3,000 monks and novices.
For residents and visitors, this event highlights the continued institutional support for traditional Buddhist education in Thailand. While the ceremony marks a significant milestone for the 400 recipients, the long-term impact on the preservation of Pali scripture remains to be seen as the program continues into future fiscal years. Those interested in Thai cultural heritage may find this relevant as it underscores the state's role in maintaining the monastic education system that sustains the country's primary religious institutions.