Politics
Thailand Launches Project to Translate Tipitaka into English
Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthumpun has chaired the first committee meeting to oversee the creation of an official English-language version of the Tipitaka.
On September 11, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun presided over the inaugural meeting of the committee tasked with producing an English-language version of the Tipitaka, the sacred Buddhist scriptures. According to Khaosod Online, this initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Culture, the Sangha Supreme Council, and the National Office of Buddhism.
The project serves as a tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, honoring his role as the royal patron of Buddhism. The ambitious undertaking aims to translate the entire canon into English, consisting of 45 volumes totaling 21,941 pages, including the Vinaya Pitaka. Three sub-committees have been established to drive the project forward.
For residents and travelers, this project represents a significant cultural milestone in Thailand’s efforts to make Buddhist teachings more accessible to an international audience. By providing an official English translation, the government hopes to bridge language barriers for those interested in the core tenets of the faith. While the committee has officially commenced its work, details regarding the timeline for the completion of the full 45-volume set and the specific distribution strategy for international readers remain to be confirmed.
