Thailand Advancing English Translation of Buddhist Tripitaka
Thailand is advancing a government project to translate the complete Buddhist Tripitaka into English, with three manuscript volumes already completed as part of a 45-volume initiative to promote Buddhist teachings to global audiences.
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphan chaired the first 2569 meeting of the Tipitaka English Version project committee at Government House, with clergy and committee members present to report progress and review implementation strategies. The project, a significant government initiative involving the Ministry of Culture, Department of Religious Affairs, Mahasangha Council, and National Office of Buddhism, aims to honor the King's accession and promote Buddhist teachings to both Thai and foreign audiences.
The project targets 45 volumes totaling 21,941 pages, divided into 8 volumes of Vinaya Pitaka, 25 of Sutta Pitaka, and 12 of Abhidhamma Pitaka, beginning from fiscal year 2565. Under the leadership of Venerable Phrommbhandita (Prayoon Tammachitto), a subcommittee has advanced translation and verification work, completing three manuscript volumes: the Mahavibhanga section of Vinaya Pitaka, the Silakhanda section of Digha Nikaya from Sutta Pitaka, and the Dhammasangani section of Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Future efforts will focus on accelerating translation, verification, and editorial processes, developing knowledge resources, and preparing both printed and e-book versions to reach wider audiences and support digital-age learning. The meeting approved three subcommittees—for production, translation, and editorial work—staffed with experts to ensure systematic and continuous progress in spreading Buddhism nationally and internationally.
