Thailand Awards 400 Scholarships to Buddhist Clergy
Thailand's Department of Religious Affairs awarded 400 scholarships to Buddhist clergy on August 27, recognizing monks and novices who passed Pali examinations as part of a program that has supported over 3,000 clergy since 2013.
On August 27, 2026, a scholarship presentation ceremony took place at Maha Rachamon Stupa at Pak Nam Temple in Bangkok's Phasi Charoen district. Somdet Phra Wachirrettanamoli presided over the religious contingent while Chaiyapol Sukiam, director-general of the Department of Religious Affairs, led the lay delegation at the event. The program supports junior clergy pursuing Buddhist theological education under a commemorative 80th anniversary fund.
The Department of Religious Affairs has run this educational support program continuously since 2013, providing monks and novices with scholarships to advance their study of Buddhist doctrine and develop their capacity to preserve and propagate Buddhism. To date, more than 3,000 clergy have received scholarships. For the 2026 fiscal year, the department awarded 400 scholarships to monks and novices who passed official Pali examinations at various levels in the Central Buddhist Scripture Institute's Pali Studies division. The grants are designed to encourage Buddhist theological studies, boost morale among dedicated students, and support their efforts to spread Buddhist teachings accurately to the public.
Monks and novices hold a vital role as religious heirs responsible for transmitting Buddhist teachings and spreading Buddhism among people. Continuous support for their education in Buddhist scriptures is essential for developing Buddhist personnel with deep knowledge and understanding of doctrine and ethics, enabling them to practice and propagate the Dharma correctly. This scholarship initiative both supports education and recognizes the effort of dedicated clergy preparing themselves to serve as worthy religious heirs, preserving Buddhism's strength in Thai society.
Chaiyapol stated that the Department of Religious Affairs aims for scholarship support to develop clergy with strong knowledge and understanding of Buddhist teachings, particularly the Tripitaka and Buddhist scriptures, so they can apply and spread Buddhist principles appropriately within their social context. He expressed appreciation for all clergy who passed the Pali examination and encouraged them to use their knowledge to benefit Buddhism and society, sustaining Buddhism's enduring place in Thai society.
