Thailand Launches English Tripitaka Project to Spread Buddhism Globally
Thailand's government launched an English translation project of the Tripitaka, Buddhism's sacred texts, to share the religion's teachings globally and honor the King's patronage of Buddhism. The 45-volume initiative will be completed throu
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphand, chair of the Tipitaka English Version sponsorship committee, presided over the committee's first meeting at Government House on September 11, 2026, with senior monks and project members in attendance. She described the English Tripitaka project as a significant collaborative effort involving the Culture Ministry, Religious Affairs Department, Mahasangha Council, and National Buddhism Office, aimed at honoring the King's ascension to the throne and his declaration as patron of Buddhism while spreading the Buddha's teachings to Thai and international communities.
The project targets completion of 45 volumes comprising 8 volumes of Vinaya Pitaka (monastic code), 25 of Sutta Pitaka (discourses), and 12 of Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy). Upcoming work will focus on accelerating translation, verification, and editorial processes to ensure accuracy, while developing educational materials and launching digital formats including e-books to reach audiences in the digital age and broadcast Thai Buddhist heritage worldwide.
The meeting approved establishment of three subcommittees: one for project coordination, one for translation work, and one for editing, each staffed with experts and scholars to ensure continuity and systematic progress. The initiative represents a major collaborative effort to preserve and disseminate Buddhism by creating a primary resource accessible to both Thai and foreign audiences for studying and applying the Buddha's teachings in daily life.
