Suphajee Leads English Tipitaka Committee Meeting
Deputy PM Suphajee Suthumpun chaired the 1/2026 English Tipitaka project meeting on Sept 11, 2026, targeting 45 volumes and 21,941 pages.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Suphajee Suthumpun chaired the English Tipitaka project committee meeting on Sept 11, 2026
- The initiative targets producing 45 volumes totaling 21,941 pages for global outreach
- Collaboration involves the Ministry of Culture, Sangha Supreme Council, and ONAB
- Three subcommittees were established to drive the translation and publication process
On September 11, 2026, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun chaired the first meeting of the Patronage Committee for the English Tipitaka Version Project for 2026. The session was attended by high-ranking Buddhist monks and committee members specializing in scriptural translation.
The meeting focused on advancing this significant national project, which is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Culture's Department of Religious Affairs, the Sangha Supreme Council, and the National Office of Buddhism. The project is dedicated to making merit and honoring His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua upon his accession to the throne as the Royal Patron of Buddhism, while also aiming to disseminate Buddhist teachings to both Thai citizens and international audiences.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
According to the project's framework, the English Tipitaka will comprise 45 volumes with a total of 21,941 pages. The translation work begins with the Vinaya Pitaka, ensuring that every translated text maintains strict adherence to core Buddhist principles and traditional canonical accuracy.
"The English Tipitaka project is a vital initiative through the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Religious Affairs, the Sangha Supreme Council, and the National Office of Buddhism."
Suphajee Suthumpun
Furthermore, the meeting approved the establishment of three subcommittees tasked with driving different aspects of the project, ranging from administrative management to scriptural verification, ensuring that the translated scriptures achieve the highest academic and religious standards for global distribution.
Translating the Tipitaka into English represents a monumental milestone for Theravada Buddhism globally, as scriptural study has historically been bound by Pali and Thai language barriers. An officially endorsed English canon will enable international scholars and seekers to access authentic teachings accurately, minimizing misinterpretations and solidifying Thailand's status as a global hub for Buddhist studies.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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