The presentation of The World Tipiṭaka as a gift of Dhamma to the Lao PDR as the auspicious beginning of commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and Laos PDR.

On 20 January 2025, Venerable Bʰikkʰu Phrakhu Komsan Janasapho (Phomphuak) and Venerable Bʰikkʰu Dʰajasurō, advisors to the World Tipiṭaka Foundation, together with representatives of the World Tipiṭaka Foundation and a delegation of those supporting the publication of the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation: The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions presented the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation, as a gift of Dhamma, to the Lao PDR. The delegation was led by Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, former Minister of Science and Technology and former Minister of Industry, and Ms. Chata Sibunruang, representative of the M.L. Maniratana Bunnag Dhamma Society Fund under the Patronage of Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirañāṇasaṁvara, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Thailand (or the Dhamma Society Fund Thailand).

The set of 80 volumes of World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation was presented to the Most Venerable Maha Bounma Simmaphom, President of the Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of the Lao PDR. H.E. Ms. Morakot Sriswasdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Lao PDR, delivered the remarks presenting the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation and H.E. Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham, Minister of Home Affairs of the Lao PDR, delivered the remarks receiving the World Tipiṭaka. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, members of Team Thailand, officers from the Royal Thai Embassy as well as relevant agencies of the Lao PDR and friends of Thailand also joined the ceremony. The event marks the auspicious beginning of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Lao PDR. It also reflects the bonding between Thai and Laos Peoples who share values and have common faith in Buddhism.

With the Kings as upholders of buddhism, Thailand has played longstanding role in disseminating the Tipiṭaka to various countries. In 1893, the Chulachomklao of Syām-Pāḷi Tipiṭaka Bangkok Era 112 Edition with Pāḷi-Syām Script was published as the first printed version of Tipiṭaka in book form. His Majesty King Chulalongkorn presented the Pāḷi-Syām Script Tipiṭaka as Royal Gifts to more than 250 institutions in 25 countries. Later on, in 2005, the World Tipiṭaka in Roman script edition, the first complete set in the Roman-script transliteration, was published and presented as Gifts of Dhamma to over 150 major international institutions worldwide.

The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions was published as the world’s first Tipiṭaka specifically designed for Saj-jhā-ya recitation ensuring accurate pronunciation of the Tipiṭaka, maintaining the original Pāḷi pronunciation in the era of the Lord Buddha. In 2016, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s accession to the throne, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, then the Crown Prince, graciously accepted to be the Chairperson of the Publication and the Foundation was bestowed to disseminate the set of 80 volumes of the World Tipitaka.

“The Project to Disseminate the World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation 2016 Editions to International Community to commemorate the 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on 28 July 2024” is the collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the World Tipiṭaka Foundation. The World Tipiṭaka Saj-jhā-ya Phonetic Recitation: The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions will be disseminated to designated libraries, institutions or organisations in more than 30 countries where Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother paid their Royal State Visits. The project reflects Thai People’s gratitude to their Majesties and is an opportunity to commemorate His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s 6th cycle Birthday Anniversary. In this regard, it is also meant to strengthen cordial relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and our friendly countries as well as to promote the awareness of Buddhism in academic dimension.