On 13 May 2025, Ms. Chavanart Thangsumphant, Ambassador-designate, presented The World Tipiṭaka Sajjhāya Phonetic Recitation, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Edition to the Government of India. The set was received by Mr. Anshuman Gaur, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

This handover followed the presentation of the Tipiṭaka by H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, to H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, during his official visit to Thailand on 3 April 2025.

The presentation of this edition of the Sajjhāya Phonetic Tipiṭaka to the Government of India reflects the deep-rooted friendship between Thailand and India, both of which share a centuries-old connection through Buddhism. It also reinforces bilateral cooperation in the field of Buddhist studies.

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About the World Tipiṭaka: Sajjhāya Edition

The Sajjhāya Phonetic Edition was first published in 2016 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the reign of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. This edition is regarded as an innovative achievement in the fields of linguistics, musicology, and computer engineering. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej Sajjhāya Pāḷi Phonetic Edition presents the scriptures using Syam-Pali Phonetic Symbols, while the Queen Sirikit Sajjhāya Pāḷi Notation Edition employs Pāḷi musical notation to ensure accurate and rhythmic recitation.

The project to disseminate the World Tipiṭaka: Sajjhāya Edition to countries around the world is being carried out in celebration of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 28 July 2024. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Tipiṭaka Foundation. Special editions of the Tipiṭaka are being presented to libraries, institutions, and organizations in more than 30 countries, particularly those officially visited by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit.

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