On 22 July 2025, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, as a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Phra Sophonbhavanavithet, Abbot of Buddha Bodhivana Monastery in Melbourne, representative of the World Tipitaka Foundation, formally presented the World Tipitaka Saj-jha-ya Phonetic Recitation: The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions, totalling 80 volumes, to the University of Melbourne, in commemoration of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s 6th Cycle Birthday 28 July 2024 at The Old Quad of the University of Melbourne. The set was received by Ms. Jan Hansen AO, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement). The ceremony was attended by approximately 40 guests, including Mrs. Tessa Sullivan, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Melbourne, venerable sangha residing in Melbourne, consular representative from Buddhist countries in Melbourne, representatives from private sectors and academia, Friends of Thailand, as well as Thai community in Melbourne.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the World Tipitaka Foundation have undertaken the Project to present the World Tipitaka Saj-jha-ya Phonetic Recitation: The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions as A Gift of Peace and Wisdom for All, to libraries, institutions, and organizations in more than 30 countries including, in particular, those which received Royal State Visits by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Australia is one such country to which Their Majesties paid the State Visit in 1962.

 

This occasion marks the 3rd time that the Tipitaka has been presented to Australia. The first one was the Chulachomklao of Syam-Pali Tipitaka Bangkok Era 112, the world’s first printed Tipitaka, presented as Royal Gifts to 25 nations. The second one was the World Tipitaka in Roman script published in 2005 and presented as Gifts of Dhamma to over 150 leading institutions worldwide, including the Library of the University of Melbourne. At the ceremony, there was also a display of both editions of Tipitaka.

 

The World Tipitaka Saj-jha-ya Phonetic Recitation: The King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Commemorative 2016 Editions were printed to mark the 70th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s Accession to the Throne. Through linguistic and musicological innovation and the use of AI technology, the editions ensure accurate saj-jha-ya recitation. The King Bhumibol Adulyadej Edition is presented with Syam-Pali phonetic symbols and the Queen Sirikit Edition is presented with Pali monotone music notation for accurate rhythm.

 

Credit of some photos from Buddha Bodhivana Monastery and University of Melbourne.