Commemorative Coins of the World Fellowship of Buddhists: Buddhist Symbols on Thai Currency

The World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.) is an international Buddhist organization founded on 25 May 1950, Visakha Bucha Day, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Its primary objective is to promote unity among Buddhists worldwide and to propagate the teachings of the Buddha through peaceful means. As a principal Buddhist nation, Thailand has played a continuous supporting role in the W.F.B., including the issuance of commemorative coins on the 20th anniversary (1971) and 30th anniversary (1981) of its establishment. These coins serve as both tributes to the organization and symbols of Thailand’s enduring relationship with global Buddhism. This article explores the design and historical background of both commemorative coins, analyzing their cultural and symbolic significance in the context of Thai numismatics.