“In the Beginning...”: Samuel Milton’s Early Siamese Translations of the Bible

This note examines Samuel Milton’s Siamese-language work in Singapore (1819–1825) and introduces his translation of the opening chapter of Genesis (ca. 1823). Although known for his contribution to early printing in Singapore, Milton’s role in the history of Thai translation and printing has received little attention. As one of the earliest Protestant translators of a biblical text into Siamese and among the first printers using Siamese script, his work sheds new light on the early development of Christian terminology and Thai literary culture.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the Siam Society
Published
2026-11-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.69486/114.2.2026.12a
Primary Topic
Translation Studies and Practices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

“In the Beginning...”: Samuel Milton’s Early Siamese Translations of the Bible

Doug Liao
Journal of the Siam Society
Translation Studies and Practices
article

“In the Beginning...”: Samuel Milton’s Early Siamese Translations of the Bible

Doug Liao
article en

Abstract

This note examines Samuel Milton’s Siamese-language work in Singapore (1819–1825) and introduces his translation of the opening chapter of Genesis (ca. 1823). Although known for his contribution to early printing in Singapore, Milton’s role in the history of Thai translation and printing has received little attention. As one of the earliest Protestant translators of a biblical text into Siamese and among the first printers using Siamese script, his work sheds new light on the early development of Christian terminology and Thai literary culture.

Journal of the Siam SocietyVol. 114(2)
Fuller Theological Seminary (US)
Translation Studies and Practices
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