François Lagirarde

François Lagirarde, born in Paris on January 28, 1953, is a Lecturer at the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) with a focus on Theravadin Buddhism and Southeast Asian Studies. He has dedicated his career to the study of Buddhist manuscripts, epigraphy, and cultural transmission in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

• PhD in the history of religions (2001, EPHE)
• 3rd Cycle Doctorate in comparative literature (1981, University of Paris XII)
• Extensive training in Thai languages at EFEO centers in Chiang Mai and Vientiane

His research centers on Buddhist manuscript preservation, ritual narratives, and the inculturation of Theravada Buddhism in Lanna culture. He has digitized over 19,000 pages of Buddhist chronicles from Northern Thailand, focusing on Tham script and tamnan literature. His editorial roles include co-editor-in-chief of the Bulletin of the French School of the Far East and general director of the journal Aséanie (1997-2012).

François Lagirarde's publications reveal a deep engagement with Buddhist epigraphy, chronicles, and cultural anthropology. His work spans traditional manuscript analysis to digital archiving methodologies, particularly in Northern Thai contexts. He has collaborated extensively with institutions like the Siam Society and Chulalongkorn University.

• G. Cœdès scholarship (1993-1994)

As a former head of the Bangkok Centre (2001-2011) and Professor of French at Thammassat University (1981-1993), he bridges language pedagogy with advanced Buddhist studies. His expertise also extends to the restoration of Buddhist monuments, such as Vat Long Khoun in Luang Prabang.