Cambodia Holds Meeting on Draft Law on Belief and Religion

A consultation meeting was held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, concerning the draft law on belief and religion and its impact assessment report. The meeting was led by Minister of Cults and Religion, His Excellency Chai Borin, and brought together key religious leaders and stakeholders from across the Kingdom of Cambodia. Attendees included high-ranking Buddhist clergy, such as His Excellency Preah Udom Cheyabundit Cheang Bunchea, Royal Representative of His Holiness Samdech Preah Mahasomedha Dhipati Kithipandit Am Limheng, Supreme Patriarch of the Mohanikay Dhammayuttikanikay of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and His Excellency Preah Mongkol Thep Acharya Vong Aneta, Royal Representative of His Holiness Samdech Preah Sirisugandhamahasangharaj Kith Uttesbunt Boor Kry, Supreme Patriarch of the Dhammayuttikanikay of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Numerous other religious officials, secretaries of state, undersecretaries of state, directors, and lay representatives were also present at the Ministry of Cults and Religion headquarters. The primary objective of this consultation was to scrutinize the specific provisions of the draft law, which aims to regulate belief and religious practices within Cambodia, and to comprehensively assess its socio-economic impacts. Such exchanges of views during the drafting phase are crucial for ensuring smooth implementation and accommodating the diverse beliefs of the populace. While Buddhism is the state religion of Cambodia, the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and various faiths, including Islam and Christianity, coexist. With recent economic development, societal structures are also evolving, likely presenting new challenges and needs concerning religion. The discussions held during this consultation are expected to be a significant step towards revising the draft law and its eventual enactment. Through dialogue among stakeholders, it is anticipated that the legal framework will be established to contribute to the harmony and stability of Cambodian society as a whole.