New Hall Construction Begins in Phnom Penh with High-Ranking Officials in Attendance

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new reception hall took place on September 11, 2026, at Nikrothan Kol Toun Pagoda in Koh Krabei Village, Chong Prek Commune, Khan Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh. The hall, measuring 8 meters by 16 meters and one story high, will be located within the pagoda grounds. Samdech Kittisengbuntit Men Sam An, a high-ranking advisor to His Majesty the King, presided over the ceremony as the esteemed representative of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Samdech Kittipreah Bun Rany Hun Sen. The groundbreaking ritual, known as Kroung Phali, was conducted according to Brahmanical traditions. It involved offerings, the lighting of incense, and prayers to the local spirits and sacred powers for forgiveness and permission to build on the land, as well as for the smooth and safe construction of the reception hall. Distinguished guests in attendance included Samdech Preah Mahasomedhibandit Kittibandit Am Limheng, Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikay Buddhist Order of Cambodia; Samdech Preah Pothivong Kittibandit Noy Chhuk, First Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikay Buddhist Order; Preah Kru Mongkol Thammakech Phoeung Sovann, Chief Monk of Nikrothan Kol Toun Pagoda; and Samdech Preah Udomvongabandit Koo Sopheap, Right Monk of Nikrothan Kol Toun Pagoda. A total of 222 monks participated, along with a large number of lay Buddhists from near and far. The reception hall is a manifestation of the generosity and devotion of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Kittipreah Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross. The project is being realized through the contributions of Neak Oknha Mam Vandy, a personal advisor to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and Neak Oknha Teang Phalla. During the event, Samdech Kittisengbuntit Men Sam An, along with other leaders, their spouses, and the attending Buddhists, offered alms to the 222 monks. Source: AKP Khmer