Woman Claiming to be 'Saint Mother Naga' Summoned by Cambodian Authorities for Guidance and Commitment

Authorities in Santeuk district, Kampong Thom province, have summoned a woman known as 'Saint Mother Naga' for guidance and to obtain a commitment to cease her social media activities, which claimed she possessed supernatural powers. On September 21, the Department of Religion and Worship of Kampong Thom province, in cooperation with the Santeuk district administration, summoned Ms. Thong Lang, who is known as 'Saint Mother Naga'. She was instructed and made to sign a commitment to stop her social media activities that could mislead the public. The meeting, held at the Santeuk district hall, concerned the activities of Ms. Thong Lang, a resident of Chimak village, Kok Kor commune, Santeuk district. In the past, she had posted videos and photos on social media. The Department of Religion and Worship and district authorities advised Ms. Thong Lang and her family to stop filming and posting videos or photos related to treating illnesses, gathering people at homes or other locations, and to stop claiming to be Saint Mother Naga or to possess supernatural and powerful abilities. Authorities stated that such publications could cause the public to be misled and misunderstand activities related to beliefs and religion. Following the guidance, Ms. Thong Lang and her husband made a commitment in front of the authorities and law enforcement officers, agreeing to stop the activities and social media posts related to the aforementioned claims. All rights reserved by CEN