Cambodian Minister of Cults and Religion Holds Meeting with Monks in Tampuan District

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, His Excellency Chai Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion, presided over a meeting with monks, chief monks, and monastic representatives from across Tampuan District, Tbong Khmum Province. The ceremony was attended by 399 monks and laypeople, including the provincial chief monk, chief monks, provincial and district monastic officials, excellencies and ladies from the Ministry of Cults and Religion, Her Excellency Ny Chanthyda, Deputy Governor of Tbong Khmum Province, Her Excellency Leng Sokha, Provincial Council Member, the commune working group, representatives of the provincial administration, the Provincial Department of Cults and Religion, the district governor, and all seven commune chiefs, as well as lay devotees (Ta Chey, Yay Chey). On this occasion, His Excellency Chai Borin conveyed greetings and well wishes from Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, Samdech Kittipritthbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen, and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, as well as Her Excellency Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet. He emphasized that the Prime Minister and his wife always pay close attention to the welfare of monks throughout the country at all times. His Excellency the Minister also highlighted the importance of chief monks and monks fulfilling their roles and responsibilities according to their respective hierarchies, such as Bhikkhus and Samaneras. He stressed the need for them to perform their duties with high responsibility, especially in leading and coordinating temple affairs with transparency and solidarity among monks and laypeople. Furthermore, with the Pchum Ben festival approaching, scheduled from Sunday, the 1st waxing moon to Sunday, the 15th waxing moon of the month of Bhadrapada, Year of the Horse, 8th solar cycle, Buddhist Era 2570, corresponding to September 27 to October 11, 2026, His Excellency the Minister urged chief monks and monastic officials of all ranks to meticulously, correctly, and diligently prepare for the festival in accordance with Khmer traditions, customs, and Buddhism. He also called for them to guide Buddhist followers to adhere to good moral conduct to maintain dignity and faith in Buddhism. Concurrently, His Excellency the Minister appealed to all chief monks and temple committees to actively and effectively implement the Ministry of Cults and Religion's 'S3' principle: 'Clean Temples, Bright Temples, Peaceful Temples,' and to establish libraries for monks and students to conduct research and study. This initiative aims to collectively build temples into orderly, clean, and respectable centers for moral and cultural education and community development. Moreover, His Excellency the Minister called upon all chief monks to participate in disseminating and implementing the Royal Government's 'Safe Village/Commune/District' policy. He urged them to guide Buddhist followers to respect traffic laws and avoid drugs and all forms of gambling, thereby contributing to the creation of a secure, safe, orderly, and prosperous Cambodian society. He cautioned that temples and religious sites must not be used for any inappropriate activities that could harm the prestige of Buddhism and the faith of Buddhist followers. He instructed the abbots and elders of all ranks to increase monitoring, follow-up, and cooperation with local authorities at all levels to proactively prevent any negative activities that might occur within temple premises. Before concluding, His Excellency Chai Borin highly commended the efforts of the chief monks throughout Tampuan District in preserving Buddhism and contributing to national social development. He then offered the fourfold Buddhist blessings—longevity, beauty, happiness, and strength—to all attendees. Source: CPP Cambodia