Kampong Cham Province Breaks Ground for New Dharma Hall to Boost Buddhist Culture and Tourism

A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Dharma hall (Sala Bon) was held at Wat Phnom Proh (Suvannakiri Rattana Pagoda) in Kampong Siem District, Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. The ceremony on September 3, 2026, was presided over by Governor Oun Chan Da, along with provincial leaders, local authorities, monks, and a large number of Buddhist followers. Reverend Phra Thammaseilavong Chin Savoeun, Chief Abbot of Wat Phnom Proh, stated that the construction of this Dharma hall aims to increase the space available to accommodate Buddhist devotees from near and far who come to participate in ceremonies and perform merit-making activities according to Buddhist traditions. During the occasion, Governor Oun Chan Da instructed the technical team and relevant authorities to pay close attention to the quality of construction and to develop the surrounding infrastructure to be aesthetically pleasing, safe, and environmentally hygienic. This is to serve the monks, Buddhist followers, and tourists who visit the historic temple site of Wat Phnom Proh. The construction of this Dharma hall is seen as part of regional development efforts aimed at preserving and developing Buddhist culture in Cambodia, as well as leveraging historical temple sites as tourism assets. Particularly in rural areas, religious facilities often serve as community centers, and the expansion of such facilities is believed to contribute to the spiritual well-being of local residents.