Cambodian religious professor apologizes after slight against Buddhist monks

- through Henry Oudin

Published

Religious community leader Thong Bunteng, who also goes by the name Sakhei Bhagawan, has issued a formal public apology after gaining national notoriety in Cambodia in January over an online video in which he claimed Buddhist monks were a “burden” on Cambodian society. The remark was widely criticized by religious leaders and members of the country’s Buddhist community. In response, the Buddhist Association of Cambodia raised the possibility of legal action against Bunteng.

Cambodia's Ministry of Worship and Religion called an emergency meeting on January 28 to discuss the inflammatory remarks. In a statement, the ministry urged calm, noting that legal procedures would be taken into account.

In its own statement, the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association of Bunteng said: “The association emphasizes that they do not seek to attack or undermine Buddhism, the state religion of Cambodia, but rather aim to spread universal truths and the message of peace, which they believe is in line with the Buddha’s teachings,” and that their mission is to “awaken people from dreams to reality in the garden of immortal peace.” (The Phnom Penh Post)

Bunteng has since admitted that his comments were wrong and harmful. As spokesperson for the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association, he expressed regret over the impact of his previous statements on the monk, the Buddha's teachings and Buddhism as a whole.

In a short video clip shared on social media, Bunteng said: “I, Thong Bunteng, also known as Sakhei Bhagawan, apologize to the Supreme Patriarchs of the two sects, the leaders and Buddhists of the Kingdom of Cambodia, for the inconvenience caused by my statements, such as ‘the Buddha’s teachings are not enough’ and ‘monks are a burden to the people.’”The Phnom Penh Post)

Bunteng then promised that he would not make any further similar statements, adding that he would delete all videos that had hurt the feelings of Buddhists and monks.

The apology came after a meeting on the evening of January 29 involving leaders of the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association, the Minister of Religion and Worship, and representatives from the Interior Ministry and the Justice Ministry. A spokesman for the Ministry of Religion and Worship, Chat Sochet, said the meeting lasted more than three hours.

“The meeting resulted in three major outcomes,” Sochet explained. “Thong Bunteng admitted his mistakes and agreed to publicly apologize for statements he made in the past that affected the monk, the Buddha’s teachings, and Buddhism; he agreed to change his behavior at Dharma lectures; and he agreed to stop using the scarf wrapped around his chest.” (The Phnom Penh Post)

The Home Affairs Ministry is reportedly reviewing legal procedures regarding the Bunteng community’s actions. While the ministry’s initial emergency meeting on January 28 focused on addressing public outcry, subsequent discussions with other government departments led to a more conciliatory approach following Bunteng’s public apology.

The incident has deep roots in Cambodia’s complex relationship with Buddhism, which is not only a spiritual force but, as the state religion, also a central part of the nation’s cultural and historical identity. Chhort Bunthang, a professor of philosophy at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, addressed the sensitivity of the remarks: “When you comment or express opinions that affect something that has long been respected, there will inevitably be reactions from individuals, groups and institutions.” (The Phnom Penh Post)

The developments have sparked mixed responses among Cambodia’s Buddhist community. While many view Bunteng’s public apology as a positive step toward reconciliation, others remain cautious, insisting that respect for the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha – must be upheld at all times. The Supreme Council of Buddhist Monks of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which had previously condemned Bunteng’s comments as “evil” and slanderous, was closely monitoring the situation.The Phnom Penh Post)

Local reports said authorities were examining the legal and social implications of the incident, balancing the need for public order with the sensitivities of a religious tradition that is central to Cambodian identity. Government and Buddhist leaders have stressed that safeguarding Cambodia’s spiritual heritage remains a top priority.

See more

The controversial criticism of the monks' indignation (The Phnom Penh Post)
"Scholar" admits fault, apologizes to country's Buddhists (The Phnom Penh Post)
The Buddhist Association of Cambodia is urging legal action against the person who claims that "being a monk is a burden on local communities, including Buddha, and the contemporary Pali canon offers inadequate teachings." (Khmer times)

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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