Ministry of Cults and Religion prepares legislation against bogus holy figures
Ministry of Cults and Religion prepares legislation against bogus holy figures
The Ministry of Cults and Religion is drafting legislation to counter individuals who falsely present themselves as “holy men or women” in an effort to safeguard the honour and prestige of Buddhism, Cambodia’s state religion.
Chhat Sochhet, Spokesman for the Ministry of Cults and Religion, said yesterday that the ministry is currently preparing a “law on the right to freedom of religion in Cambodia” to maintain order and social security concerning religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and related matters.
He clarified that the draft law focuses solely on the religious activities and does not address the individuals who falsely claim to be former kings, wives of ancient kings, or ancient Khmer military leaders, as such cases fall under individual rights and freedoms.
“The primary objective of this new law is to maintain public order and social security in religious matters, not to restrict citizens’ rights or freedom of religion,” Sochhet explained.
He added, “Under the strong commitment of Chay Borin, Minister of Cults and Religion, this law on the right to freedom of religion in Cambodia must be finalised and passed this year.”
However, Sochhet noted that the specifics regarding penalties, sentencing, or imprisonment for offenders have yet to be determined, as the law is still under study and development.
Individuals accused of religious extremism or falsely claiming to be holy figures are required to sign agreements with authorities. If they violate these agreements, they face legal action.
Am Sam Ath, Operations Director of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights (Licadho), pointed out that the right to freedom of religion is already enshrined in Cambodia’s Constitution. Additionally, the Criminal Code includes provisions protecting Buddhism and Buddhist monks.
“We already have relevant laws in place. Therefore, we should focus on implementing them effectively before creating new ones,” Sam Ath said.
On January 28, 2025, the Ministry of Cults and Religion invited Theng Bunthan, also known as Sastha Sakhei Bhagawan, a self-proclaimed religious teacher, to sign an agreement after he was found to have misinterpreted Buddhist teachings, deviated from the original content of the Buddha’s teachings, and attempted to distort religious faith. His actions were deemed to undermine the Three Jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – and tarnish the noble values of Cambodian Buddhism.
Similarly, on February 2, the Siem Reap Provincial Authority summoned En Chakriya, an online lotion vendor, who falsely claimed to be Queen Indradevi, a queen of the Khmer Empire. She had posted photos on social media asserting her identity as the queen and was required to sign an agreement with authorities.
According to the Ministry of Cults and Religion, between 2023 and 2024, over 20 individuals who falsely claimed to be enlightened teachers, religious figures, or magic masters were required to sign agreements with authorities to cease such activities.
Source: Khmer Times