Religious community leader Thong Bunteng, who also goes under the name Sakhei Bhagawan, has issued a formal public apology after gaining national notoriety in Cambodia in January from an online video in which he asserted that 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 has raised the possibility of legal action against Bunteng.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religions called an emergency meeting on 28 January to discuss the inflammatory remarks. In a statement, the ministry urged calm, noting that legal procedures would be considered.
In its own statement, Bunteng’s Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association said: “The association emphasizes that they do not seek to attack or undermine Buddhism, Cambodia’s state religion, but rather aim to spread universal truths and the message of peace, which they claim is consistent with the Buddha’s teachings,” and that their mission is to “wake people up from dreams to reality in the garden of immortal peace.” (The Phnom Penh Post)
Bunteng has since admitted that his comments were mistaken and harmful. As spokesperson for the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association, he expressed regret over the impact of his previous statements on the monkhood, the Buddha’s teachings, and Buddhism as a whole.
In a short video clip shared on social media, Bunteng stated: “I, Thong Bunteng, also known as Sakhei Bhagawan, apologize to the Supreme Patriarchs of both sects, the leaders and Buddhists throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia, for the inconvenience caused by my statements, such as ‘the Buddha’s teachings are not sufficient’ and ‘monks are a burden on the locals.’” (The Phnom Penh Post)
Bunteng went on to promise that he would not make further similar statements, adding that he would delete any videos that had hurt the sentiments of Buddhists and monks.
The apology came after a meeting on the evening of 29 January, involving leaders from the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association, the minister of Cults and Religions, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Cults and Religions, 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 the statements he made in the past that affected the monkhood, the Buddha’s teachings, and Buddhism; he agreed to change his behavior during Dharma lectures; and he agreed to stop using the scarf wrapped across his chest.” (The Phnom Penh Post)
The Ministry of Interior was reported to be reviewing legal procedures concerning the actions of Bunteng’s community. While the ministry’s initial emergency meeting on 28 January focused on addressing the public outcry, subsequent discussions with other government ministries have led to a more conciliatory approach following Bunteng’s public apology.
This 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 element of the nation’s cultural and historical identity. Chhort Bunthang, a philosophy lecturer at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, addressed the sensitivity of such remarks: “When commenting on or expressing opinions that affect something which has long been respected, there will inevitably be reactions from individuals, groups and institutions.” (The Phnom Penh Post)
The developments elicited mixed responses among Cambodia’s Buddhist community. While many see 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 earlier condemned Bunteng’s comments as “evil” and slanderous, was reported to be closely monitoring the situation. (The Phnom Penh Post)
Local reports said that the authorities were reviewing the legal and social implications of the incident, balancing the need for public order with the sensitivities of a religious tradition that lies at the heart of Cambodian identity. Government and Buddhist leaders alike have stressed that safeguarding Cambodia’s spiritual heritage remains a paramount priority.
See more
Controversial criticism of monkhood sparks outrage (The Phnom Penh Post)
‘Scholar’ admits fault, apologises to Buddhists nationwide (The Phnom Penh Post)
Buddhist Association of Cambodia urges legal action against individual who claims “being a monk is burden to local communities, including Buddha, and contemporary Pali Canon offers inadequate teachings.” (Khmer Times)
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