Takeo (FN), Mar. 22 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Choun Kakada chose to leave the monkhood voluntarily and was not pressured or coerced into doing so. His decision to renounce the precepts was made independently, and he had been hinting at his departure since my wife visited him to pay respects.

The premier spoke on Saturday (Mar. 22) at the opening ceremony of the 9th River Festival in Takeo province.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s statement was in response to claims by extremist groups alleging that the Cambodian government, led by the Hun family, had forced Choun Kakada to resign from his monastic role.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “They accuse the government of being so oppressive that even he [Choun Kakada] had to resign. But the truth is, Choun Kakada made this decision on his own. No one forced him to leave.”

Samdech Thipadei continued, “Minister of Cult and Religion Chay Borin asked him twice, and no one pressured him. His followers, including my wife, did not want him to leave, to be honest. When I visited him, he said, ‘Soon, I will leave the monkhood.’”

Choun Kakada, who served as the prelate of Takeo Province, deputy dean of Preah Sihanouk Royal Buddhist University, and director of the Prasat Neang Khmao Buddhist School, formally left the monkhood on 19 March 2025. Having been ordained at the age of 13 in 1998, he dedicated 27 years to monastic life before making this decision.

Choun Kakada’s departure was a personal choice, and those who once supported him should continue to do so. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Choun Kakada remains committed to contributing to the Buddhist sector.

To support his continued involvement in religious affairs, the Royal Government intends to appoint him as an Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Cult and Religion, allowing him to further support Buddhist initiatives.
=FRESH NEWS