Former monk San Sochea poses for a photo with Prime Minister Hun Sen recently. Sochea is reportedly poised to be an adviser to the association. SAN SOCHEA VIA FB
The Former Khmer Monk Association (FMA) has taken its first steps towards official recognition, securing registration with the Ministry of Interior.
This heralds the first organisation of its kind, founded with the intent to build relationships, share knowledge, foster life skills and uphold the teachings of Buddhism.
The association seeks to inspire former Khmer monks to live with dignity, acting as positive role models within society.
On July 18, the FMA officially set down roots at their headquarters, located in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district.
The association is keen to serve its role, operating under the legal standards of the Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO), said Bun Honn, secretary of state at the interior ministry.
Discrimination, racism or bias towards any religion will not be tolerated within the association.
The FMA spoke of their triumph in a social media post on July 19. They celebrated the official registration as a historic achievement, marking the fruits of their efforts to create a united association.
The organisation plans to unite former Cambodian monks both nationally and internationally, under the banner of Buddhism, to forge a path of shared experiences, job opportunities and promoting family economy.
“Through our association, we aim to bolster solidarity, supporting the growth of our religion and our society,” said the post.
The organisation hopes to draw upon the wisdom of a broad spectrum of people, from their board of directors and senior advisers, all respected for their profound knowledge and experience.
Hoeun Samneang, chairman of the board of directors and a former Cambodian monk, expressed his pride in the achievement on July 19.
“This is the first official association of all former monks of all generations. We’ve had other Buddhist organisations but none that represent former monks,” he said.
Samneang served as a monk for 19 years from the age of 17, at a pagoda in Siem Reap province.
He explained that the association is imbued with a vision of unity among former monks across generations, sharing knowledge and experiences in the spirit of mutual support.
He noted that membership is exclusive to former monks. “Regardless of wealth or status, only former monks can join our ranks. Everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can become a member, as long as they have served as a monk. Discrimination is not in our nature”.
