Cambodian ‘Guru’ Summoned After $200K Donation Sparks Uproar

KT

A self-styled hermit in Preah Vihear province has been summoned by Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religion amid public controversy and allegations of religious exploitation—following a reported $200,000 donation from popular singer Meas Soksophea.

Han Phea, who established himself as a guru at the foot of Mount Treng, had planned to develop the Vong Chakrayut Ashram into a full meditation retreat. However, the ministry said his activities led to public misunderstandings around religious practice and appeared aimed at personal gain.

Officials confirmed that Han Phea had no formal authorisation or sufficient funds for the ashram’s development and was operating from temporary structures. A contract has since been drawn up by authorities to restrict his activities, and he has been ordered to delete all related videos from social media.

The decision was made following a meeting chaired by senior religious figures, including His Holiness Preah Promrattanamoni Pin Sem and Cults and Religion Minister Chai Borin, alongside local leaders. The ministry had already investigated the matter in March 2025.

Fueling the public interest is the revelation that Ms Soksophea, one of Cambodia’s most recognisable pop stars, allegedly donated up to $200,000 to Han Phea to help him purchase 5 hectares of land for the planned ashram. Her devotion to the monk has reportedly caused deep rifts within her family, particularly with her husband, prompting talk of divorce.

Social media has been ablaze with debate over the singer’s involvement, raising broader concerns about charismatic religious figures gaining influence over public personalities and potentially misleading followers.

While Han Phea has not been formally accused of fraud, the Ministry's intervention signals increasing scrutiny of unregulated spiritual leaders and their influence in Cambodian society.

As the controversy unfolds, it has sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of faith, fame and public accountability in modern Cambodia.

-2025-05-13