Phnom Penh, July 4, 2025 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday met with Venerable Such, a monk of Khmer heritage who has recently faced growing hostility and discrimination in Thailand. The meeting follows the monk’s return to Cambodia earlier this week, after being barred from re-entering Thailand.
Venerable Such, who had been residing in Canada, returned to Cambodia on July 2, 2025, following escalating tensions and public opposition against him in Thailand. The hostility stems from his remarks about the ancestral Khmer roots of people living in Thai provinces bordering Cambodia—such as Surin, Buriram, and Sisaket. These regions were once part of the ancient Khmer Empire, and many residents are fluent in the Khmer language and maintain Khmer cultural ties.
During a period of heightened border sensitivities, Venerable Such publicly referenced these historical and cultural links, which triggered backlash among certain Thai nationalist groups. The monk, who lived in a community of Khmer-speaking people known in Cambodia as “Khmer Leu” (Upper Khmer), was subsequently targeted and denied re-entry into Thailand.
In a show of support, Prime Minister Hun Manet officially welcomed Venerable Such and accepted his request to reside permanently in Cambodia. The Prime Minister acknowledged the monk’s cultural and ancestral ties to the Kingdom and assured him of full protection and recognition.
Venerable Such expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen for their support. He thanked the Cambodian leadership for allowing him to return to his ancestral homeland and granting him Cambodian citizenship.
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“I am humbled and overjoyed by the kindness and generosity extended to me,” said Venerable Such. “This is not just a personal refuge but a return to my cultural roots.”
The decision underscores Cambodia’s commitment to preserving its historical identity and supporting individuals of Khmer descent around the world. It also comes at a time when regional tensions around cultural identity and historical claims remain sensitive.
Officials from the Ministry of Cults and Religion have confirmed that Venerable Such will be provided a place to reside and continue his religious duties in Cambodia, contributing to the nation’s spiritual and cultural life.
