Authorities detained nine people suspected of posing as Buddhist monks and separately counselled one genuine monk over alms collection at places considered unsuitable under monastic discipline. The operation was conducted on the morning of May 22, 2026, by the Por Senchey district monastic council in cooperation with local authorities and law enforcement.
Of the nine suspected impersonators, three were detained in Trapeang Krasang commune and six in Chaom Chao III commune, both in Phnom Penh’s Por Senchey district. One genuine monk was also brought in for guidance.
The district monastic council said the nine had allegedly assumed monastic identities to collect alms in public places, potentially misleading Buddhist devotees and harming the standing of Buddhism.
After questioning and identity checks, the council handed the nine people to law enforcement for further legal procedures. The genuine monk received guidance on monastic discipline and gave an undertaking to the council not to collect alms at places considered unsuitable under those rules.
By: Pai Sokhim
