PHNOM PENH, August 19, 2024 — The Royal Government of Cambodia has officially designated April 8 as International Buddhist Day across the Kingdom, aiming to strengthen the practice and understanding of Buddhism, the state religion.

Prime Minister Hun Manet signed the declaration last week, underscoring this new observance as a means to foster international relations with other Buddhist countries and to promote the message of peace both nationally and globally.

This initiative also serves to honor His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, who has been bestowed with the Royal Utmost Buddhist Honorary Title of “Preah Sri Loka Dhammika Raja” (Virtuous King for Propagation of Buddhism in the World).

The Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs will coordinate the annual celebrations of International Buddhist Day. This will be in collaboration with the two recognized Buddhist sects in Cambodia, the Office of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, other governmental bodies, local administrations, and various stakeholders.

The Ministry reports that there are over 5,000 pagodas and nearly 70,000 monks throughout Cambodia, highlighting the profound role of Buddhism in the cultural and spiritual life of the nation.