The Council for Monastery Affairs in Angkor Park (CoMAPA) Organizes the 1st Dissemination of the Master Plan for Monasteries in Angkor Park
On August 8, 2026, at Angkor North Pagoda, the Council for Monastery Affairs in Angkor Park (CoMAPA)—chaired by the Chief Monk of Siem Reap Province and coordinated by the APSARA National Authority—organized the first dissemination program for the master plan for monasteries in the Angkor Park area for 2026.
This first dissemination of the monastery master plan in Angkor Park was held under the royal presidency of Samdech Preah Buddhajeyyamuni Dr. Khim Sorn, 3rd Deputy Supreme Patriarch and high representative of Samdech Preah Sumedhadhipati Kitti Bandhit Am Limheng, Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikaya Sect of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Samdech Preah Brahm Ratanamuni Pin Sem, President of the Sangha Council of Elders; and Samdech Preah Mangal Munirangsey Hou Chhivneath, Head of the Secretariat of the Sangha Supreme Council. The event was attended by Her Excellency Academician Minister Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and President of the Board of Directors of the APSARA National Authority; H.E. Phan Chandara, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Cults and Religions; H.E. Hang Peou, Director General of the APSARA National Authority; alongside numerous monks, civil servants, and lay practitioners.
Samdech Preah Brahm Ratanamuni Pin Sem, President of the Sangha Council of Elders of the Kingdom of Cambodia, praised the APSARA National Authority for working closely with CoMAPA to arrange Angkor North Pagoda and other pagodas effectively. He noted that these arrangements make the monasteries suitable residences for monks to practice Buddhist teachings. The construction of essential facilities—funded by the APSARA National Authority—includes 2 monks’ quarters, 1 kitchen building, 1 bathroom unit for monks, and 2 public restroom units. In the near future, Angkor North Pagoda will serve as a location for imparting knowledge about Buddhism to Buddhist followers as well as domestic and international tourists, while also serving as a place for sightseeing and meditation. The organization of Angkor North Pagoda enhances the aesthetic value of the Angkor Wat complex and serves as a model for other pagodas.
Samdech Preah Buddhajeyyamuni Dr. Khim Sorn, 3rd Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikaya Sect, expressed his deep satisfaction with the preparation of the monastery master plans, particularly at Angkor North Pagoda. He urged the Provincial Sangha Committee, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and the APSARA National Authority to continue developing master plans for other pagodas in the Angkor region, especially Angkor South Pagoda.
On that occasion, Her Excellency Academician Minister Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and President of the Board of Directors of the APSARA National Authority, stated that the purpose of transforming these pagodas, both now and in the future, is to benefit the monks and showcase the values of Buddhism. She highlighted that international experts have commended Angkor as an excellent model for other nations to emulate, as religious practices proceed smoothly alongside the Royal Government’s heritage protection efforts. Her Excellency Academician Minister expressed her gratitude to Samdech Supreme Patriarch and Samdech Preah Brahm Ratanamuni Pin Sem for their continuous dedication and active support in sustaining Buddhism and contributing to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage, leading to these successful outcomes.
During the dissemination process, presentations were made on the development of master plans for a total of five pagodas, including Angkor North Pagoda, Angkor South Pagoda, Preah Vihear Pram Pi Lveang Pagoda, Preah Ang Kok Thlok Pagoda, and Preah Int Tep Pagoda. Prior to finalizing the master plan for each pagoda, the technical team gave careful consideration to integrating Buddhist doctrine, Khmer customs, traditions, arts, the environment, and aesthetics.
Text: Yi Sotha
Photos: Sin Pranee and Hab Kim An
