In response to public outrage, especially from the Khmer people, regarding Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc's inappropriate comments and attitude in a 2023 video, and after consulting with senior leaders of the Khmer Theravada Buddhism, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has decided to impose stricter disciplinary measures.

According to Giac Ngo Newspaper, the leaders of the Central Office II of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha have agreed to indefinitely ban Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc from preaching in any form. Additionally, Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc must sincerely repent to the Central Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Khmer Theravada Buddhism sect, and apologize to the Khmer people and Buddhists.

The Sangha also requires Venerable Nhuan Duc to perform isolated repentance according to Buddhist laws. This repentance period will be indefinite until the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council directs a change in the repentance measures.

Previously, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha had already prohibited Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc from preaching in any form. He was required to repent to the monks and the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and was disciplined with isolated repentance at Ho Phap Pagoda (Phu My town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province). After one year, the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ba Ria - Vung Tau would report on Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc's conduct and adherence to Buddhist precepts and etiquette.

According to Giac Ngo Newspaper, on June 26, 2024, Venerable Thich Hue Tri, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council and Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province received a report from Venerable Quach Thanh Sattha, a member of the Executive Council and Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the province (responsible for the Khmer Theravada sect). The report indicated that there was public backlash against Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc's inappropriate remarks, which were considered offensive to the Khmer people.

Upon verification, it was found that the content in question was from an old video from 2023, in which Venerable Thich Nhuan Duc made inappropriate, mocking remarks when recounting stories and referring to Khmer people visiting Ho Phap Pagoda.

Tinh Le