Most Venerable Thach Huon (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Every summer Most Venerable Thach Huon holds free Khmer language classes for primary pupils. He has also called on philanthropists to donate money to support poor or disadvantaged pupils with excellent academic results, and to provide free medical care to poor families. Prey Chop pagoda is now home to several disadvantaged children. 

“Most Venerable Thach Huon always helps poor people with food and money. He also explains the Party and State’s policy of solidarity to Buddhist followers. He is a prestigious person and is respected by the locals,” said local Khmer man Tran Ngo.

Thach Huon has actively encouraged local people and Buddhist followers to follow the Party and State’s laws and policies.

“Religious and non-religious people need to follow the State’s laws. I have always tried my best to explain to Buddhist followers the right things to do and improve their lives,” he said.

Prey Chop pagoda (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Most Venerable Thach Huon got Buddhist followers to donate land to expand rural roads and build schools. In 2017, Prey Chop pagoda dedicated more than 1.6 ha of land in Lai Hoa commune to building schools. Thach Huon also encouraged local people to restructure crops and livestock, and apply technology to improve productivity.

“Most Venerable Thach Huon is a prestigious person in Soc Trang province. He has held a number of positions, including deputy head of the Executive Board of Soc Trang province’s Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and is a former member of the eighth National Assembly in the 2011-2016 term. He really cares for and helps poor people and is a keen activist in social work,” said Tang Hum, an advisor to the Executive Board of Prey Chop pagoda.

Over the years Most Venerable Thach Huon has received many certificates of merit from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Security, the Soc Trang provincial People’s Committee, and the Border Guard force.