Most Venerable Thach Ut. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In 1969, Thach Ut, then 14 years old, was sent to Cay He pagoda in Tieu Can district for a retreat and to show gratitude to the ancestors, according to a custom of the Khmer people. After finishing the retreat, monk Thach Ut decided to dedicate his life to Buddhism.

With his profound knowledge and great morality, in 1993, he was appointed Chief monk by Tra Vinh province’s Association for Solidarity of Patriotic Monks. In 2004, Thach Ut took charge of O Chhuc pagoda.

“I have always encouraged Buddhist followers to obey the laws, and work hard to escape poverty. Favorable conditions should be created for children to go to school and for local people to enjoy a better living standard. The local infrastructure has been much improved with upgraded rural roads, clean water, and green surroundings," he said. 

"Tra Vinh province’s Association for Solidarity of Patriotic Monks encourages local people to promote education, preserve the Khmer culture, and follow a policy of consolidating solidarity among religions.”

With his prestige, Most Venerable Thach Ut has helped many couples overcome their differences and maintain a happy marriage. He worked with the district police to set up a club to educate lawbreakers and help them reintegrate into society.

“Most Venerable Thach Ut is in charge of 15 pagodas in Tieu Can district. He has been very active in communicating to local people Party guidelines and State policies and in maintaining social order. As Chairman of the Association for Solidarity of Patriotic Monks, Thach Ut has been involved in charitable activities, including building houses for poor people,” Thach Be Hai, head of the district police, said. 

O Chhuc pagoda. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Most Venerable Thach Ut has received dozens of certificates of merit for his contributions in different fields. For many years, he has been a role model in the all-people national defence movement. Tra Vinh authorities presented a certificate of merit to Thach Ut for his achievement in the campaign of studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example in the 2007-2010 period.

“Though President HCM is no longer alive, his ideology and moral thought live on. Buddhist followers need to stay united, according to the teaching of Buddha and President Ho Chi Minh,” Thach Ut said.