Phnom Penh: On the afternoon of September 1, 2026, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, led a delegation comprising leaders of the Catholic schools, Buddhist monk, and the committee of Ang Montrey pagoda in Tram Kak district, Takeo province, to pay their final respects and express their deepest condolences to Lok Chumteav Sok Keo and the bereaved family of His Excellency Chan Sarun, Member of Parliament for Takeo province and a senior statesman.
His Excellency Chan Sarun passed away at 00:29 after midnight on August 31, 2026, at the age of 81 due to natural causes.
In his condolence message, Bishop Olivier, speaking on behalf of the entire Catholic Church in Cambodia, including the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of His Excellency Chan Sarun. The Bishop regarded the loss of His Excellency as the loss of a best friend and a prominent figure of immense merit who made significant contributions to social development and the improvement of the people’s livelihoods—a debt of gratitude that will never be forgotten.
Bishop Olivier also recalled the many precious memories and invaluable contributions left behind by His Excellency Chan Sarun, particularly in community development in Takeo province.
Notably, since His first visit to Chamcar Tieng, Tram Kak district, in 2004, he dedicated his attention and provided full support to educational programs, agricultural skills training, silk weaving centers, and various activities aimed at enhancing local livelihoods and capabilities.
Furthermore, His Excellency Chan Sarun played a crucial role in establishing connections and facilitating a cooperation agreement between the St. Paul associate degree of agriculture and the Royal University of Agriculture (Chamcar Daung). He also supported legal procedures until Saint Paul Institute became a fully-fledged and officially recognized higher education institution.
In addition, His Excellency Chan Sarun helped for processing Bishop Olivier in receiving the Royal Decree granting Cambodian citizenship from His Majesty the King of Cambodia, which became a vital bond connecting the Bishop’s life and mission with the Cambodian people.
Regarding his encouragement of education, Bishop Olivier noted that His Excellency Chan Sarun and Lok Chumteav Sok Keo frequently honored the inauguration ceremonies of various achievements at Chamcar Tieng Catholic School by presiding over them. Even after his retirement, He continued to visit and consistently support the students.
Most notably, His Excellency personally presented motorcycles as incentive awards to students of Saint François High School who passed the upper secondary school diploma examination (Baccalaureate) with Grade A—a valuable encouragement for students to strive for academic excellence.
Bishop Olivier emphasized that all the progress and achievements accomplished by the Catholic Church in Takeo province could not be separated from the tireless support and assistance of His Excellency Chan Sarun. His contributions and involvement will forever remain precious memories for the Catholic Church and the local community.
On this sorrowful occasion, the Catholic delegation and the local faithful in Tram Kak district extend their deepest condolences to Lok Chumteav Sok Keo and the bereaved family. May God and all sacred beings grant comfort, peace, and strength to Lok Chumteav and her family during this time of sorrow. We pray that the soul of His Excellency Chan Sarun may rest in peace in heaven for eternity.
