On the morning of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, H.E. Hei Virak, Director of the Department of Promoting Cultural, Religious, and Historical Movements and Chairman of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) for the Culture and Fine Arts Sector, led a working group to pay respects and meet with Venerable Pan Chhun, Master of the Pin Peat Orchestra at Monk Hut No. 22 of Wat Botum Vatey Reachevoraram, along with approximately 30 students currently practicing traditional Pin Peat and ancient wedding music.
On behalf of the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, the Director stated: “Pin Peat music is believed to have originated during the Funan era, at which time the ensemble was called ‘Pin Bang’ and utilized an instrument known as the ‘Pin’ introduced from India. For many years, Cambodians have mistakenly referred to it as Siamese music. Furthermore, Pin Peat is divided into two types: the small ensemble (consisting of 5 musicians) and the large ensemble (consisting of 11 musicians). Currently, Pin Peat continues to thrive within pagodas, demonstrating that ancient Khmer music has not been lost but is preserved and sustained through religion and tradition. Pagodas serve as the foundation for cultural preservation because they are venues for regular festivals where monks and citizens uphold traditions, and the Pin Peat orchestra is always used for religious ceremonies that cannot be replaced by modern music. Pin Peat in pagodas creates a spiritual atmosphere for worship, completing ceremonies such as funerals, Kan Ben, and Dharma offerings, while serving as a symbol of respect for ancestors and the Dhamma.”
On that occasion, the Director brought a donation of 1,000,000 Riels from H.E. Hun Many, President of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, and 1,000,000 Riels from the Minister of Culture and Fine Arts to support the “Tep Botum Vong Pin Peat” traditional Khmer orchestra. Additionally, 400,000 Riels and various offerings were presented to the Master of the orchestra.
