Families call on authorites to stop Wat Ounalom cremations in Phnom Penh

[CEOCambodiaNews]

Families in Phnom Penh call on authorites to stop Wat Ounalom cremations
June 06, 2018 16:28
The demand by the local residents was made following a cremation on Monday afternoon at the pagoda, located in Daun Penh district.
Chan Tha, 45, living southwest of the pagoda, told The Post that in the past, Wat Ounalom had one crematorium, but later the authorities and pagoda committee decided to close it down due to concerns over its environmental impact and the welfare of Cambodians and tourists.

“When there is a cremation, we find it very difficult to bear the stench blowing from the crematorium, and we also do not know whether the body is carrying a disease. The smoke and smell of the burning body also affects our health,” she said.

Tha said she could not understand why although the existing crematorium was demolished, on Monday there was a cremation held at the pagoda.

“Why was there a cremation in this pagoda? It affects both our health and the environment. It especially affects the number of international tourists staying and visiting downtown in Phnom Penh,” Tha said.

The director of the Municipal Cults and Religion Department, Phorn Davy, told The Post that pagodas located in Phnom Penh are prohibited from carrying out cremations. However, he said cremations are permitted in pagodas located outside of Phnom Penh. Additionally, cremations of high-ranking government official are permitted at Botumvatey pagoda.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/ ... s/30347124

[bolueeleh]

ignoramus, if there r any disease it wld hv gone up in smoke as well, bottomline, greed, it affect properties prices, period, typical

[Felgerkarb]

I used to live over there when burning the dead was a regular thing. Stank to high hell.

Took me a while to figure out why the Sugar Shack aircons were always jammed up with...um...dust. /shudder

[Anchor Moy]

I used to live over there when burning the dead was a regular thing. Stank to high hell.

Took me a while to figure out why the Sugar Shack aircons were always jammed up with...um...dust. /shudder

That gives a whole new meaning to the idea of the dead being among us.