Tep Vong was known for his efforts in revitalizing the Cambodian monkhood post the Khmer Rouge era and his ties with political leaders, including Hun Sen. The senior monk died after battling illness, as confirmed by Cambodia’s Ministry of Cult and Religion.

In 2006, Tep Vong was bestowed with the title of the Great Supreme Patriarch, becoming the religious head of both the Mahanikay and Dhammayut orders of Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia, where approximately 97% of the population adheres to Buddhism.

During the Khmer Rouge regime, Tep Vong endured persecution and was compelled to leave the monkhood. He later played a pivotal role in the reestablishment of Buddhism in Cambodia, following the regime's downfall.

Born in 1932 in Siem Reap province, Tep Vong's monastic journey began in 1952 in his hometown, but he was forced to relinquish his monkhood during the Khmer Rouge rule.

Following the Vietnamese invasion that ended the Khmer Rouge reign, Tep Vong and a small group of monks were re-ordained under Vietnamese sponsorship to revive Buddhism in Cambodia.

Throughout his life, Tep Vong served as a senior figure in the Buddhist monastic community, leading both the Mahanikay and Dhammayut orders until their separation in 1991, after which he became the Supreme Patriarch of the Mahanikay order.

His demise marks the end of an era for Cambodian Buddhism, and his body will lie in state at Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh, where he had long been associated, before his final rites.