Kampuchean Buddhist Society known as Watt Khmer Metta or Watt Thmey is located at 4716 North Winthrop Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60640. This organization is a not-for-profit religious organization and culture center built and supported by the Cambodian people of the state of Illinois, Indiana  Michigan, Wisconsin and other states around the country.

The Beginning

Ven. Tum Phan, was originally ordained in July 24, 1984 by Ven. Long Than, head of Watt Khemararam and Sovath Som, president of the Cambodian Buddhist Association of Illinois.

November 03, 1985 Ven. Tum Phan was displaced from Watt Khemararam by Ven. Long Than head of temple.

November 28, 1985 the Cambodian community in Chicago, Illinois faced a serious religious crisis by the two Cambodian Buddhist monks (Ven. Long Than and Ven. Tum Phan).

December 18, 1985 the Cambodian Association of Illinois (CAI) under the presidency of Prak Sunary unsuccessfully resolved the dispute.

January 03, 1986 Laywoman Diep Horn (Lokyeay Seldap) hospitalized at the Illinois Masonic Hospital, requested Chuoen Koet and In Kean to look for a new site for Ven. Tun Phan.

January 18, 1986 Chuoen Koet and other supporters found a new place for Ven. Tum Phan and established a new temple known as WATT THMEY.

Founders of Watt Thmey

Approved by: Ven. Ung Mien, Ven. Ghosananda Var Yao and Dr. Hok Sovann.

1- Ms. Diep Horn

2- Mr. Chouen Koet

3- Ms. In Kean

Kampuchean Buddhist Society

March 21, 1986 Watt Thmey formed a new organization named Kampuchean Buddhist Society. Name was given by Ven. Ung Mien.

Founders of Kampuchean Buddhist Society

1- Chan Sok                                              7- Pech Vin

2- Chhay Chhun                                         8- Prak Mara

3- Chouen Koet                                          9- Ros Toeung

4- Kimlang Keot                                        10- Samreth Kanya

5- Koeum Yun                                           11- Sok Kan

6- Oum Phon                                             12- Tiev Sunty

First By-Laws

March 24, 1986 Kampuchean Buddhist Society adopted their first By-laws written by:

1- Chhun C. Cheap                                     3- Tiev Sunty

2- Chhay Chhun                                         4- Dr. Ung Sak Neng

Co-Founders of Watt Thmey and Kampuchean Buddhist Society

a)- Buddhist Monks

Ven. Tum Phan, Ven. Chum Meach, Ven. Lach Doeung, Ven. Koeum Yun and Ven. Oum Phan.

b)- Priests

Achar Chhun Sim, Achar May, Achar Meas Hay, Achar Pao, Achar Tong.

c)- First Supporters

Chan Ang, Chan Sok, Chhay Chhun, Chhun C. Cheap, Chhun Hak, Chim Ngeth, Chum Choeun, Doeung. Em, Has Sokhon, Hen Sang, Him Mom, Hul Mony, In Kean, Keo Buth, Keo Mom, Koet Chouen, Koet. Kimlang, Lach Savann, Mak Yoeun, Mara Prak, Mean Ly, Mean Samba, Men Vanna, Nam Pho, Nam. Ho, Nem Po, Nheb Ang, Nhek Vann, Neang Khorn, Nem Suong, Noun Sokhon, Oum Phon, Pech Vin,Poch Boran, Pot Dara, Pot Krouch, Prith San, Prith Yorn Prum Sipho, Ros Moeun, Ros Sen, Ros.Toeung, San Sopheap, Sari Veth, Sib Samoeun, Sib Samouth, Sin Chhay, Sok Kan, Srey Hoeun, Thap.Yan, Thin Noun, Thin Sarith, Thong Tim, Tiev Sunty, Ty Im, Ung Sak Neng, Vey Vin, Yong  Yim and Yoeung Yong.

Not-For-Profit Religious Organization

April 08, 1986 Kampuchean Buddhist Society was approved by the state of Illinois to become a not-for-profit religious organization under the leadership of: Chhay Chhun, Chhun C. Cheap, Tiev Sunty and Dr. Ung Sak Neng.

Temple Name Change

October 12, 1986 Ven. Ghosanada Var Yao helped change the name of temple from Watt Thmey to WATT KHMER METTA.

First By-Laws Amendment

June 06, 1988  the organization amended their first by-laws By: Koet Chouen and Chhay Chhun.

Federal Tax Exemption #501(c) 3      #36-3496203

October 24, 1988 the organization was approved by the Federal Government for Federal Tax Exemption under the leadership of: Koet Chouen and David Heath.

Purchase of the Corporation Building

August 22, 1989 Kampuchean Buddhist Society purchased their current property under the name of Sari and Veth with the Escrow of Legal Agreement by: Koet Chouen, Ven. Koeum Yun, Chan Sok, Tiev Sunty and Vanna Men.

Property updated by Reasmey Sok, Phang Yon and Chea Samdedy in May 15, 1992.

Rewritten By-Laws 

February 14, 2003 a special committee helped KBS to rewrite their current By-laws under the presidencyof: Ms. Cynthia Heng.

1- Leon C. Lim Chairman                             2- Bunnen Sok

3- Cheap C. Chhun                                     4- Chenda Taing

5- Kim Tung Yap                                        6- Nhek Nhim

7- Dr. Ung Sak Neng

Transfer Property Title

February 25, 2003 the Corporation successfully transferred the ownership of property from Sari to Kampuchean Buddhist Society under the leadership of Ms. Cynthia Heng, Mr. Kimhong Hun and Ms.Chulie Hok.

Mortgage

In April 16, 2003 Kampuchean Buddhist Society took a mortgage loan from Chase Bank in the amount of $131,632.

Property Tax Exemption Relief

January 25, 2007 Illinois Department of Revenue relieved Kampuchean Buddhist Society from the responsibility of paying property tax.

From December 31, 2006 under the leadership of Sovan Chan, Ven. Bunthoeun Ouk and other board members; the organization successfully paid off the remaining balance on December 01, 2008. Thanks in part of the generous donation of it members.

November 2010, Kampuchean Buddhist Society and Watt Khmer Metta members elected Mr. Sakun Mam as the 10th President of their corporation, His term ends December 31, 2012.