Men Sam An Conferred the Title of Samdech

Men Sam An, a deputy president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and one of the deputy prime ministers, has been bestowed the title of “samdech”. Photo: Men Sam An Facebook

PHNOM PENH – Men Sam An, a deputy president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and one of the deputy prime ministers, has been bestowed the title of “samdech,” making her the latest dignitary to receive this recognition.



King Norodom Sihamoni issued the royal decree granting the title to Sam An on April 8.



In the congratulatory letter he sent her on April 8, Prime Minister Hun Sen pointed out the sacrifices she had made to liberate the country of the Pol Pot regime in 1979.

“You have worked hard to build a legal system and disseminate the law; strengthen good governance; protect democracy; defend the nation, religion, the King; protect the rights of the people; promote women's rights; protect the national identity of Buddhism; and contribute to economic and social development,” he wrote.



A long-time stalwart of the CPP, Sam An is one of the four deputy presidents of the ruling party along with Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, Senate President Say Chhum, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Tea Banh.



With Sam An’s elevation, all CPP’s deputy presidents now have the title of samdech. Prime Minister Hun Sen, the party’s president, and Heng Samrin, the party’s honorary president, are also samdechs.



Hun Sen’s wife Bun Rany and Samrin’s wife Sao Ty have been granted the title as well.



Men Sam An, who is the only woman among the 10 deputy prime ministers, is a member of the National Assembly representing Svay Rieng province, and the minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection.


Related Articles