Samdech Explained

Samdech (km|សម្តេច, UNGEGN:, ALA-LC: in Central Khmer pronounced as /sɑmɗac/) is a Cambodian honorific bestowed by the King of Cambodia to individuals deemed to have made significant contributions to the nation. It roughly translates as "lord".[1] It is often accompanied by a longer title; for instance, Prime Minister Hun Sen's full title is Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen (meaning "Lord Supreme Military Commander Hun Sen").[2] Some members of the royal family and religious leaders also have "Samdech" as part of their title.[3] [4] In July 2016, the government ordered the media to use leaders' full titles.[1]

The title used to be a rarity as under King Norodom Sihanouk's first reign (1941–1955), only four politicians had received the title including Penn Nouth, Nhiek Tioulong, Son Sann, and Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum, all of whom have served as prime minister.

Known recipients

Monarchs

NamePositionFull title
Norodom SihamoniKing of CambodiaPreah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath
Norodom SihanoukKing Father of CambodiaPreah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah
Norodom MonineathQueen Mother of CambodiaSamdech Preah Mahaksatrey

Royalty

NamePositionFull title
Norodom Buppha DeviPrincess of CambodiaSamdech Reach Botrei Preah Ream
Norodom YuvaneathPrince of CambodiaSamdech Preah Boromreamea
Norodom RanariddhPrince of CambodiaSamdech Krom Preah
Norodom ChakrapongPrince of CambodiaSamdech Krom Preah
Norodom ArunrasmyPrincess of CambodiaSamdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch
Sisowath Pongneary MonipongPrincess of CambodiaSamdech
Norodom VicharaPrincess of CambodiaSamdech
Norodom SirivudhPrince of CambodiaSamdech
Norodom PreysophonPrince of CambodiaSdech Krom Khun

Religious leaders

NamePositionFull titleRef
Non NgetSamdech Preah Maha Sumedhādhipatī[5]
Bour KryGreat Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttika Nikaya of CambodiaSamdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajadhipati[6]
Am LimhengActing President of Sangha Judicial Council of Mohanikaya Sect and President of Sangha Judicial Council Kingdom of CambodiaSamdech Preah Podhivaing Kittipundit[7]

Politicians

NamePositionFull titleRef
Hun SenPresident of the Senate President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the KingSamdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo[8]
Khuon SodaryPresident of the National AssemblySamdech Moha Roatsapheathika Thipadei[9]
Hun ManetPrime Minister of CambodiaSamdech Moha Borvor Thipadei[10]
Kuy SophalDeputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Royal PalaceSamdech Moha Montrei[11]
Honorary President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the KingSamdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrey [12]
Say ChhumMember of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the KingSamdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey[13]
Sar KhengSamdech Kralahom
Tea BanhMember of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the KingSamdech Pichey Sena[14]
Men Sam AnMember of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the KingSamdech Kittisangahabandit[15]
Bun RanyPresident of the Cambodian Red CrossSamdech Kittiprittbandit[16]
Sao TyWife of Samdech Chakrey Hang SamrinSamdech Thamavisutha Vongsa[17]
Former President of the SenateSamdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal[18]
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of MinistersSamdech Vibol Panha[19]
Kong Sam OlFormer Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Royal PalaceSamdech Chaufea Veang Vorakveangchey Athippadey Sroengkea[20]
Hun NengPermanent Member of National AssemblySamdech Oudom Tep Nhean[21]
Son SannFormer Prime Minister of CambodiaSamdech Borvor Setha Thipadei[22]
Nhiek TioulongFormer Prime Minister of CambodiaSamdech Chakrey Konhchara Thipadei[23]
Penn NouthFormer Prime Minister of CambodiaSamdech
Chau Sen Cocsal ChhumFormer Prime Minister of CambodiaSamdech[24]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: In a Title Fight, Phnom Penh Orders the Press to Use 'Samdech' for Top Government Officials. Radio Free Asia. 12 May 2016. 27 June 2020.
  2. News: Welcome, Lord Prime Minister: Cambodian media told to use leader's full royal title. The Guardian. 12 May 2016. 27 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Statement by His Royal Highness Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh The First Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia. asean.org. 27 June 2020.
  4. Web site: Chuon Nath: Guardian of Cambodian culture. Phnom Penh Post. 8 April 2011.
  5. Web site: Great Supreme Patriarch. The Phnom Penh Post. 15 December 2006.
  6. Web site: His Holiness Samdech Bour Kry Receives Vietnamese President. pressocm.gov.kh. 26 February 2019.
  7. Web site: Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister and First Lady Celebrate Annual Visak Bochea Day at Oudong. 22 May 2024.
  8. Web site: Cambodia PM 'must be called Lord PM and Supreme Military Commander'. 13 May 2016.
  9. Web site: Prime Minister Hun Manet granted the title "Samdech". Khmer Times. 3 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
  10. Web site: Prime Minister Hun Manet granted the title "Samdech". Khmer Times. 3 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
  11. Web site: Kuy Sophal receives new title and position at Royal Palace - Khmer Times (2024) Khmer Times - Insight into Cambodia.. 2 September 2024.
  12. Web site: Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei HENG SAMRIN sent a congratulating letter to H.E. Mr. Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China.. mfaic.gov.kh. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 20 July 2018.
  13. Web site: 'Samdech' titles given to Chhum and Kheng. Phnom Penh Post. 15 June 2015.
  14. Web site: Defence Minister Tea Banh gets 'Samdech' honorific. Phnom Penh Post. 31 July 2017.
  15. Web site: Cambodia's King Conferred the Title Samdech Kittisangha Bandit to Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relation. 8 April 2023.
  16. Web site: New title for PM’s wife. 9 May 2013.
  17. Web site: Sao Ty receives honorary Samdech title for national contribution. 27 January 2020.
  18. Web site: Passing of Former President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Chea Sim. mofa.go.jp. 9 June 2015.
  19. Web site: H.E. Sok An Awarded the Title of "Samdech Vibol Panha". pressocm.gov.kh. 14 March 2017.
  20. Web site: Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Ol Holds a Religious Ceremony to Celebrate King's Birthday. Tourism Cambodia. 14 May 2015.
  21. Web site: Hun Neng Appointed as "Samdech Oudom Tep Nhean". Fresh News. 7 May 2022.
  22. Web site: If a Republican Can Be a Samdech, Why Not CPP Leaders?. The Cambodia Daily. 22 June 2015.
  23. Web site: Obituary: Samdech Chakrey Nhiek Tioulong 1908–96. Phnom Penh Post. 14 June 1996.
  24. Web site: Samdech Chau Sen Cocsal, ancien Premier ministre. Le Petit Journal Cambodge. 26 January 2009.

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