AKP Phnom Pen, March 21, 2025 --

Two former senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia were officially granted the rank of Five-Star General in a ceremony held here at the Peace Palace this morning under the presidency of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State.

The two dignitaries are Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh and Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An, both members of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King.

“This is a royal nomination by His Majesty the King in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Nation, Religion and King,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined during the conferment ceremony.

The Acting Head of State further highlighted that Samdech Tea Banh and Samdech Men Sam An have dedicated their lives to national service, working alongside him and other senior officials of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Royal Government for many years. Their sacrifice – physical, mental, and intellectual – played a crucial role in liberating Cambodia from the genocidal regime and driving national development.

Taking this opportunity, Samdech Techo Hun Sen issued a reminder to those attempting to sow discord within the ruling party, saying that many political parties has tried to divide the CPP, but they only end up dividing themselves.

Cambodia has now five statemen holding the rank of Five-Star General, including late Samdech Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim, former President of the Senate; Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, former President of the National Assembly; Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen; Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh; and Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An.

By Heng Panha