Samdech

Samdech or Samdach (Khmer: សម្តេច) is a Cambodian honourific that is 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" (lit. "Lord Prime Minister 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, 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.[5]

Known recipients

Politicians
Name Position Full title Ref
Hun Sen Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akeak Moha Sena Padei Decho [1]
Heng Samrin President of the National Assembly Samdech Akeak Moha Ponhea Chakrei [6]
Say Chhum President of the Senate Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey [7]
Chea Sim President of the Senate Samdech Akeak Moha Thomma Pothisal [8]
Kong Sam Ol Minister of the Royal Palace Samdech Chaufea Veang [9]
Sok An Minister of the Council of Ministers Samdech Vibol Panha [10]
Sar Kheng Minister of Interior Samdech Kralahoam [7]
Tea Banh Minister of National Defence Samdech Pichey Sena [11]
Bun Rany President of the Cambodian Red Cross Samdech Kittiprittbandit [2]
Son Sann Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Borvor Setha Thipadei [5]
Nhiek Tioulong Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Chakrey [12]
Penn Nouth Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech [5]
Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech [13]

Religious leaders
Name Position Full title Ref
Tep Vong Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia Samdech Preah Sanghareajeathipadey [14]
Maha Ghosananda Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia Samdech Preah Maha Ghosanda [15]
Chuon Nath Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia Samdech Sangha Raja Jhotañano [4]
Bour Kry Supreme Patriarch of Thammayut Order Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mohasangharajah Dhipati [16]

References
  1. "In a Title Fight, Phnom Penh Orders the Press to Use 'Samdech' for Top Government Officials". Radio Free Asia. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  2. "Welcome, Lord Prime Minister: Cambodian media told to use leader's full royal title". The Guardian. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  3. "Statement by His Royal Highness Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh The First Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia". asean.org. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  4. "Chuon Nath: Guardian of Cambodian culture". Phnom Penh Post. 8 April 2011.
  5. "If a Republican Can Be a Samdech, Why Not CPP Leaders?". The Cambodia Daily. 22 June 2015.
  6. "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.
  7. "'Samdech' titles given to Chhum and Kheng". Phnom Penh Post. 15 June 2015.
  8. "Passing of Former President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Chea Sim". mofa.go.jp. 9 June 2015.
  9. "Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Ol Holds a Religious Ceremony to Celebrate King's Birthday". Tourism Cambodia. 14 May 2015.
  10. "H.E. Sok An Awarded the Title of "Samdech Vibol Panha"". pressocm.gov.kh. 14 March 2017.
  11. "Defence Minister Tea Banh gets 'Samdech' honorific". Phnom Penh Post. 31 July 2017.
  12. "Obituary: Samdech Chakrey Nhiek Tioulong 1908–96". Phnom Penh Post. 14 June 1996.
  13. "Samdech Chau Sen Cocsal, ancien Premier ministre". Le Petit Journal Cambodge. 26 January 2009.
  14. "Great Supreme Patriarch". The Phnom Penh Post. 15 December 2006.
  15. "Venerable Maha Ghosananda". Khmer-Buddhist Educational Assistance Project.
  16. "His Holiness Samdech Bour Kry Receives Vietnamese President". pressocm.gov.kh. 26 February 2019.

See also
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