Samdech Explained
Samdech (Central Khmer: 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
Name | Position | Full title |
---|
Norodom Sihanouk | King of Cambodia | Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah |
Norodom Sihamoni | King of Cambodia | Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath |
|
Royalty
Politicians
Religious leaders
Name | Position | Full title | Ref |
---|
Tep Vong | | Samdech Preah Sangharajadhipati | [17] |
Maha Ghosananda | Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Maha Ghosanda | [18] |
Chuon Nath | Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia | Samdech Sangharaja Jhotañano | |
Bour Kry | Supreme Patriarch of Thammayut Order | Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajadhipati | [19] |
|
See also
Notes and References
- 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.
- News: Welcome, Lord Prime Minister: Cambodian media told to use leader's full royal title. The Guardian. 12 May 2016. 27 June 2020.
- 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.
- Web site: Chuon Nath: Guardian of Cambodian culture. Phnom Penh Post. 8 April 2011.
- Web site: Prime Minister Hun Manet granted the title "Samdech". Khmer Times. 3 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
- Web site: Prime Minister Hun Manet granted the title "Samdech". Khmer Times. 3 September 2023. 3 September 2023.
- 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.
- Web site: 'Samdech' titles given to Chhum and Kheng. Phnom Penh Post. 15 June 2015.
- Web site: Passing of Former President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Chea Sim. mofa.go.jp. 9 June 2015.
- Web site: Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Ol Holds a Religious Ceremony to Celebrate King's Birthday. Tourism Cambodia. 14 May 2015.
- Web site: H.E. Sok An Awarded the Title of "Samdech Vibol Panha". pressocm.gov.kh. 14 March 2017.
- Web site: Defence Minister Tea Banh gets 'Samdech' honorific. Phnom Penh Post. 31 July 2017.
- Web site: If a Republican Can Be a Samdech, Why Not CPP Leaders?. The Cambodia Daily. 22 June 2015.
- Web site: Obituary: Samdech Chakrey Nhiek Tioulong 1908–96. Phnom Penh Post. 14 June 1996.
- Web site: Hun Neng Appointed as "Samdech Oudom Tep Nhean". Fresh News. 7 May 2022.
- Web site: Samdech Chau Sen Cocsal, ancien Premier ministre. Le Petit Journal Cambodge. 26 January 2009.
- Web site: Great Supreme Patriarch. The Phnom Penh Post. 15 December 2006.
- Web site: Venerable Maha Ghosananda. Khmer-Buddhist Educational Assistance Project. 2020-06-27. 2023-08-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20230802115102/http://www.keap-net.org/about-venerable-maha-ghosananda.html. dead.
- Web site: His Holiness Samdech Bour Kry Receives Vietnamese President. pressocm.gov.kh. 26 February 2019.