Samdech
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Samdech (Khmer: សម្តេច, UNGEGN: Sâmdéch, ALA-LC: Samṭec [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". It is often accompanied by a longer title; for instance, Prime Minister Hun Sen's full title is Samțec Aggamahasenāpațītejo Hun Sen or also called (Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen) (meaning "Lord Supreme Military Commander Hun Sen"). Some members of the royal family and religious leaders also have "Samdech" as part of their title. In July 2016, the government ordered the media to use leaders' full titles.
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 Sihamoni | King of Cambodia | Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath |
| Norodom Sihanouk | King Father of Cambodia | Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah |
| Norodom Monineath | Queen Mother of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Mahaksatrey |
Royalty
| Name | Position | Full title |
|---|---|---|
| Norodom Buppha Devi | Princess of Cambodia | Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Ream |
| Norodom Yuvaneath | Prince of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Boromreamea |
| Norodom Ranariddh | Prince of Cambodia | Samdech Krom Preah |
| Norodom Chakrapong | Prince of Cambodia | Samdech Krom Preah |
| Norodom Arunrasmy | Princess of Cambodia | Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch |
| Sisowath Pongneary Monipong | Princess of Cambodia | Samdech |
| Norodom Vichara | Princess of Cambodia | Samdech |
| Norodom Sirivudh | Prince of Cambodia | Samdech |
| Norodom Preysophon | Prince of Cambodia | Sdech Krom Khun |
Religious leaders
| Name | Position | Full title | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non Nget | Great Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Agga Mahā Sangharājādhipati | |
| Bour Kry | Great Supreme Patriarch of Dhammayuttika Nikaya of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Abhisiri Sugandha Mahasangharajadhipati | |
| Am Limheng | President of Sangha Judicial Council of Mohanikaya Sect and President of Sangha Judicial Council Kingdom of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Maha Sumedhādhipatī Kittipundit | |
| Noy Jrek | First Vice President of Sangha Judicial Council of Mohanikaya Sect and President of Sangha Judicial Council Kingdom of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Podhivaing Kittipundit | |
| Moung Ra | Second Vice President of Sangha Judicial Council of Mohanikaya Sect and President of Sangha Judicial Council Kingdom of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Vornaroth | |
| Khem Sorn | Third Vice President of Sangha Judicial Council of Mohanikaya Sect and President of Sangha Judicial Council Kingdom of Cambodia | Samdech Preah Puth Cheymoni |