Famous Cambodian Leaders

Samdech Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician and former army general. He has served as the prime minister of Cambodia for multiple terms since 1985, making him the longest-serving head of government in the country's history. Hun Sen is the president of the Cambodian People's Party and has been a member of the Senate since 2024. He has been involved in various political parties and ideologies throughout his career, with a reputation for centralized power, political maneuvering, and allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

Norodom Ranariddh was a Cambodian prince, politician, and law academic. He was a prominent figure in Cambodian politics, serving as the first Prime Minister of Cambodia following the restoration of the monarchy. Ranariddh was a key member of the FUNCINPEC party, holding positions such as Secretary-General and President. He played a pivotal role in forming a coalition government and promoting business interests in Cambodia. Despite facing challenges and being ousted from leadership positions, Ranariddh remained active in politics, founding his own party and attempting mergers with other political groups.

Sam Rainsy is a prominent Cambodian activist, economist, and former politician known for his role as the Leader of the Opposition. He has been a key figure in Cambodian politics, serving as a member of parliament, founding and leading political parties, and facing legal challenges and exile due to his opposition to the ruling party. Throughout his career, Rainsy has been a vocal critic of government corruption, advocating for political reform and human rights.

Marshal Lon Nol was a Cambodian politician and general who served as Prime Minister of Cambodia twice and held various other positions such as defence minister and provincial governor. He was known for his nationalist and conservative views. In 1970, Lon Nol led a military coup against Prince Norodom Sihanouk, abolished the monarchy, and established the Khmer Republic. During his time in power, Cambodia operated as a semi-presidential republic under a military dictatorship. He also served as the commander-in-chief of the Khmer National Armed Forces during the Cambodian Civil War.

Son Sen was a Cambodian Communist politician and soldier who served as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kampuchea/Party of Democratic Kampuchea, the Khmer Rouge. He oversaw the Party's security apparatus, including the Santebal secret police and the notorious security prison S-21 at Tuol Sleng. Sen was responsible for ordering the massacre of more than 100,000 people in the Eastern Zone of Cambodia during the last six months of 1978.

Kem Sokha is a Cambodian former politician and activist who served as the President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). He held various positions in the National Assembly, including Minority Leader and First Vice President. He also represented Kampong Cham as its Member of Parliament. Kem was previously the leader of the Human Rights Party. Following allegations of treason, he was arrested, imprisoned, and later released on bail and house arrest. In 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to 27 years of house arrest.

Pol Pot was a Cambodian communist revolutionary, politician, and dictator who led the Khmer Rouge from 1963 to 1981. He established a one-party communist state in Cambodia known as Democratic Kampuchea, implementing radical agrarian socialist policies. Under his regime, mass killings, forced labor, and the abolition of money led to the deaths of approximately 1.5 to 2 million people, constituting the Cambodian genocide. Pol Pot's rule ended in 1979 when Vietnam invaded Cambodia, toppling his government and forcing the Khmer Rouge into the jungles.

Kang Kek Iew, also known as Comrade Duch, was a prominent figure in the Khmer Rouge movement in Cambodia. He served as the head of the government's internal security branch, overseeing the notorious Tuol Sleng prison camp where thousands were interrogated, tortured, and executed. He was the first Khmer Rouge leader to be tried for crimes against humanity, murder, and torture, ultimately receiving a life sentence. Despite his admission of guilt and conversion to Christianity, he provided detailed accounts of the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime during his trial.

Ta Mok, also known as Nguon Kang, was a Cambodian military chief and senior figure in the Khmer Rouge. He served as the leader of the national army of Democratic Kampuchea and was referred to as "Brother Number Five" or "the Butcher." Ta Mok was captured by Cambodian government forces in 1999 while on the run with a small band of followers. He was held in government custody until his death in 2006 as he awaited his war crime trial.

Mu Sochua is a prominent Cambodian politician and rights activist with a distinguished career in government and advocacy. She served as a Member of Parliament for Battambang, holding the seat in two different periods. Mu Sochua was a key figure in the Cambodia National Rescue Party and the Sam Rainsy Party before its merger. She also held a ministerial position in the coalition government. Currently facing a ban from politics, she continues to be a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy in Cambodia.

Norodom Rattana Devi is a Cambodian princess and politician affiliated with FUNCINPEC. She has served as a representative of Kratie Province in the National Assembly of Cambodia since 2003. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in political activities and has played a significant role in advocating for the interests of her constituents. Norodom Rattana Devi's dedication to public service and her commitment to her political duties have established her as a respected figure within the Cambodian political landscape.

Ieng Thirith was an influential intellectual and politician in the Khmer Rouge, serving as Minister of Social Affairs from October 1975 until the fall of the regime in 1979. Despite not being a member of the Khmer Rouge Standing Committee or Central Committee, she played a significant role within the regime. Alongside her husband, Ieng Sary, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she was arrested on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by the ECCC in November 2007.

Yun Yat, also known as Comrade At, had a significant professional career within the government of Democratic Kampuchea. She was entrusted with various key roles, including overseeing information and education both domestically and internationally. Her responsibilities expanded further when she was appointed as the Information Minister after a colleague's arrest. However, her career took a tragic turn when she and her husband were accused of espionage and subsequently executed by the Khmer Rouge in 1997.

Men Sam An is a Cambodian politician affiliated with the Cambodian People's Party. She was elected to represent Svay Rieng Province in the National Assembly in 2003. As of 2009, she holds the position of permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, making her the first female deputy prime minister and a four-star general. Her career began in 1970 when she joined the army during the US-backed Khmer Republic era, starting as a military nurse.

Tioulong Saumura is a Cambodian politician and financial analyst with a background in economics and financial analysis. She served as a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party and was elected to represent Phnom Penh in the National Assembly of Cambodia. Saumura also held the position of Deputy Governor of Cambodia's Central Bank. She played a significant role in Cambodia's post-war period, returning to the country after the Cambodian Civil War and contributing to its economic and political landscape.

Nuon Chea was a Cambodian communist politician and revolutionary, known as the chief ideologist of the Khmer Rouge. He held the position of acting Prime Minister of Democratic Kampuchea and was commonly referred to as "Brother Number Two" as the second-in-command to Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot. Nuon Chea played a significant role during the Cambodian genocide of 1975-1979. He was later convicted for crimes against humanity and genocide, receiving a life sentence which was merged into a single life sentence in 2018. He passed away while serving his sentence in 2019.

Norodom Vichara was a Cambodian princess and politician who was affiliated with FUNCINPEC. She served as a representative for Phnom Penh Municipality in the National Assembly of Cambodia in 2003. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the political landscape of Cambodia. Vichara's dedication and commitment to public service were evident in her work as a politician. She was known for her strong advocacy and involvement in various political initiatives aimed at serving the people of Cambodia.

Son Sann was a prominent Cambodian politician and anti-communist resistance leader. He served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Cambodia and later as President of the National Assembly. Throughout his career, Son Sann displayed strong leadership qualities and dedication to his country. He played a crucial role in Cambodian politics, advocating for democracy and fighting against communism. Son Sann's contributions to his nation's governance and his commitment to public service left a lasting impact on Cambodia's political landscape.

Ing Kantha Phavi, a prominent Cambodian physician and politician, has made significant contributions to women's rights and gender equality throughout her career. As the Minister of Women's Affairs since 2004, she has been a leading advocate for empowering women in Cambodia and beyond. Her dedication and leadership have earned her the distinction of being the longest-serving cabinet minister in the country. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi's influence extends to international, national, and grassroots levels, where she continues to champion the rights and well-being of women.

Chou Bun Eng is a prominent Cambodian politician known for her long-standing affiliation with the ruling Cambodian People's Party. She holds the position of Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, where she plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing policies related to internal affairs and governance. With her extensive experience and expertise, Chou Bun Eng is recognized for her contributions to the political landscape of Cambodia and her dedication to public service.

Tong Siv Eng was a trailblazing figure in Cambodian politics, breaking barriers as the country's first female Member of Parliament and later becoming its first female minister. An influential figure, she and her husband played key roles as close aides to Cambodian King Sihanouk. Eng also made her mark as an editor of the publication Woman's Voice. Following the political upheaval of the 1970 coup, she left Cambodia. Her professional journey exemplifies her dedication to leadership and advocacy for women's voices in society.

Tep Sothy is a Cambodian politician and former Member of Parliament for Takeo province. She transitioned from being a high school teacher in Chicago to joining Cambodia's Human Rights Party under Kem Sokha's leadership. Sothy moved to Cambodia before the 2013 National Elections and played a significant role in the merger of the Sam Rainsy Party and the Human Rights Party to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party. Her work focuses on advocating for gender awareness, gender-sensitive laws, and policies on various social issues.

Nin Saphon is a Cambodian politician affiliated with the Cambodian People's Party. She has served as a representative for Takeo Province in the National Assembly of Cambodia since 2003. Her professional life is marked by her dedication to public service and her active involvement in the political landscape of Cambodia. As a member of the National Assembly, Nin Saphon plays a crucial role in shaping policies and decisions that impact the country's governance and development.

Som Kimsuor is a Cambodian politician affiliated with the Cambodian People's Party. Elected to represent Kampot Province in the National Assembly of Cambodia in 2003, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies and decisions at the national level. Her professional life is characterized by dedication to public service and advocacy for the interests of her constituents. Through her work in the National Assembly, Som Kimsuor has contributed to the political landscape of Cambodia by participating in legislative processes and representing her region's needs.

Ke Sovannaroth is a Cambodian politician affiliated with the Sam Rainsy Party. She has been serving as a representative of Siem Reap Province in the National Assembly of Cambodia since her election in 2003. Throughout her professional career, Ke Sovannaroth has been actively involved in political activities and has worked towards advocating for the interests of her constituents. Her dedication to public service and commitment to serving the people of Cambodia have been evident in her tenure as a member of the National Assembly.