# Samdech

Samdech (Khmer: សម្តេច, UNGEGN: Sâmdéch, ALA-LC: Samṭec) 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 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 |
| 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 |

### Politicians

| Name | Position | Full title |
| Hun Sen | President of the Senate President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo |
| Khuon Sodary | President of the National Assembly | Samdech Moha Roatsapheathika Thipadei |
| Hun Manet | Prime Minister of Cambodia | Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei |
| Kuy Sophal | Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Royal Palace | Samdech Moha Montrei |
| Heng Samrin | Honorary President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrey |
| Say Chhum | Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey |
| Sar Kheng | Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Kralahom |
| Tea Banh | Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Pichey Sena |
| Men Sam An | Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King | Samdech Kittisangahabandit |
| Bun Rany | President of the Cambodian Red Cross | Samdech Kittiprittbandit |
| Sao Ty | Wife of Samdech Chakrey Hang Samrin | Samdech Thamavisutha Vongsa |
| Chea Sim | Former President of the Senate | Samdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal |
| Sok An | Former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers | Samdech Vibol Panha |
| Kong Sam Ol | Former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Royal Palace | Samdech Chaufea Veang Vorakveangchey Athippadey Sroengkea |
| Hun Neng | Permanent Member of National Assembly | Samdech Oudom Tep Nhean |
| Son Sann | Former Prime Minister of Cambodia | Samdech Borvor Setha Thipadei |
| Nhiek Tioulong | Former Prime Minister of Cambodia | Samdech Chakrey Konhchara Thipadei |
| Penn Nouth | Former Prime Minister of Cambodia | Samdech |
| Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum | Former Prime Minister of Cambodia | Samdech |