Samdech
{{Short description|Cambodian honorific}}
{{Italic title}}
Samdech ({{langx|km|សម្តេច}}, UNGEGN: {{transliteration|km|Sâmdéch}}, ALA-LC: {{Transliteration|km|Samṭec}} {{IPA|km|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".{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/in-a-title-fight-05122016154401.html|title=In a Title Fight, Phnom Penh Orders the Press to Use 'Samdech' for Top Government Officials|work=Radio Free Asia|date=12 May 2016|accessdate=27 June 2020}} 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").{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/cambodian-media-prime-minister-hun-sen-full-royal-title|title=Welcome, Lord Prime Minister: Cambodian media told to use leader's full royal title|newspaper=The Guardian|date=12 May 2016|accessdate=27 June 2020}} Some members of the royal family and religious leaders also have "Samdech" as part of their title.{{cite web|url=https://asean.org/?static_post=statement-by-his-royal-highness-samdech-krom-preah-norodom-ranariddh-the-first-prime-minister-of-kingdom-of-cambodia|title=Statement by His Royal Highness Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh The First Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia|website=asean.org|accessdate=27 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-plus/chuon-nath-guardian-cambodian-culture|title=Chuon Nath: Guardian of Cambodian culture|work=Phnom Penh Post|date=8 April 2011}} 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=
| class="wikitable" |
| 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=
| class="wikitable" |
| 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=
| class="wikitable" |
| 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
|Samdech Preah Maha Sumedhādhipatī Kittipundit |
| Noy Jrek
|Samdech Preah Podhivaing Kittipundit |
| Moung Ra
|Samdech Preah Vornaroth |{{cite web|url=https://kh.cc-times.com/posts/21663|title=Samdech Preah Vornaroth Moung Ra}} |
| Khem Sorn
|Samdech Preah Puth Cheymoni |{{cite web|url=https://kh.cc-times.com/posts/21663|title=Samdech Preah Puth Cheymoni Khem Sorn}} |
=Politicians=
See also
{{Wiktionary|ឧកញ៉ា}}