Hun Sen’s Family Coup: Power or Training?
In November, the 66‑year‑old Cambodian Prime Minister, who’s been ruling for 33 years, took the gloves off and smashed the critics who accused him of pumping his kids into high‑level jobs.
Who Wore the Power?
After a barrage of accusations of nepotism, Hun Sen put his own textbook in the spotlight. He said that promoting his sons isn’t a power‑grab chore, but “a natural by‑product of education and training.”
The Chronicle of the Hun Kids
- Hun Manet – The eldest, now the chief of joint staff for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and commander of the infantry headquarters. He graduated from the charismatic US military academy at West Point and was dispatched for “merit‑based” responsibilities.
- Hun Manit – The middle child, running a military intelligence unit. His job is all eyes, all ears, and a healthy dose of secrecy.
- Hun Many – The youngest, a parliamentarian who presides over the ruling party’s sprawling youth movement. In other words, political youth club president.
The Grand “Training” Story
During a speech to a group of eager students in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen threw down the gauntlet: “I read a media briefing about me promoting my children. Are they humans? Are they citizens? They’re not just a list of names; they have advanced degrees and studied abroad.” He went on to ask: “They say it is to strengthen power. We sent them for training. What should we train them for?”—almost like a training camp for political potency.
What the Analysts are Saying
Political hawks point out that quite literally, Hun Sen’s grip on power is maintained by a mix of political savviness and the unwavering support of security networks. They suspect he’s grooming the Hun heirs as possible successors—a classic “king‑in‑the‑making” strategy.
Cambodia’s Political Landscape in Quick‑Fire
Last July, Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) secured a sweeping win by taking every seat in Parliament, after a vote that had no opposition contenders. In November 2017, the Supreme Court dissolved the only viable opposition party, further tightening the political dial.