Hun Manet: The Crown Prince of Cambodia’s Military
It’s a family affair. In a move that feels straight out of a dynasty‑fantasy, Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, has just promoted his eldest son, Lieutenant General Hun Manet, to the role of joint chief of staff for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
What’s in the new job?
- Manet already sits in the high‑ranking seat of Deputy Commander of the RCAF.
- He’s stepping in for General Kun Kim, who’s on sick leave.
- In effect, Manet now wears two hats: one as a deputy commander and the other as the heaviest briefcase on the military’s career ladder.
More family promotions on the way
Hun Sen’s ministerial decisions look a lot like a family reunion:
- In January, his son‑in‑law landed the job of deputy national police chief.
- December brought his youngest son into the ring as a colonel in the president’s bodyguard unit.
Election vibes & a corporate‑style power play
All this drama feeds into a July general election that most think is a win‑by‑default for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, especially after the Supreme Court shut down the main opposition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party.
It’s a move that has sparked a chorus of out‑rage from the United States, the European Union, and other global critics, who alarmed over the crackdown on opposition lawmakers and independent media.
The US has even torn up parts of its aid to Cambodia’s treasury, the local authorities, and the military, citing recent unrest.
Can he become the head of the army?
Political analyst Lao Mong Hay thinks it’s only a matter of time. “Hun Manet could be the next top brass of the armed forces,” he says. “He’s already the heart of a regime that’s basically turned into a hereditary military dynasty.”
Hun Sen’s era
With 33 years on the throne, Hun Sen has celebrated the milestone and hinted at staying on for at least another decade.
In a nutshell, Cambodia’s ruling circle is tightening its grasp on power, pulling all the key levers—yet with a family tournament vibe that’s both hilarious and chilling.
