Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 21 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that dignitaries awarded the five-star general rank have each dedicated over 55 years to military service.

Samdech Techo presided over a ceremony conferring the five-star general rank on former Defence Minister Tea Banh and former Minister of Inspection Men Sam An on Friday (Mar. 21).

Samdech Techo Hun Sen underscored, “What I want to emphasise most to those receiving the rank of general today is that we have served the military no less than 55 years. Samdech Men Sam An and I joined the army together in 1970, which means it has been 55 years since then. In particular, Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh enlisted before us.”

Recalling past events, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who played a pivotal role in ending war and bringing peace to Cambodia, shared some historical details about his association with Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh and Samdech Kittisanghabandit Men Sam An.

He recounted that Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh was once reported as killed in battle. At the time, his original name was Tea Sangvat, but since he survived, he later changed his name to Tea Banh.

Regarding Samdech Kittisanghabandit Men Sam An, Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted that they have known each other for 48 years, dating back to late 1977, when he returned to Cambodia to reunite with his wife, Samdech Kittiprittbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen. Their acquaintance began in a hospital where they first met amid the gathering of resistance forces.

Cambodian dignitaries awarded the five-star general rank include:

1. Samdech Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin
2. Samdech Thamma Pothisa Chea Sim
3. Samdech Techo Hun Sen
4. Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh
5. Samdech Kittisanghabandit Men Sam An
=FRESH NEWS