Chea Sim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal Chea Sim GCRS NM
ជា ស៊ីម
Sim in 2012
President of the Senate
In office 25 March 1999 – 8 June 2015
Monarch	Norodom Sihanouk Norodom Sihamoni
Vice President	Sisowath Chivan Monireak Poa Bunsry Tep Ngorn Say Chhum
Preceded by	Office re-established Saukam Khoy (1975)
Succeeded by	Say Chhum
President of the Cambodian People's Party
In office 17 October 1991 – 8 June 2015
Deputy	Hun Sen
Preceded by	Heng Samrin as General Secretary
Succeeded by	Hun Sen
Minister of Interior
In office 7 January 1979 – 27 June 1981
Prime Minister	Pen Sovan
President of the National Assembly
In office 6 October 1993 – 25 November 1998
Monarch	Norodom Sihanouk
Preceded by	Son Sann
Succeeded by	Norodom Ranariddh
In office 27 June 1981 – 14 June 1993
President	Heng Samrin Himself
Preceded by	Nuon Chea as President of the Standing Committee
Succeeded by	Son Sann
President of the Council of State
In office 6 April 1992 – 14 June 1993
Prime Minister	Hun Sen
Preceded by	Heng Samrin
Succeeded by	Norodom Sihanouk
Member of Parliament for Phnom Penh
In office 14 June 1993 – 27 July 2008
Personal details
Born	(1932-11-15)15 November 1932 Romeas Haek, Svay Rieng, Cambodia, French Indochina
Died	8 June 2015(2015-06-08) (aged 82) Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Political party	Cambodian People's Party
Spouse	Nhem Soeun
Military service
Allegiance	Cambodia
Branch/service	Royal Cambodian Army
Rank	Five-Star General

Chea Sim (Khmer: ជា ស៊ីម; 15 November 1932 – 8 June 2015) was an important Cambodian politician. He was the President of the Cambodian People's Party from 1991 to 2015. He also led the National Assembly of Cambodia from 1981 to 1998. Later, he became the President of the Senate from 1999 until his death in 2015. His full official title was Samdech Akka Moha Thomma Pothisal Chea Sim.

Chea Sim: A Cambodian Leader

Chea Sim was a key figure in Cambodian politics for many years. He helped shape the country after a difficult period. He held several high-ranking positions in the government. These roles included leading both the National Assembly and the Senate.

Early Life and Political Journey

Chea Sim was born on 15 November 1932, in Romeas Haek District, Svay Rieng Province. His family was of Chinese background. When he was young, in the early 1950s, he joined a movement. This group was against the French rule in Cambodia. He later became a military leader for a group called the Khmer Rouge. This was before they took control of Cambodia in 1975.

In 1978, Chea Sim left the Khmer Rouge. He went to Vietnam to join a group that was fighting against them. This group was supported by Vietnam. After Vietnam helped remove the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Chea Sim took on new roles. He became a founding member of the United Front for the National Salvation of Kampuchea. This group helped defeat the Khmer Rouge.

Important Roles in Government

Chea Sim played a big part in talks that led to the 1991 Paris Peace Accord. This agreement aimed to end a long civil war in Cambodia. It also prepared the way for elections organized by the United Nations in 1993. After these elections, Chea Sim continued to be a powerful leader.

Leading the National Assembly

From 1981 to 1998, Chea Sim was the President of the National Assembly. This is like being the speaker of the country's main law-making body. He helped guide the country's laws and policies during this time. He was also the Chairman of the Council of State from 1992 to 1993. This meant he was the interim leader of the nation.

Becoming Senate President

In 1999, Chea Sim became the President of the Senate. The Senate is another important part of the government. He held this position until he passed away in 2015. He also acted as the Head of State for short times. This happened when the King Norodom Sihanouk was not available. King Sihanouk even gave him an honorary title in 1993.

Later Years and Legacy

Chea Sim's health declined in his later years. He suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. Because of his illness, he often received medical care in Vietnam. Even when he was unwell, his signature still appeared on official documents. His deputy, Say Chhum, often led the Senate in his place.

Chea Sim passed away on 8 June 2015. The King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni, ordered a special commission. This group was set up to organize his funeral. Many important leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Sen, were part of this commission. Cambodia held a formal mourning ceremony for him on 19 June 2015. Chea Sim is remembered as a significant leader who helped shape modern Cambodia.

See also

• People's Republic of Kampuchea