Heng Samrin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin
ហេង សំរិន
Samrin in 2018
President of the National Assembly
In office 21 March 2006 – 22 August 2023
Monarch	Norodom Sihamoni
Vice President	Cheam Yeab Khuon Sudary Nguon Nhel Say Chhum Kem Sokha You Hockry
Preceded by	Norodom Ranariddh
Succeeded by	Khuon Sudary
Additional positions General Secretary of the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party In office 5 December 1981 – 17 October 1991 Preceded by Pen Sovan Succeeded by Chea Sim as President President of the Council of State Chairman of the People's Revolutionary Council until 27 June 1981 In office 10 January 1979 – 6 April 1992 Prime Minister Pen Sovan Chan Sy Hun Sen Preceded by Khieu Samphan as Chairman of the State Presidium Succeeded by Chea Sim Member of the National Assembly Incumbent Assumed office 14 June 1993 Constituency Kandal (1993–1998) Kampong Cham (1998–2018) Tbong Khmum (2018–present)
Personal details
Born	(1934-05-25) 25 May 1934 (age 91) Ponhea Kraek District, Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, French Indochina (now in Tboung Khmum Province)
Political party	Cambodian People's Party
Spouse	Sao Ty
Children	4
Military service
Allegiance	Cambodia
Branch/service	Royal Cambodian Army
Rank	Five-Star General

Heng Samrin (Khmer: ហេង សំរិន; born May 25, 1934) is an important Cambodian politician. He was the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia from 2006 to 2023. For many years, from 1979 to 1992, he was the main leader of Cambodia. During this time, Cambodia was known as the People's Republic of Kampuchea and later the State of Cambodia. He also led the main political party, the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party. He has been a member of Parliament since 1993. He is the oldest member of Parliament and has served as President of the National Assembly longer than anyone else. His special honorary title is "Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin" (Khmer: សម្តេចអគ្គមហាពញាចក្រី ហេង សំរិន).

Life and Career

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Heng Samrin was born in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, in 1934. He joined a communist group called the Khmer Rouge. This group was led by Pol Pot. When the Khmer Rouge took control of the government in 1975, Heng Samrin became an important army commander.

In 1978, after some leaders within the Khmer Rouge were removed, Heng Samrin left Cambodia and went to Vietnam.

Forming a New Government

While in Vietnam, Heng Samrin helped start a group called the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation (FUNSK). Later that year, he returned to Cambodia. He helped organize a resistance movement against the Khmer Rouge. This movement had strong support from Vietnam and the Soviet Union.

In 1979, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and removed the Khmer Rouge government. After this, Vietnamese authorities helped set up a new government. This government was called the People's Republic of Kampuchea. Heng Samrin and other pro-Vietnamese politicians became the leaders of this new government.

He became the chairman of the People's Revolutionary Council in 1979. In 1981, he became the chairman of the Council of State. He also became the secretary-general of the People's Revolutionary Party. At first, he was the main leader of the government. However, he lost much of his political power when Hun Sen became Prime Minister of Cambodia in 1985.

Later Years and Honorary Roles

As Vietnam's influence in Cambodia lessened, Heng Samrin gradually lost his leadership positions. He lost the post of secretary-general in 1991. He also lost his role as chairman of the council of state in 1992.

When King Norodom Sihanouk returned to power in 1993, Heng Samrin received an honorary title. He was named "Sâmdech," a senior advisor to the King. He was also made the honorary chairman of Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party.

From 1998 to 2006, he served as the vice chairman of the National Assembly of Cambodia. Since 2006, he has been the Chairman of the Solidarity Front for Development of the Cambodian Motherland.

The Cambodian People's Party recently published a book about Heng Samrin. It is called A Man of the People. The book honors him as a hero. Supporters of the ruling party see Heng Samrin as a "much loved and respected figure." Even though his recent duties are often mostly ceremonial, he remains an important figure. His full title is Samdach Akeak Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Protean Radhsaphea ney Preah Reacheanachak Kampuchea (Khmer: សម្តេចអគ្គមហាពញាចក្រី ហេង សំរិន ប្រធានរដ្ឋសភា នៃព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា).

See also

• People's Republic of Kampuchea