Khem Veasna facts for kids

Khem Veasna (Khmer: ខឹម វាសនា; born on 11 December 1965) is a Cambodian politician. He is known for founding the League for Democracy Party (LDP). Currently, he serves as the president of this political party.

Before starting the LDP, Khem Veasna was a member of the Sam Rainsy Party. He was first listed as a candidate in 1998. In 2003, he was elected to the National Assembly. This made him a representative for Prey Veng Province. In 2005, he decided to form his own political party.

Khem Veasna's Political Journey

Khem Veasna began his journey in politics before 1998. He first joined the Sam Rainsy Party. Although he was a nominee in 1998, he was not elected then. He later won a seat in the National Assembly in 2003. At that time, he was 38 years old.

As a representative for Prey Veng Province, he had two offices. One was in Ba Phnum District. The other was in Me Sang District. He gained a deeper understanding of politics during his second term.

Forming the League for Democracy Party

In 2005, Khem Veasna created a new political party. He named it the League for Democracy Party (LDP). The party has grown steadily since it was founded. It was officially recognized by the government in 2006.

The LDP has put forward many candidates for elections. In the 2017 commune elections, they had candidates in 844 communes. This was more than half of all the communes in Cambodia. Khem Veasna has been the president of the LDP since its beginning.

Public Gatherings and Teachings

In 2022, Khem Veasna began sharing unique ideas. He claimed that a "black hole" in his spine was sending him messages. These messages were about a big flood that would cover the world. He said only his farm in Cambodia would be safe. He also referred to himself using the name of a spiritual figure, Brahma.

Many people gathered at his farm after hearing his teachings. Photos on social media showed large crowds. Some people even slept in tents at the farm.

Government and Public Reactions

The Cambodian government noticed these large gatherings. They reported that some Cambodian workers abroad were leaving their jobs. These workers were returning home because of Khem Veasna's messages. The government then released statements. They wanted to encourage people not to quit their jobs and return.

Local residents had mixed feelings about the crowds. Some people welcomed the visitors. They felt it was good for local businesses. Others were not happy. They said the large crowds were causing disorderly conduct.

Images for kids

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  Veasna giving a speech at the party's main office in Phnom Penh City during a campaign in July 2013