Son Sann facts for kids

Son Sann (Khmer: សឺន សាន) was an important Cambodian politician. He was born on October 5, 1911, and passed away on December 19, 2000. Son Sann served as the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1967 to 1968. Later, he became the President of the National Assembly in 1993. He was a devoted Buddhist and had seven children with his wife. His full honorary title was "Samdech Borvor Setha Thipadei Son Sann".

Son Sann: A Cambodian Leader

Son Sann was a key figure in Cambodian politics. He worked to lead his country through many changes. He was known for his efforts to unite different groups. He also worked to bring peace to Cambodia during difficult times.

Early Life and Education

Son Sann was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 1911. His family came from wealthy landowners in Trà Vinh Province, which is now part of Vietnam. His father moved to Cambodia before Son Sann was born. He worked as an official for King Monivong's brother.

Son Sann studied in Phnom Penh and then in Paris, France. He graduated from a business school called the École des Hautes Études Commerciales in 1933. He also spent some time in London to learn English. In 1935, he returned to Cambodia and joined the government. He worked in the provinces of Prey Veng and Battambang. There, he was in charge of trade. He also joined a Cambodian economic group that visited Tokyo in 1941.

Starting a Political Career

Son Sann was an early supporter of the Khmer Democratic Party. He became a member of its main committee. From 1946 to 1947, he served as the vice-president of the Council of Ministers. He was also the Minister of Finance. He continued as vice-president until February 1948. In 1949, he was the vice chairman of the Council of Ministers.

From June 1950 to March 1951, he served as the Foreign Minister. After 1952, he left the leadership of the Democratic Party. He later rejoined politics as a member of the Sangkum party. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he held various government jobs. He also became the president of the National Bank of Cambodia from 1955 to 1968.

Challenges and Resistance

After a coup against Prince Norodom Sihanouk in 1970, Son Sann was put under house arrest. He then left for France. In June 1970, he traveled to Beijing. He tried to help Sihanouk and Lon Nol make peace. Lon Nol was the one who had overthrown Sihanouk. Son Sann continued these efforts even after the Khmer Republic was announced in October. By late 1971, he had support from politicians in Cambodia, France, and China. However, in 1972, the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai stopped the peace talks. Lon Nol then named himself President of the Khmer Republic.

Working for Peace

In 1978, Son Sann formed the Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF). This group aimed to unite Cambodians who were against communism. Many of these people were refugees living near the Thai-Cambodian border. This happened after Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978.

The KPNLF later joined with another group called Armeè Nationale Sihanouk. Together, they formed a non-communist resistance. In 1982, the KPNLF joined with Sihanouk and the Party of Democratic Kampuchea. They formed the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea. Son Sann was named Prime Minister in this new government.

Support from Other Countries

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Son Sann received some help from the United States. This support included limited military and financial aid. The U.S. wanted to help his movement as part of the Reagan Doctrine. This plan aimed to counter the influence of the Soviet Union and Vietnam in Cambodia.

A policy expert named Michael Johns visited Son Sann and the KPNLF forces in Cambodia in 1987. He then urged the U.S. to give more support to the KPNLF and Sihanouk's forces. This was seen as a third option, different from the Vietnamese-backed government and the Khmer Rouge. The U.S. hoped this aid would pressure Vietnam to leave Cambodia. It also aimed to build a non-communist group to oppose the Khmer Rouge.

Later Years and Legacy

After Cambodia's Paris Peace Agreement, Son Sann created a new political party. It was called the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party in 1992. He took part in the 1993 elections. Son Sann and nine other members of his party were elected. He served as a minority member in the government. He was also the President of the National Assembly from June to October 1993.

In 1997, Son Sann left Cambodia again and went to Paris. He stayed there with his family until he passed away. He died from heart failure on December 19, 2000, at 89 years old.

Honour

Foreign honour

•  Malaya : Honorary Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (1963)

See also

In Spanish: Son Sann para niños