AKP Phnom Penh, January 14, 2026 --

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, marked a significant personal and political milestone on Wednesday, noting the 41st anniversary of his initial appointment as Prime Minister.

In a retrospective shared on his official social media channels on Jan. 14, 2026, the Senate President reflected on a career that began when he became the world's youngest head of government at the age of 32.

"I almost forgot! Today marks the 41st anniversary of my tenure as Prime Minister (January 14, 1985 – January 14, 2026)," he wrote on his social media platform.

His ascension to the premiership followed a rapid rise through the state ranks in the post-Khmer Rouge era. He first served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 1979 at the age of 27, later becoming Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in June 1981 at the age of 29.

Reflecting on nearly half a century in public service, including over 44 years in the executive branch and nearly three years leading the Senate, Samdech Hun Sen emphasised the depth of his experience.

"With a total of more than 47 years in service, I have experienced almost every flavour of the challenges facing our nation and people, as well as complex regional and international issues," he stated.

Samdech Hun Sen became President of the Senate in 2024, following a decades-long tenure that reshaped Cambodia’s modern political landscape.

By K. Rithy Reak