Hun Manet
Prime Minister
Timeline
Born on 20 October in Koh Thmar village, Democratic Kampuchea.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor's degree in economics.
Received a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from the University of Bristol.
Unanimously elected by the CPP Central Committee as the party's future candidate for prime minister.
Sworn into office as Prime Minister of Cambodia on August 22.
Launched the controversial Funan Techo Canal Project on August 5.
Signed the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord" with Thailand on October 26.
Biography
Hun Manet, born on October 20, 1977, is a Cambodian politician and military officer who has served as Prime Minister of Cambodia and Vice President of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) since 2023. He is the second child of Senate president and former prime minister Hun Sen. Manet joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in 1995 and was the first Cambodian to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999. He holds advanced degrees in economics from New York University and the University of Bristol. Prior to his premiership, he held significant military positions, including deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. He was designated as his father's successor and formally sworn into office on August 22, 2023.
Early Life & Background
Hun Manet was born on 20 October 1977 in Koh Thmar village, Memot District, Kampong Cham Province (Tboung Khmoum Today), in the Khmer Rouge-ruled Democratic Kampuchea. He is the second son of Hun Sen and Bun Rany. He is of Teochew Chinese heritage through his paternal grandfather, Hun Neang, and his maternal grandparents were also of Chinese descent. According to his father, a bright light flew over their house on the night of Manet's birth. Manet grew up and received his general education in Phnom Penh.
Education
Hun Manet joined the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) in 1995, the same year he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in May 1999 with a bachelor's degree in economics, becoming the first Cambodian to graduate from the academy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Cambodian Army (RCA). He also received a Master of Arts in economics from New York University in 2002 and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics from the University of Bristol in 2009. His doctoral thesis was titled "What determines the firm size distribution and structural integration? A cross-county study".
Political & Professional Career
Hun Manet was promoted to head of the Cambodian People's Party's (CPP) youth wing in June 2020. On December 4, 2021, he was unanimously elected by the CPP Central Committee to be the party's future candidate for prime minister, making him the prime minister-in-waiting. Following the 2023 general election, his father, Hun Sen, announced his resignation on July 26, designating Manet as his successor. On August 7, 2023, King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree appointing Manet as Prime Minister of Cambodia. Manet and his cabinet were unanimously approved by the National Assembly and formally sworn into office on August 22, 2023. He also serves as Vice President of the CPP. As prime minister, he has overseen major infrastructure projects and managed international relations, including the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict.
Key Achievements & Legacy
Became the first Cambodian to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999., Oversaw major infrastructure projects including the construction of the Funan Techo Canal and the completion of Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport and Techo International Airport., Presided over the signing of the "Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord" with Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul to resolve the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict., Managed challenges including U.S. tariffs on Cambodian goods and instructed authorities to upgrade rail transport across Cambodia., Rose through military ranks to become a four-star general and deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.