View source for Hun Sen

{{Short description|Prime Minister of Cambodia (1985–1993, 1998–2023)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix    = [[Samdech|Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo]]
| name                = Hun Sen
| native_name         = {{nobold|ហ៊ុន សែន}}
| honorific_suffix    =  
| image               = Hun_Sen_July_2019.jpg<!-- Do not change this image without gaining consensus on the talk page -->
| image_size          = 
| alt                 = 
| caption             = Hun Sen in 2019
| office              = 4th [[List of presidents of the Senate of Cambodia|President of the Senate]]
| vicepresident       = [[Prak Sokhonn]] (2024)<br />Ouch Borith<br />Thun Vathana
| monarch             = [[Norodom Sihamoni]]
| term_start          = 3 April 2024
| predecessor         = [[Say Chhum]]
| office1             = [[Prime Minister of Cambodia]]{{efn|From 1985 to 1989 as [[List of prime ministers of Cambodia|Prime Minister]] of the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea]], from 1989 to 1993 of the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea#Transition|State of Cambodia]] and from 1993 to 2023 of the Kingdom of Cambodia.}}
| status1             = 
| term_start1         = 30 November 1998
| term_end1           = 22 August 2023
| monarch1            = {{ubl|[[Norodom Sihanouk]]|Norodom Sihamoni}}
| 1blankname1         = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia|Deputy]]
| 1namedata1          = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|''See list''}}|[[Sar Kheng]]|[[Hor Namhong]]<br /> (2004–2023)|[[Tea Banh]]<br />(2004–2023)|[[Bin Chhin]]<br />(2007–2023)|[[Yim Chhaily]]<br />(2008–2023)|[[Men Sam An]]<br />(2008–2023)|[[Ke Kim Yan]]<br />(2009–2023)|[[Prak Sokhonn]]<br />(2018–2023)|[[Aun Pornmoniroth]]<br />(2018–2023)|[[Chea Sophara]]<br />(2018–2023)}}
| predecessor1        = [[Ung Huot]] (as First Prime Minister)
| successor1          = [[Hun Manet]]
| term_start2         = 14 January 1985
| term_end2           = 2 July 1993<br />{{small|Acting: 26 December 1984 – 14 January 1985}}
| president2          = {{ubl|[[Heng Samrin]]|[[Chea Sim]]|Norodom Sihanouk}}
| deputy2             = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|''See list''}}|''Himself''<br />(1984–1985)|[[Bou Thang]]<br />(1984–1992)|[[Chea Soth]]<br />(1984–1992)|[[Sar Kheng]]<br />(1984–1992)}}
| predecessor2        = [[Chan Sy]] (as Prime Minister of the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea]])
| successor2          = [[Norodom Ranariddh]] (as First Prime Minister of Cambodia)
| office3             = [[Prime Minister of Cambodia|Second Prime Minister of Cambodia]]
| 1blankname3         = First Prime Minister
| 1namedata3          = {{ubl|Norodom Ranariddh<br />(1993–1997)|Ung Huot<br />(1997–1998)}}
| term_start3         = 2 July 1993
| term_end3           = 30 November 1998
| monarch3            = Norodom Sihanouk
| deputy3             = [[Sar Kheng]]
| predecessor3        = ''Office restored''
| successor3          = ''Himself'' (as Prime Minister)
| office4             = [[Cambodian People's Party#List of party leaders|President of the Cambodian People's Party]]
| vicepresident4      = {{ubl|[[Sar Kheng]]|[[Say Chhum]]|[[Tea Banh]]|[[Men Sam An]]|Hun Manet}}
| term_start4         = 20 June 2015
| term_end4           = 
| predecessor4        = [[Chea Sim]]
| successor4          = 
| office5             = Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council of the King of Cambodia
| term_start5         = 22 August 2023
| term_end5           = 
| monarch5            = Norodom Sihamoni
| office6             = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Cambodia)#Ministers|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]
| primeminister6      = ''Himself''
| term_start6         = 1988
| term_end6           = 1990
| predecessor6        = [[Kong Korm]]
| successor6          = [[Hor Namhong]]
| primeminister7      = {{ubl|[[Pen Sovan]]|[[Chan Sy]]|''Himself''}}
| term_start7         = 8 January 1979
| term_end7           = December 1986
| predecessor7        = [[Ieng Sary]]
| successor7          = [[Kong Korm]]
| office8             = [[Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia|Deputy Prime Minister]] of the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea]]
| president8          = [[Heng Samrin]]
| primeminister8      = {{ubl|[[Pen Sovann]]|[[Chan Sy]]|''Himself''}}
| term_start8         = 1981
| term_end8           = 1985
| predecessor8        = 
| successor8          = 
| office9             = Member of the [[National Assembly (Cambodia)|National Assembly]]
| term_start9         = 14 June 1993
| term_end9           = 2 April 2024
| constituency9       = [[Kampong Cham (National Assembly constituency)|Kampong Cham]] (1993–1998)<br />[[Kandal (National Assembly constituency)|Kandal]] (1998–2024)
| majority9           = 
| predecessor9        = 
| successor9          = 
| birth_name          = Hun Bunal
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1952|8|5|df=yes}}
| birth_place         = [[Peam Kaoh Sna]], Cambodia
| alma_mater          = [[National Academy of Public Administration (Vietnam)|(Vietnam) National Academy of Public Administration]]
| party               = [[Cambodian People's Party]]
| blank1              = Ethnicity
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Bun Rany]]|5 January 1976}}
| children            = 6, including [[Hun Manet|Manet]], [[Hun Manith|Manith]], and [[Hun Many|Many]]
| parents             = [[Hun Neang]]<br />Dee Yon
| signature           = Hun Sen sig.png
| website             = {{URL|samdechhunsen.gov.kh|Official website}}
| allegiance          = [[Democratic Kampuchea]]<br />[[People's Republic of Kampuchea]]<br />[[Cambodia|State of Cambodia]]<br />[[Kingdom of Cambodia]]
| branch              = [[Khmer Rouge]]<br />[[Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation]]<br />[[Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Armed Forces|Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Army]]<br />[[Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Armed Forces|Cambodian People's Army]]<br />[[Royal Cambodian Army]]
| rank                = [[General of the Army]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/royal-letter-sihanouk-praises-five-star-leaders|title=ROYAL LETTER: Sihanouk praises five star leaders|date=31 December 2009|website=Phnom Penh Post|access-date=5 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cppdailynews.blogspot.com/2009/12/his-majesty-promotes-cambodian-leaders.html|title=His Majesty Promotes Cambodian Leaders to Five-Star General|work=Cambodian People's Party|date=27 December 2009|access-date=5 December 2018}}</ref>
| commands            = [[Democratic Kampuchea]] – Eastern Region
| serviceyears        = 1970–1999
| awards              = [[Grand Order of National Merit]]
| battles             = [[Cambodian Civil War]] {{WIA}}<br />[[Cambodian–Vietnamese War]]<br />[[1997 Cambodian coup d'état]]
}}

[[Samdech]] '''Hun Sen'''{{Family name footnote|lang=Cambodian|Hun|Sen}} ({{IPAc-en|h|ʊ|n|_|s|ɛ|n}}; {{langx|km|ហ៊ុន សែន}}, [[Romanization of Khmer#UNGEGN|UNGEGN]]: {{transliteration|km|Hŭn Sên}} {{IPA|km|hun saen|}}; born 5 August 1952) is a Cambodian politician and former military officer who currently serves as the [[List of presidents of the Senate (Cambodia)|president of the Senate]]. He previously served as the [[prime minister of Cambodia]] from 1985 to 1993 and from 1998 to 2023.<ref name="veconomist">{{cite news|title=Cambodia's prime minister has wrecked a 25-year push for democracy|url=https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21730149-his-latest-ploy-disband-main-opposition-party-cambodias-prime-minister-has-wrecked|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=12 October 2017|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014095342/https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21730149-his-latest-ploy-disband-main-opposition-party-cambodias-prime-minister-has-wrecked|url-status=live}}</ref> Hun Sen is the longest-serving [[head of government]] in Cambodia's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66309249|title=Cambodia's Hun Sen to resign after four decades and appoint son as PM|work=[[BBC News]]|date=26 July 2023|accessdate=28 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-hun-sen-manet-politics-election-9d5f4bb91044ddecf58653e0f87b3390|title=Cambodia's Hun Sen, Asia's longest serving leader, says he'll step down and his son will take over|work=[[Associated Press]]|date=26 July 2023|accessdate=28 July 2023}}</ref> He is the president of the [[Cambodian People's Party]] (CPP), which has governed Cambodia since 1979, and has served as a member of the [[Senate (Cambodia)|Senate]] since [[2024 Cambodian Senate election|2024]]. His full honorary title is '''Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen''' ({{langx|km|សម្តេច អគ្គមហាសេនាបតី តេជោ ហ៊ុន សែន}} {{IPA|km|sɑmɗac ʔakkeaʔ mɔhaː senaː paɗəj tecoː hun saen|}}; meaning "Lord Prime Minister and Supreme Military Commander Hun Sen").<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/cambodian-media-prime-minister-hun-sen-full-royal-title|title=Welcome, Lord Prime Minister: Cambodian media told to use leader's full royal title|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=12 May 2016|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=7 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107070828/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/cambodian-media-prime-minister-hun-sen-full-royal-title|url-status=live}}</ref>

Born '''Hun Bunal''',{{efn|{{langx|km|ហ៊ុន ប៊ុនណាល់}}, [[Romanization of Khmer#UNGEGN|UNGEGN]]: {{transliteration|km|Hŭn Bŭnnăl}}; {{IPA|km|hun ɓunnal}}}} he [[Nom-de-guerre|changed his name]] to Hun Sen in 1972, two years after joining the [[Khmer Rouge]] as a soldier. He fought for the Khmer Rouge in the [[Cambodian Civil War]] and was a battalion commander in [[Democratic Kampuchea]] until [[Defection|defecting]] in 1977 and fighting alongside Vietnamese forces in the [[Cambodian–Vietnamese War]]. From 1979 to 1986 and again from 1987 to 1990, he served as Cambodia's [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Cambodia)|foreign minister]] in the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea|puppet government installed by Vietnam]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |date=12 January 2015 |title=30 Years of Hun Sen |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2015/01/12/30-years-hun-sen/violence-repression-and-corruption-cambodia |language=en |access-date=8 December 2020 |website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>  At age 26, he was also the world's youngest foreign minister.<ref name=":4">{{cite book|first=Sebastian|last=Strangio|title=Hun Sen's Cambodia|isbn=978-0-300-19072-4|date=2014|publisher=Yale University Press}}</ref>

Hun Sen rose to the premiership in January 1985 when the [[Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party|one-party]] [[National Assembly of Cambodia|National Assembly]] appointed him to succeed [[Chan Sy]], who had died in office in December 1984. He held the position until the [[1993 Cambodian general election|1993 UN-backed elections]] which resulted in a [[hung parliament]], with opposition party [[FUNCINPEC]] winning the majority of votes. Hun Sen refused to accept the result.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|last=Branigin|first=William|date=11 June 1993|title=PHNOM PENH REJECTS RESULTS OF ELECTION|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1993/06/11/phnom-penh-rejects-results-of-election/c43a7f1e-abcf-4ebd-b3b2-fe757f96f930/|access-date=9 December 2020|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> After negotiations with FUNCINPEC, [[Norodom Ranariddh]] and Hun Sen agreed to simultaneously serve as First and Second Prime Minister, until the coalition broke down and Sen orchestrated a [[1997 Cambodian coup d'état|coup d'état in 1997]] which toppled Ranariddh. Between 1998 and 2023, Hun Sen led the CPP to consecutive and often contentious [[Elections in Cambodia|election]] victories, overseeing [[Economy of Cambodia|rapid economic growth]] and development, but also [[Corruption in Cambodia|corruption]], [[Deforestation in Cambodia|deforestation]] and [[Human rights in Cambodia|human rights violations]].<ref name=":15">{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cambodian-parliament-launches-era-of-one-party-rule|title=Cambodian Parliament launches era of one-party rule|website=[[The Straits Times]]|date=5 September 2018|access-date=7 July 2020|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715015515/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cambodian-parliament-launches-era-of-one-party-rule|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/hun-sen-elected-president-of-ruling-cambodian-peoples-party-06222015152749.html|title=Hun Sen Elected President of Ruling Cambodian People's Party|date=22 June 2015|work=[[Radio Free Asia]]|access-date=3 December 2016|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615135327/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/hun-sen-elected-president-of-ruling-cambodian-peoples-party-06222015152749.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=Nachemson|first=Andrew|title=EU Partially Withdraws Cambodia Trade Deal Amid Rights Concerns|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/eu-partially-withdraws-cambodia-trade-deal-amid-rights-concerns/|access-date=9 December 2020|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130083645/https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/eu-partially-withdraws-cambodia-trade-deal-amid-rights-concerns/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":92">{{Cite news|last=Campbell|first=Charlie|date=14 May 2013|title=In Cambodia, China Fuels Deadly Illegal Logging Trade|language=en-US|magazine=Time|url=https://world.time.com/2013/05/14/in-cambodia-illegal-logging-unabated-on-anniversary-of-leading-activists-death/|access-date=8 December 2020|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111220719/https://world.time.com/2013/05/14/in-cambodia-illegal-logging-unabated-on-anniversary-of-leading-activists-death/|url-status=live}}</ref>  In [[2013 Cambodian general election|2013]], Hun Sen and the CPP were reelected with a significantly reduced majority amidst a [[Cambodia National Rescue Party|resurgent opposition]]. Allegations of voter fraud and irregularities led to unprecedented [[2013–14 Cambodian protests|anti-government protests]]. In [[2018 Cambodian general election|2018]], he was elected to a sixth and final term in a largely unopposed poll after the Supreme Court dissolved the main opposition party, with the CPP winning every seat in the National Assembly.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/29/cambodia-hun-sen-re-elected-in-landslide-victory-after-brutal-crackdown|title=Cambodia: Hun Sen re-elected in landslide victory after brutal crackdown|date=29 July 2018|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=16 September 2018|archive-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729175052/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/29/cambodia-hun-sen-re-elected-in-landslide-victory-after-brutal-crackdown|url-status=live}}</ref> He led the country during the onset of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia|COVID-19 pandemic]] and Cambodia's third chairmanship of [[ASEAN]]; and, after the [[2023 Cambodian general election|2023 election]] formally announced his resignation as prime minister [[Dynasty|in favour of his son]], [[Hun Manet]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501331629/prime-minister-hun-sen-announces-resignation/|title=Prime Minister Hun Sen announces resignation|work=[[Khmer Times]]|date=26 July 2023|accessdate=26 July 2023|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727011745/https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501331629/prime-minister-hun-sen-announces-resignation/|url-status=live}}</ref> He remains as party leader and in [[2024 Cambodian Senate election|2024]], was appointed president of the Senate, ensuring his continued influence over the country's politics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501331664/hun-manet-will-become-new-prime-minister-on-august-22nd/|title=Hun Manet will become new Prime Minister on August 22nd|work=[[Khmer Times]]|date=26 July 2023|accessdate=26 July 2023|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727011740/https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501331664/hun-manet-will-become-new-prime-minister-on-august-22nd/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Hun Sen has been prominent in [[communist]], [[Marxist–Leninist]], and now [[state capitalist]] and [[national conservative]] political parties, and although [[Khmer nationalism]] has been a consistent trait of all of them, he is thought to lack a core political ideology.<ref name=":22">{{Cite journal|last=Slocomb|first=Margaret|date=2006|title=The Nature and Role of Ideology in the Modern Cambodian State|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20071782|journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Studies|volume=37|issue=3|pages=375–395|doi=10.1017/S0022463406000695|jstor=20071782|s2cid=144936898|issn=0022-4634|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120083902/https://www.jstor.org/stable/20071782|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite magazine|title=40 Years After Khmer Rouge Rule, Cambodia Grapples With Legacy|url=https://time.com/5486460/pol-pot-cambodia-1979/|access-date=13 December 2020|magazine=Time}}</ref> He has been described as a "wily operator who destroys his political opponents" by ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-asks-cambodia-to-take-asylum-seekers-amid-violent-crackdown-20140223-33amf.html|title=Australia asks Cambodia to take asylum seekers amid violent crackdown|date=24 February 2014|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=25 February 2014|archive-date=28 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828135110/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-asks-cambodia-to-take-asylum-seekers-amid-violent-crackdown-20140223-33amf.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and as a dictator who has assumed highly centralized power in Cambodia and considerable personal wealth using violence and corruption,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Cuddy |first=Alice |title=New report exposes Cambodian PM's vast family wealth |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/7/7/new-report-exposes-cambodian-pms-vast-family-wealth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423023258/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/7/7/new-report-exposes-cambodian-pms-vast-family-wealth |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=8 December 2020 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=17 November 2012|title=Tenth out of Ten|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21566658-few-days-centre-stage-hun-sen-cambodias-dictator-may-not-be-entirely-welcome-tenth-out|access-date=29 September 2013|newspaper=The Economist (Banyan, Asia)|archive-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116154157/https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21566658-few-days-centre-stage-hun-sen-cambodias-dictator-may-not-be-entirely-welcome-tenth-out|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |date=28 June 2018 |title=Cambodian PM now 'fully fledged military dictator', says report |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/28/cambodian-pm-hun-sen-fully-fledged-military-dictator-says-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715015317/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/28/cambodian-pm-hun-sen-fully-fledged-military-dictator-says-report |archive-date=15 July 2019 |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> including a personal guard said to rival the country's regular army.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Fuller|date=5 January 2014|title=Cambodia Steps Up Crackdown on Dissent With Ban on Assembly|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/06/world/asia/cambodia-crackdown-on-dissent.html|access-date=8 January 2014|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217030845/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/06/world/asia/cambodia-crackdown-on-dissent.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early life and education==

Hun Sen was born on 5 August 1952,<ref name="change-birthdate">{{cite news |title=Cambodian PM to change his official date of birth-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/20220517/742a41b3a1614eaeb4928badad2b9adf/c.html |access-date=14 May 2023 |agency=Xinhua |date=17 May 2022}}</ref> in [[Peam Kaoh Sna]], [[Kampong Cham Province|Kampong Cham]] as Hun Bunal (also called Hun Nal),<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Mehta|first1=Harish C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2SqJAAAAQBAJ&q=hun+sen+name+change&pg=PA62|title=Strongman: The Extraordinary Life of Hun Sen: The Extraordinary Life of Hun Sen|last2=Mehta|first2=Julie B.|date=2013|publisher=Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd|isbn=978-981-4484-60-2|pages=62, 73|language=en}}</ref> the third of six children. His father, [[Hun Neang]], had been a resident monk in a local [[Wat]] in Kampong Cham province before defrocking himself to join the French resistance and marry Hun Sen's mother, Dee Yon, in the 1940s. Hun Neang's paternal grandparents were wealthy landowners of [[Chinese Cambodian|Chinese heritage]].<ref>Forest (2008), p. 178 "Sino-khmer originaire du district de Krauch Chmar 140, Hun Sèn descend par ses grands-parents paternels d'une famille de propriétaires terriens qui paraît correspondre au stéréotype du Chinois – téochiew ? – implanté en zone rurale, c'est-à-dire aisée mais sans pouvoir administratif. Par sa mère, il descendrait inversement d'une tête de réseau....."</ref><ref>[[Time (magazine)|Time]], Volume 136 (1990), p. 329 Beijing has not softened its hostility toward Hun Sen, but there are subtle signs that China may yet shift its position. Some officials now mention that Hun Sen's grandfather was Chinese, seeming to hint at the possibility of a new....</ref> His Chinese ancestry is at Zhuanshui Village, Tanjiang Town, [[Fengshun County]].

Hun Neang inherited some of his family assets, including several hectares of land, and led a relatively comfortable life until a kidnapping incident forced their family to sell off much of their assets.<ref>Harish C. Mehta (1999), p. 15-6</ref> Hun Nal left his family at the age of 13 to attend a monastic school in [[Phnom Penh]]. At the time, he changed his name to Ritthi Sen or simply Sen; his prior given name, Nal, was often a nickname for overweight children.<ref name=":0" />

He graduated with a master in state administrative management from the [[National Academy of Public Administration (Vietnam)|National Academy of Public Administration]] of Vietnam.

==Military career and entry to politics==

When [[Lon Nol]] [[Cambodian coup of 1970|removed Norodom Sihanouk from power]] in 1970, Sen gave up his education to join the [[Khmer Rouge]] following [[Norodom Sihanouk|Sihanouk's]] call to join the insurgency.<ref>Harish C. Mehta (1999), p. 11, 21</ref><ref name=":10" /> Sen also claims he was inspired to fight against foreign interference when his hometown of Memot was bombed by U.S. aircraft in [[Operation Menu]]. Sen claims he had no political opinions or ideology at the time.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web|title=A Talk with Prime Minister Hun Sen|url=http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/talk-prime-minister-hun-sen|access-date=12 December 2020|website=www.culturalsurvival.org|date=2 March 2010 |language=en}}</ref> As a soldier, he again changed his name, this time to Hun Samrach, to conceal his identity.<ref name=":0" />

He changed his name to Hun Sen two years later, saying that the name Hun Samrach had been inauspicious and that he had been wounded several times during the period he had that name.<ref name=":0" /> Sen rapidly ascended ranks as a soldier, and fought during the [[fall of Phnom Penh]], becoming injured and being hospitalized for some time<ref name=":10" /> and sustaining a permanent eye injury.<ref name="Eye" />

In [[Democratic Kampuchea]], Sen served as a Battalion Commander in the Eastern Region, with authority over around 2000 men.<ref name=":10" /> The involvement or role of Sen in the [[Cambodian genocide]] is unclear, although he denies complicity.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 July 2018|title=Hun Sen: Cambodia's strongman prime minister|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-23257699|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref> ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'' suggested he may have had a role in a [[Cambodian genocide#Cham Muslims|massacre]] to suppress [[Chams|Cham Muslim]] unrest in September–October 1975, but Sen has denied this, claiming that he had stopped following orders from the central government by this time.<ref name=":10" /> Sen claims he had increasing disagreements with Khmer Rouge authorities in the administration throughout 1975–1977.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":23" />

In 1977, during internal purges of the Khmer Rouge regime, Hun Sen and his battalion cadres fled to Vietnam.<ref name=":10" /> During the [[Cambodian–Vietnamese War]] as Vietnam prepared to invade Cambodia, Hun Sen became one of the leaders of the [[Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation|Vietnamese-sponsored rebel army]]. He was given the secret name '''Mai Phúc'''{{efn|Means "forever happiness".}} by Vietnamese leaders.

Following the defeat of the Khmer Rouge regime, Hun Sen was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Vietnamese-installed [[People's Republic of Kampuchea|People's Republic of Kampuchea/State of Cambodia]] (PRK/SOC) in 1979 at age 26.<ref name=":4" /> The Vietnamese-appointed government appointed Sen some authority over the [[K5 Plan]], a Khmer Rouge containment strategy that saw the mass mobilization of civilian labor in constructing barricades and [[Land mines in Cambodia|land mines]], although the extent of his involvement is unclear.<ref name=":10" />

== First appointment as prime minister (1985–1993) ==
Hun Sen first rose to the [[Prime Minister of Cambodia|premiership]] in January 1985 when the one-party National Assembly encouraged by ''politburo'' cadre [[Say Phouthang]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jeerawat |first=Na Thaland |date=26 June 2016 |title=Tearful farewell for the Thai-bornkingmaker who crowned Hun Sen |language=en |work=[[Bangkok Post]] |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1020213/tearful-farewell-for-the-thai-bornkingmaker-who-crowned-hun-sen |access-date=25 May 2023 |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727010539/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1020213/tearful-farewell-for-the-thai-bornkingmaker-who-crowned-hun-sen |url-status=live }}</ref> appointed him to succeed [[Chan Sy]], who had died in office in December 1984. As the ''de facto'' leader of Cambodia, in 1985, he was elected as Chairman of the Council of Ministers and [[Prime Minister of Cambodia|Prime Minister]]. Sen oversaw continuing conflict against several ongoing [[Cambodian Conflict (1979–1998)|insurgencies]] during this period.<ref name=":10" />

In 1987, [[Amnesty International]] accused Hun Sen's government of torturing thousands of political prisoners, using "electric shocks, hot irons and near-suffocation with plastic bags."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8013822.html|title=Cambodia is Said to Torture Prisoners|author=<!-- unknown -->|date=4 June 1987|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611063352/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8013822.html|archive-date=11 June 2014|access-date=13 February 2014|newspaper=The Boston Globe}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite news|title=Kampuchea: Political Imprisonment and Torture|author=Amnesty International|date=June 1987|location=London}}</ref><ref>[https://apnews.com/619e25a700c5ec2e46e3dfc2438227bb Cambodia Criticizes Amnesty International Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409083038/https://apnews.com/619e25a700c5ec2e46e3dfc2438227bb |date=9 April 2023 }} The Associated Press. 6 June 1987</ref>

=== Paris Peace Talks and UNTAC (1991–1993) ===

As foreign minister and then prime minister, Hun Sen played a role in the [[1991 Paris Peace Accords|1991 Paris Peace Talks]], which brokered peace in Cambodia and formally ended the [[Cambodian–Vietnamese War]].

He held the position of prime minister during the [[United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia|United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)]] until the [[1993 Cambodian general election|1993 UN-sponsored elections]], which resulted opposition party [[FUNCINPEC]] winning the majority of votes with a [[hung parliament]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 February 2020|title=How strategic 'gift-giving' has sustained Hun Sen's 35-year grip on power|url=https://southeastasiaglobe.com/hun-sen-35-years-in-power/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Southeast Asia Globe|language=en-US|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208121516/https://southeastasiaglobe.com/hun-sen-35-years-in-power/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hun Sen and his party formally rejected the result.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|title=What has gone wrong in Cambodia?|url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-has-gone-wrong-cambodia|access-date=8 December 2020|website=www.lowyinstitute.org|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708195356/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/what-has-gone-wrong-cambodia|url-status=live}}</ref> With the support of much of the state apparatus, including the army and police, Hun Sen and his deputy [[Norodom Chakrapong]] threatened to lead the [[Samdech Euv Autonomous Zone|secession of seven provinces]]<ref name=":14" /> and CPP-backed forces committed violence against UN and FUNCINPEC forces<ref>{{Cite journal|date=27 June 2018|title=Cambodia's Dirty Dozen|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/06/27/cambodias-dirty-dozen/long-history-rights-abuses-hun-sens-generals|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211084840/https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/06/27/cambodias-dirty-dozen/long-history-rights-abuses-hun-sens-generals|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> although Sen distanced himself from the secessionist movement a few days later.<ref name=":12" /> UNTAC and FUNCINPEC conceded a unique power sharing agreement with Hun Sen serving as Second Prime Minister alongside First Prime Minister [[Norodom Ranariddh]].<ref name=":12" />

=== Co-premiership (1993–1997) ===
{{Section empty|date=August 2024}}

=== 1997 coup ===

{{Main|1997 Cambodian coup}}

In 1997, the coalition became unstable due to tensions between Ranariddh and Hun Sen. [[FUNCINPEC]] entered into discussions with the remaining Khmer Rouge rebels (with whom it [[National United Front of Kampuchea|had been allied]] against Hun Sen's Vietnamese-backed government during the 1980s), with the aim of absorbing them into its ranks.<ref name="Kamm">{{cite book|last=Kamm|first=Henry|title=Cambodia|year=1998|publisher=Arcade Publishing, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=1-55970-433-0|pages=[https://archive.org/details/cambodiareportfr00kamm/page/237 237–240]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/cambodiareportfr00kamm/page/237}}</ref> Such a development would have altered the balance of military power between royalists and the CPP.

In response, Hun Sen launched the [[1997 Cambodian Coup|1997 coup]], replacing Ranariddh with [[Ung Huot]] as the First Prime Minister and maintaining his position as the Second Prime Minister.

In an open letter, [[Amnesty International]] condemned the [[summary execution]] of FUNCINPEC ministers and the "systematic campaign of arrests and harassment" of political opponents.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA23/033/1997/en/25aeac73-e9f0-11dd-90b2-a9da8ab8e550/asa230331997en.html|title=Open letter to Second Prime Minister Hun Sen|publisher=Amnesty International|author=Secretary General Pierre Sane|date=11 July 1997|access-date=13 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316144404/http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA23/033/1997/en/25aeac73-e9f0-11dd-90b2-a9da8ab8e550/asa230331997en.html|archive-date=16 March 2014}}</ref> [[Thomas Hammarberg]], then Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia, strongly condemned the coup.<ref name=":10" />

== Prime Minister of Cambodia (1998–2023) ==

{{See also|Cabinet of Hun Sen}}

In the [[1998 Cambodian general election|1998 election]], he led the CPP to victory and forming a coalition with FUNCINPEC.

The [[2003 Cambodian general election|elections of July 2003]] resulted in a larger majority in the National Assembly for the CPP, with FUNCINPEC losing seats to the CPP and the [[Sam Rainsy Party]]. However, the CPP's majority was short of the two thirds constitutionally required for the CPP to form a government alone. This deadlock was overcome when a new CPP-FUNCINPEC coalition was formed in mid-2004, with [[Norodom Ranariddh]] chosen to be head of the National Assembly and Hun Sen again becoming sole prime minister.

Sen has opposed extensive investigations and prosecutions related to crimes committed by former Khmer Rouge leaders by the UN-backed [[Khmer Rouge Tribunal]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 November 2011|title=Cambodian Premier says No More Khmer Rouge Trials |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/cambodian-premier-says-no-more-khmer-rouge-trials-105873293/129117.html|access-date=19 July 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108230947/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Cambodian-Premier-says-No-More-Khmer-Rouge-Trials-105873293.html|archive-date=8 November 2011}}</ref><ref name=":28" />

On 6 May 2013, Hun Sen declared his intention to rule Cambodia until the age of 74.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/hun-sen-reveals-plan-to-win-3-more-elections-retire-at-age-74-22700/|title=Hun Sen Reveals Plan to Win 3 More Elections, Retire at Age 74|last=Neou|first=Vannarin|date=7 May 2013|newspaper=The Cambodia Daily|access-date=16 February 2014|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222040413/http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/hun-sen-reveals-plan-to-win-3-more-elections-retire-at-age-74-22700/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cambodia-youth-idUKBRE98500G20130906|title=As protest looms, Cambodia's strongman Hun Sen faces restive, tech-savvy youth|last=Thul|first=Prak Chan|date=6 September 2013|newspaper=Reuters UK|access-date=14 February 2014|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809223926/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cambodia-youth-idUKBRE98500G20130906|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2013–2014 protests ===

{{Main|2013–2014 Cambodian protests}}[[File:CNRP protesters raise flags.jpg|thumb|Protesters against Hun Sen's regime in Cambodia.]]

After the [[2013 Cambodian general election|July 2013 general elections]] both Hun Sen and his opponents [[Cambodia National Rescue Party]] claimed victory. In August, Hun Sen continued to pursue his aim of forming a new government.<ref>{{cite news|author=Prak Chan Thul|date=2 August 2013|title=Defiant Hun Sen says to form government despite Cambodia poll row|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-election-idUSBRE9710G920130802|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410001822/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-election-idUSBRE9710G920130802|url-status=live}}</ref> Cambodians in the United States, Canada and elsewhere, with hundreds of Buddhist Monks, peacefully protested in front of the [[Headquarters of the United Nations|United Nations]] in New York City on 19 August in opposition to Hun Sen's deployment of military and security forces in Phnom Penh, his unwillingness to share political power with opposition groups and seriously address earlier voting fraud and election irregularities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130906005612/en/Cambodia-Buddhist-Monks%E2%80%99-Rally-United-Nations-Prelude|title=Cambodia, Buddhist Monks' Rally at United Nations: Prelude to Upcoming Phnom Penh Demonstrations – Business Wire|date=6 September 2013|work=businesswire.com|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414122526/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130906005612/en/Cambodia-Buddhist-Monks%E2%80%99-Rally-United-Nations-Prelude|url-status=live}}</ref>

One person was killed and others injured during protests in Phnom Penh in September 2013, where a reported 20,000 protesters gathered, some clashing with riot police.<ref>[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/cambodia-protest-clashes/814406.html Retrieved September 16, 2013] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926161920/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/cambodia-protest-clashes/814406.html |date=26 September 2013 }}</ref> Following two weeks of opposition protests, Hun Sen declared that he had been constitutionally elected and would not step down nor hold a new election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-says-he-will-not-resign-or-call-election-49554/|title=Hun Sen Says He Will Not Resign, or Call Election|first=Kuch|last=Naren|work=The Cambodia Daily|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328104431/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-says-he-will-not-resign-or-call-election-49554/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 7 September 2013, tens of thousands of Cambodians, along with [[Buddhist]] monks and opposition groups, including [[Sam Rainsy]]'s [[Cambodian National Rescue Party]] held mass demonstrations in [[Phnom Penh]] to protest the 28 July elections results which they claimed were flawed and marred by voting irregularities and potential fraud. The groups asked the United Nations to investigate and claimed that the elections results were not free and fair.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://news.yahoo.com/cambodia-opposition-rallies-push-poll-probe-040535958.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CecgStSo0oAt6zQtDMD
|title=Cambodia opposition rallies in push for poll probe
|agency=Reuters
|author=Thul, Prak Chan
|editor-first1=Martin
|editor-last1=Petty
|editor-first2=Michael
|editor-last2=Perry
|date=8 September 2013
|access-date=14 February 2014
|archive-date=16 October 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016225040/https://news.yahoo.com/cambodia-opposition-rallies-push-poll-probe-040535958.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CecgStSo0oAt6zQtDMD
|url-status=live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130906005612/en/Cambodia-Buddhist-Monks%E2%80%99-Rally-United-Nations-Prelude
|title=Cambodia, Buddhist Monks' Rally at United Nations: Prelude to Upcoming Phnom Penh Demonstrations
|publisher=Businesswire
|author=<!-- unknown -->
|date=6 September 2013
|access-date=14 February 2014
|archive-date=14 April 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414122526/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130906005612/en/Cambodia-Buddhist-Monks%E2%80%99-Rally-United-Nations-Prelude
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

On 3 January 2014, military police opened fire at protesters, killing 4 people and injuring more than 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voacambodia.com/content/workers-police-clash-leaving-3-dead-in-cambodia/1822721.html|title=Workers, Police Clash, Leaving 3 Dead in Cambodia|publisher=VOA|date=3 January 2014|access-date=17 February 2014|archive-date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317055410/http://www.voacambodia.com/content/workers-police-clash-leaving-3-dead-in-cambodia/1822721.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The United Nations and [[US State Department]] condemned the violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://khmer.voanews.com/a/us-state-department-condemn-violence-on-protestors-in-cambodia/1823211.html|title=សហរដ្ឋអាមេរិកថ្កោលទោសការប្រើប្រាស់អំពើហិង្សានៅកម្ពុជា|work=វីអូអេ|date=4 January 2014|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305083644/http://khmer.voanews.com/content/us-state-department-condemn-violence-on-protestors-in-cambodia/1823211.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46869&Cr=protest&Cr1=|title=United Nations News Centre|date=3 January 2014|work=UN News Service Section|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=30 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730071604/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46869&Cr=protest&Cr1=|url-status=live}}</ref> US Congressman [[Ed Royce (politician)|Ed Royce]] responded to the report of violence in Cambodia by calling for Hun Sen to step down, saying that the Cambodian people deserve a better leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voacambodia.com/content/us-house-foreign-affairs-chair-calls-for-hun-sen-to-step-down/1824339.html|title=US House Foreign Affairs Chair Calls for Hun Sen to Step Down|first=Sok|last=Khemara|date=7 January 2014|publisher=[[Voice of America]]|access-date=17 February 2014|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323122354/http://www.voacambodia.com/content/us-house-foreign-affairs-chair-calls-for-hun-sen-to-step-down/1824339.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Consolidation of power (2015– 2023) ===

[[File:Dmitry Medvedev and Hun Sen at 12th ASEM (1).jpg|thumb|Hun Sen with Russian Prime Minister [[Dmitry Medvedev]] on 18 October 2018]]

[[File:Fumio Kishida Hun Sen 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit.jpg|thumb|Hun Sen with Japanese Prime Minister [[Fumio Kishida]] in [[Kumamoto]], Japan on 23 April 2022.]]

[[File:President Biden met with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia before the 2022 ASEAN Summit.jpg|thumb|Hun Sen with US President [[Joe Biden]] during the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, 12 November 2022.]]

[[File:Secretary Blinken Meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Cambodia (52261951117).jpg|thumb|Hun Sen with US Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 4 August 2022]]

On 10 June 2014, Hun Sen made a public appearance and claimed he has no health problems. He warned that if he were to die prematurely, the country would spin out of control and the opposition could expect trouble from the [[Royal Cambodian Armed Forces|armed forces]], saying he is the only person who can control the army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cambodian-pm-opposition-rue-death-24068866|title=Cambodian PM Says Opposition Will Rue His Death|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|date=10 June 2014|access-date=15 June 2014|archive-date=23 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623045429/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cambodian-pm-opposition-rue-death-24068866|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, disputes occurred on the [[Cambodia–Laos border]], and Hun Sen called on the [[Lao People's Armed Forces|Laotian army]] to leave Cambodian territory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cambodia PM gives ultimatum to Laos over ‘invasion’ |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/8/11/cambodia-pm-gives-ultimatum-to-laos-over-invasion |work=Al Jazeera |date=11 August 2017}}</ref>

Following Hun Sen's orders, on 31 January 2017, the National Assembly voted unanimously to abolish the [[Minority Leader (Cambodia)|Minority Leader]] and [[Majority Leader (Cambodia)|Majority Leader]] positions to lessen the opposition party's influence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/culture-of-dialogue-faces-official-demise-124308/|title=Culture of Dialogue Faces Official Demise|work=[[The Cambodia Daily]]|date=31 January 2017|access-date=7 February 2017|first=Naren|last=Kuch|archive-date=2 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602134829/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/culture-of-dialogue-faces-official-demise-124308/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 2 February 2017, Hun Sen barred the opposition from questioning some of his government ministers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/pm-hun-sen-tells-ministers-ignore-cnrp-requests-appear-assembly |title=PM Hun Sen tells ministers to ignore CNRP requests to appear at assembly |work=[[The Phnom Penh Post]] |date=2 February 2017 |access-date=8 February 2017 |author1=Mech, Dara |author2=Meas, Sokchea |archive-date=4 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204170555/http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/pm-hun-sen-tells-ministers-ignore-cnrp-requests-appear-assembly |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, Hun Sen vowed a [[constitutional amendment]] which later saw the opposition [[Cambodia National Rescue Party]] dissolved.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cambodiadaily.com/morenews/proposed-rules-could-see-cnrp-dissolved-124527 |title=Proposed Rules Could See CNRP Dissolved |work=[[The Cambodia Daily]] |date=3 February 2017 |access-date=7 February 2017 |author1=Naren, Kouch |author2=Paviour, Ben |archive-date=6 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206013141/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/morenews/proposed-rules-could-see-cnrp-dissolved-124527/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This move led to the surprise resignation of opposition leader Sam Rainsy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-politics-idUSKBN15Q0HB |title=Cambodia opposition leader Rainsy resigns from party |work=[[Reuters]] |date=11 February 2017 |access-date=12 February 2017 |author=Prak Chan Thul |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828134359/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-politics-idUSKBN15Q0HB |url-status=live }}</ref> The controversial law was passed on 20 February 2017, effectively granting the ruling party the right to dissolve political parties.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-20/cambodia-changes-political-rules-in-triumph-of-dictatorship/8287662 |title=Cambodia changes political rules in 'triumph of dictatorship', critics say |work=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=20 February 2017 |access-date=20 February 2017 |archive-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221011825/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-20/cambodia-changes-political-rules-in-triumph-of-dictatorship/8287662 |url-status=live }}</ref> Opposition leader [[Kem Sokha]] was later arrested for treason.<ref name=":7" />

On 30 June 2018, weeks before the parliamentary elections, Hun Sen appointed his second eldest son, [[Hun Manet]], into higher military positions. Some analysts had speculated Manet may be a future candidate for Sen's position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cambodian-strongmans-son-assumes-powerful-military-roles|title=Cambodian strongman's son assumes powerful military roles|author=Hermes Auto|date=30 June 2018|website=The Straits Times|access-date=5 December 2018|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702150815/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cambodian-strongmans-son-assumes-powerful-military-roles|url-status=live}}</ref> Hun Sen affirmed at the time that his son could become prime minister if elected rather than through direct handover, though he intends to rule until at least 2028.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voacambodia.com/a/hun-sen-my-son-will-have-to-wait-ten-years-to-take-over/5245062.html|title=Hun Sen: My Son Will Have To Wait Ten Years To Take Over|first=Sun|last=Narin|work=VOA Khmer|date=14 January 2020|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628084516/https://www.voacambodia.com/a/hun-sen-my-son-will-have-to-wait-ten-years-to-take-over/5245062.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[2018 Cambodian general election|2018 elections]] were dismissed as [[sham election]]s by the international community,<ref name="dissolve">{{cite news|date=16 November 2017|title=Supreme Court rules to dissolve CNRP|work=[[The Phnom Penh Post]]|url=http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/breaking-supreme-court-rules-dissolve-cnrp|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129045831/https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/breaking-supreme-court-rules-dissolve-cnrp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 July 2018|title=Rights Groups Call Out Cambodia's 'Sham' Election|work=VOA Cambodia|publisher=[[Voice of America]]|url=https://www.voacambodia.com/a/rights-groups-call-out-cambodia-sham-election/4503007.html|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805125658/https://www.voacambodia.com/a/rights-groups-call-out-cambodia-sham-election/4503007.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the opposition party having been dissolved.

Hun Sen blocked the return of exiled [[Cambodia National Rescue Party]] leaders to Cambodia, including [[Sam Rainsy]] and [[Mu Sochua]], in November 2019. He ordered the military to "attack" them on sight should they return,<ref name=":27">{{Cite web|title=Cambodia's PM Hun Sen Orders Military to 'Attack' Exile Opposition Leaders on Sight|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/military-10072019173702.html|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Radio Free Asia|language=en|archive-date=10 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510223015/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/military-10072019173702.html|url-status=live}}</ref> threatened airlines with legal actions for allowing them to board, deployed thousands of troops to the Thai and Vietnamese borders, and requested other [[ASEAN]] leaders arrest them and deport them to Cambodia.<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Andrew |last1=Nachemson |first2=Yon |last2=Sineat|title=Cambodia's Sam Rainsy faces hurdles as he attempts to return home|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/8/cambodias-sam-rainsy-faces-hurdles-as-he-attempts-to-return-home|access-date=8 December 2020|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721094159/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/8/cambodias-sam-rainsy-faces-hurdles-as-he-attempts-to-return-home|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, the [[European Union]] suspended its [[Everything but Arms]] preferential trade agreement with Cambodia due to concerns over [[Human rights in Cambodia|human rights violations]] under Hun Sen's government.<ref name=":16"/> Sen criticized the move as "biased" and "unfair", including at the [[United Nations General Assembly]] in 2020.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2020 |title=At U.N. Meeting, Hun Sen Blasts E.U. Trade Sanctions As "Biased and Unfair" |url=https://www.voacambodia.com/a/at-un-meeting-hun-sen-blasts-eu-trade-sanctions-as-biased-and-unfair-/5600399.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220025159/https://www.voacambodia.com/a/at-un-meeting-hun-sen-blasts-eu-trade-sanctions-as-biased-and-unfair-/5600399.html |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=9 December 2020 |website=VOA |language=en}}</ref>

During the early stages of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia|COVID-19 pandemic]], Hun Sen downplayed the risk of the [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|virus]] and declined to introduce preventative measures or evacuate Cambodian citizens from Wuhan during the initial [[COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China|outbreak in China]]. It was widely reported this was in an attempt to show solidarity with China, one of Cambodia's [[Cambodia–China relations|closest diplomatic and economic allies]]. Hun Sen visited China during the outbreak and offered to visit [[Wuhan]] specifically during its [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Hubei|lockdown]]. In February 2020, at a press conference, he criticized the media for sensationalizing the virus, and threatened to expel those present who were [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|wearing masks]]. Hun Sen was also present to welcome passengers of the ''[[MS Westerdam]]'' [[COVID-19 pandemic on cruise ships|cruise ship]] to dock in Sihanoukville, after it was turned away from other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tiezzi|first=Shannon|title=China and Cambodia: Love in the Time of Coronavirus|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/china-and-cambodia-love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206005246/https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/china-and-cambodia-love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hun Sen's Political Gamble: The Coronavirus Epidemic|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/hun-sens-political-gamble-the-coronavirus-epidemic/|access-date=1 December 2020|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226082439/https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/hun-sens-political-gamble-the-coronavirus-epidemic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Beech|first=Hannah|date=18 February 2020|title=Cambodia's Coronavirus Complacency May Exact a Global Toll|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/17/world/asia/coronavirus-westerdam-cambodia-hun-sen.html|access-date=1 December 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218010645/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/17/world/asia/coronavirus-westerdam-cambodia-hun-sen.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Grundy-Warr|first1=Carl|last2=Lin|first2=Shaun|date=16 June 2020|title=COVID-19 geopolitics: silence and erasure in Cambodia and Myanmar in times of pandemic|journal=Eurasian Geography and Economics|volume=61|issue=4–5|pages=493–510|doi=10.1080/15387216.2020.1780928|s2cid=225795003 |issn=1538-7216|doi-access=}}</ref> Cambodia started implementing preventative measures and travel restrictions from March 2020 as the pandemic spread globally.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 December 2020|title=At first Cambodians couldn't believe their COVID-19 numbers. Now they do|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-04/cambodia-handling-covid-19-community-transmission-zero-deaths/12938226|access-date=5 December 2020|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|archive-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428074537/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-04/cambodia-handling-covid-19-community-transmission-zero-deaths/12938226|url-status=live}}</ref>

A new State of Emergency Law prepared in response to COVID-19 granted Hun Sen further powers to restrict movement and assembly, seize private property and enforce quarantine. The new law has been criticised by [[Amnesty International]] for curbing human rights.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=10 April 2020|title=Fears as Cambodia grants PM vast powers under Covid-19 pretext|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/10/fears-as-cambodia-grants-hun-sen-vast-power-under-covid-19-pretext|access-date=7 December 2020|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222051143/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/10/fears-as-cambodia-grants-hun-sen-vast-power-under-covid-19-pretext|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ultimately, the government's successful vaccination efforts and pandemic response were viewed by the Cambodian public as contributing to the perceived legitimacy and effectiveness of the government.<ref name=":Han">{{Cite book |last=Han |first=Enze |title=The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia |date=2024 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-769659-0 |location=New York, NY}}</ref>{{Rp|page=30}} A study conducted by IEAS found that more than 80% of those surveyed approved of the government response, with more than 25% strongly approving of the response.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=30}}

On 10 July 2023, Hun Sen warned Ukraine of using [[cluster munition]]s, saying "It would be the greatest danger for Ukrainians for many years or up to a hundred years if cluster bombs are used in Russian-occupied areas in the territory of Ukraine," Sen further cited his country's "painful experience" from the [[Vietnam War]] that has killed or maimed tens of thousands of Cambodians.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine should shun US cluster bombs, learn from Cambodia's 'painful experience': PM Hun Sen|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3227129/ukraine-should-shun-us-cluster-bombs-learn-cambodias-painful-experience-pm-hun-sen|work=South China Morning Post|date=10 July 2023|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726000129/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3227129/ukraine-should-shun-us-cluster-bombs-learn-cambodias-painful-experience-pm-hun-sen|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following controversy over the 23 July 2023 elections, the King confirmed that Hun Manet would succeed Hun Sen as prime minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cambodia: PM's son Hun Manet appointed next ruler in royal formality |work=BBC News |date=7 August 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66391334 |access-date=7 August 2023}}</ref>

=== Corruption and land issues ===
{{Main|Corruption in Cambodia}}
Hun Sen and his family were estimated to have amassed between US$500 million and US$1 billion by [[Global Witness]] in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hostile Takeover|url=https://www.globalwitness.org/en/reports/hostile-takeover/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Global Witness|language=en|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727010205/https://www.globalwitness.org/en/reports/hostile-takeover/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a number of allies have also accumulated considerable personal wealth during his tenure.<ref>{{Cite news|title=How relatives and allies of Cambodia's leader amassed wealth overseas.|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/cambodia-hunsen-wealth/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Reuters|language=en|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526230611/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/cambodia-hunsen-wealth/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunt|first=Luke|title=How Rich Are Cambodia's Hun Sen and His Family?|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/how-rich-are-cambodias-hun-sen-and-his-family/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=The Diplomat|language=en-US|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108090657/https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/how-rich-are-cambodias-hun-sen-and-his-family/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":11" />

[[File:Cambodia Protected Area and Economic Land Concessions.jpg|thumb|[[Deforestation in Cambodia]] is partly driven by Economic Land Concessions (ELCs) within protected areas.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal|last1=Davis|first1=Kyle Frankel|last2=Yu|first2=Kailiang|last3=Rulli|first3=Maria Cristina|last4=Pichdara|first4=Lonn|last5=D'Odorico|first5=Paolo|date=October 2015|title=Accelerated deforestation driven by large-scale land acquisitions in Cambodia|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/ngeo2540|journal=Nature Geoscience|language=en|volume=8|issue=10|pages=772–775|bibcode=2015NatGe...8..772D|doi=10.1038/ngeo2540|s2cid=54814921|issn=1752-0908|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604044022/https://www.nature.com/articles/ngeo2540|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Hun Sen implemented land reform, the "leopard skin land reform", in Cambodia.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|last=Beban|first=Alice|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctv12sdwbz|title=Unwritten Rule: State-Making through Land Reform in Cambodia|date=2021|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=978-1-5017-5362-6|jstor=10.7591/j.ctv12sdwbz|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410162106/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctv12sdwbz|url-status=live}}</ref> Hun Sen's government has been responsible for leasing 45% of the total landmass in Cambodia—primarily to foreign investors—in the years 2007–08, threatening more than 150,000 Cambodians with eviction. Parts of the concessions are protected wildlife areas or [[national park]]s and have driven [[Deforestation in Cambodia|deforestation across the country]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 May 2020|title='They never intended to conserve it': Outcry as loggers gut Cambodian reserve|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2020/05/they-never-intended-to-conserve-it-outcry-as-loggers-gut-cambodian-reserve/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Mongabay Environmental News|language=en-US|archive-date=31 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231183838/https://news.mongabay.com/2020/05/they-never-intended-to-conserve-it-outcry-as-loggers-gut-cambodian-reserve/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Interactive: Plundering Cambodia's forests|url=https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2019/plundering-cambodias-forests/index.html|access-date=8 December 2020|website=interactive.aljazeera.com|publisher=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108005441/https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2019/plundering-cambodias-forests/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":92"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2 May 2019|title=Illegal logging poised to wipe Cambodian wildlife sanctuary off the map|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/illegal-logging-poised-to-wipe-cambodian-wildlife-sanctuary-off-the-map/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Mongabay Environmental News|language=en-US|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129233923/https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/illegal-logging-poised-to-wipe-cambodian-wildlife-sanctuary-off-the-map/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2015, Cambodia had one of the highest rates of [[Deforestation|forest loss]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 January 2017|title=Cambodia's Forests Are Disappearing|url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/89413/cambodias-forests-are-disappearing|access-date=8 December 2020|website=earthobservatory.nasa.gov|language=en|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212085150/https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/89413/cambodias-forests-are-disappearing|url-status=live}}</ref> The land sales have been perceived by observers as government corruption and have resulted in thousands of citizens being forcibly evicted.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Adrian|last1=Levy|first2=Cathy|last2=Scott-Clark|date=26 April 2008|title=Country for sale|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/26/cambodia|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-date=2 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902062008/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/26/cambodia|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Country For Sale|url=https://www.globalwitness.org/en/reports/country-sale/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Global Witness|language=en|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104095111/https://www.globalwitness.org/en/reports/country-sale/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Alice Beban, the land reform strengthened [[patronage politics]] in Cambodia and did not enable land tenure security.<ref name=":9"/>

Hun Sen was implicated in corruption related to Cambodia's oil wealth and mineral resources in the ''[[Global Witness]]'' 2009 report on Cambodia. He and his close associates were accused of carrying out secret negotiations with interested private parties, taking money from those{{explain|Who is "those"? Specific company leaders? Who?|date=November 2015}} who would be granted rights to exploit the country's resources in return. The credibility of this accusation has been challenged by government officials and especially Prime Minister Hun Sen, himself.<ref>[http://www.globalwitness.org/media_library_detail.php/713/en/country_for_sale Country for Sale] Global Witness {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208135344/http://www.globalwitness.org/media_library_detail.php/713/en/country_for_sale|date=8 February 2009}}</ref>

=== Human rights issues ===

{{See also|Human rights in Cambodia}}

Sen and the CPP were accused of orchestrating [[summary execution]]s during the [[1997 Cambodian coup|1997 coup]].<ref name=":6" />

[[File:Kem Sokha with Sam Rainsy.jpg|thumb|Cambodia's deputy opposition leader [[Kem Sokha]] (left) was arrested in September 2017, while opposition leader [[Sam Rainsy]] (right) has lived in exile since November 2015.]]

Hun Sen frequently calls for violence against his political opponents during seemingly irrelevant public events, often characterizing this as necessary to maintain peace and stability in Cambodia. In 2017, he said he would be prepared to "eliminate 100 or 200 people if they would destabilize the peace in Cambodia" while speaking at commemoration for his defection from the Khmer Rouge.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Seangly|first1=Phak|last2=Baliga|first2=Ananth|title=Hun Sen marks day of his Khmer Rouge defection with Vietnam border crossing|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/hun-sen-marks-day-his-khmer-rouge-defection-vietnam-border-crossing|access-date=28 December 2020|website=www.phnompenhpost.com|language=en|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128114758/https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/hun-sen-marks-day-his-khmer-rouge-defection-vietnam-border-crossing|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, as opposition party leaders prepared to return to the country, Sen ordered the military to "attack them wherever you see them—you don't need arrest warrants at all" while speaking at a graduation ceremony for exceptional high school students in Phnom Penh.<ref name=":27" /> He also threatened the European Union if they withdrew a commercial deal: "If you want the opposition dead, do it. If you want it alive, don't do it and come and talk", although they did not give in.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.france24.com/es/20190114-camboya-acuerdo-comercial-ue-oposicion | title=El primer ministro de Camboya amenaza con "matar" a la oposición si la UE lo sanciona | date=14 January 2019 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=9 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409232452/https://www.france24.com/es/20190114-camboya-acuerdo-comercial-ue-oposicion | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/internacional/2019/01/14/hun-sen-amenaza-con-matar-oposicion-si-sanciona-camboya-1287098-306.html | title=Hun Sen amenaza con matar a la oposición si la UE sanciona a Camboya | date=14 January 2019 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=2 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602090117/https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/internacional/2019/01/14/hun-sen-amenaza-con-matar-oposicion-si-sanciona-camboya-1287098-306.html | url-status=live }}</ref> "We didn't pursue you because we didn't want to kill you at the time," Hun Sen said to opposition leader [[Sam Rainsy]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/sorry-11292018161515.html|title=Cambodia's Hun Sen 'Sorry' He Hadn't Killed Protest Leaders|work=Radio Free Asia|date=29 November 2018|access-date=29 September 2022|archive-date=21 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121000541/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/sorry-11292018161515.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although such death threats have not been implemented.

Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has banned public gatherings, driven opposition supporters from the site of former protest meetings 'Freedom Park', and deployed riot police to beat protesters and detain union leaders.<ref>{{cite news|title=Labour activism in Cambodia|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/06/labour-activism-cambodia|access-date=5 June 2014|newspaper=The Economist|date=4 June 2014|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331215913/http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/06/labour-activism-cambodia|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

Several Australian politicians, most prominently [[Gareth Evans (politician)|Gareth Evans]] and [[Julian Hill (politician)|Julian Hill]], have been highly critical of Sen and his government over human rights issues and have called for changes to [[Australia–Cambodia relations]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cambodia's Authoritarian Regime Rejected on Australian Soil |url=https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/cambodias-authoritarian-regime-rejected-australian-soil/|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Australian Institute of International Affairs|language=en-US|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918045013/https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/cambodias-authoritarian-regime-rejected-australian-soil/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ek|first=Sawathey|date=10 December 2018|title=Hun Sen's violent obsessions finally unmasked|url=https://asiatimes.com/2018/12/hun-sens-violent-obsessions-finally-unmasked/|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Asia Times|language=en-US|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024010319/https://asiatimes.com/2018/12/hun-sens-violent-obsessions-finally-unmasked/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gareth Evans, a Pillar of the Paris Peace Accords, on "Seeking Justice in Cambodia"|url=https://www.voacambodia.com/a/gareth-evans-a-pillar-of-the-paris-peace-accords-on-seeking-justice-in-cambodia/4796311.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=VOA|date=21 February 2019|language=en|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424012207/https://www.voacambodia.com/a/gareth-evans-a-pillar-of-the-paris-peace-accords-on-seeking-justice-in-cambodia/4796311.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the execution of 4 prisoners in July 2022 in Myanmar, Hun Sen warned to rethink the peace agreement if the regime continued to execute prisoners.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html | title=La ASEAN dice que podría repensar el acuerdo de paz con Birmania si la junta militar sigue ejecutando prisioneros | date=3 August 2022 | access-date=27 July 2023 | archive-date=4 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804081759/https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-asean-dice-podria-repensar-acuerdo-paz-birmania-si-junta-militar-sigue-ejecutando-prisioneros-20220803221650.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Foreign relations ===
{{Expand section|date=September 2023}}
Sen has frequently criticized Western powers such as the [[European Union]] and United States in response to their sanctions on Cambodia over human rights issues.<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 October 2017 |title=Cambodia's Hun Sen renews criticism of United States amid escalating row |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cambodia-politics-idUKKBN1CG0RC |url-status=dead |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516150123/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-cambodia-politics-idUKKBN1CG0RC |archive-date=16 May 2020}}</ref> In November 2023, he called for a [[Calls for a ceasefire during the Gaza war|ceasefire]] in the [[Gaza war]], warning that "Without a ceasefire, Gaza will become the world’s largest massacre site."<ref>{{cite news |title=Gaza risks becoming world’s largest massacre site, says Hun Sen |url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501389478/gaza-risks-becoming-worlds-largest-massacre-site-says-hun-sen/ |work=Khmer Times |date=9 November 2023}}</ref>

==== China ====
{{Main|Cambodia–China relations|Ream Naval Base|}}
Sen strengthened a close diplomatic and economic relationship with China, which has undertaken large-scale infrastructure projects and investments in Cambodia under the [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thul |first=Prak Chan |date=12 October 2020 |title=China, Cambodia clinch free trade pact in under a year |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-china-cambodia-fta-idUKKBN26X0XB |url-status=dead |access-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115093522/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-china-cambodia-fta-idUKKBN26X0XB |archive-date=15 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web  |title=How Chinese money is changing Cambodia |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-chinese-money-is-changing-cambodia/a-50130240 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624101808/https://www.dw.com/en/how-chinese-money-is-changing-cambodia/a-50130240 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |access-date=10 December 2020 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Peel |first1=Michael |last2=Kynge |first2=James |last3=Haddou |first3=Leila |date=8 September 2016 |title=FT Investigation: How China bought its way into Cambodia |url=https://www.ft.com/content/23968248-43a0-11e6-b22f-79eb4891c97d |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/23968248-43a0-11e6-b22f-79eb4891c97d |archive-date=10 December 2022 |access-date=10 December 2020 |website=www.ft.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia|COVID-19 pandemic]], China provided major assistance to the Hun Sen government's vaccination campaign.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=29}} As of early November 2021, China had sent more than 35 million vaccines to Cambodia.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=29}} China provided many of them free of charge.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=29}} Vaccines provided by China accounted for more than 90% of total vaccines provided to Cambodia from other countries.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=29}} China also provided other health care supplies as well as medical professionals to Cambodia during the pandemic.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=30}} In part thanks to Chinese contributions, Cambodia had the second-highest vaccination rate in Southeast Asia, despite having the second lowest per capita GDP in the region.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=30}}

==== Thailand ====
{{Main|Cambodia–Thailand relations}}
Sen oversaw a number of diplomatic disputes with neighboring [[Cambodia–Thailand relations|Thailand]].<ref name=":25">{{cite news |date=11 November 2013 |title=UN court awards Cambodia sovereignty in border dispute |language=en |website=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/un-court-cambodia-thailand-border-dispute |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629165846/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/un-court-cambodia-thailand-border-dispute |archive-date=29 June 2021}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=31 January 2003 |title=Thais cut links with Cambodia after riots |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/jan/31/cambodia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827175456/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/jan/31/cambodia |archive-date=27 August 2021 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

The [[2003 Phnom Penh riots]] resulted in the ransacking of the Thai embassy in Cambodia, following false allegations that a Thai soap opera actress [[Suvanant Punnakant]] claimed that [[Angkor Wat]] belonged to Thailand. Sen called for a boycott of Thai goods and television shows and criticized the actress shortly before the riots. The riots and Sen's response severely damaged [[Cambodia–Thailand relations]]. Sen's Thai counterpart [[Thaksin Shinawatra]] closed the borders, expelled the Cambodian ambassador and evacuated Thai citizens from Phnom Penh in response. Thaksin also sent a warning to Hun Sen after witness reports suggested the army and police had not intervened until the embassy was destroyed.<ref name=":24" /> [[Sam Rainsy]] accused Sen of inciting the riot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNN.com – Cambodian 'incompetence' in anti-Thai riots – Feb. 3, 2003 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/02/03/thai.cambodia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705110928/https://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/02/03/thai.cambodia/ |archive-date=5 July 2022 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=CNN}}</ref>

From 2008 to 2013, the [[Cambodian–Thai border dispute]] was an ongoing conflict, which on a number of occasions led to fighting between Cambodian and Thai forces. Sen and Thai premier [[Abhisit Vejjajiva]] negotiated a de-escalation on several occasions with the encouragement of [[ASEAN]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2011 |title=Thai-Cambodian Border Dispute Fueled by Nationalism, Politics |url=https://www.voacambodia.com/a/thai-cambodian-border-dispute-fueled-by-nationalism-politics-121562849/1358466.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412183605/https://www.voacambodia.com/a/thai-cambodian-border-dispute-fueled-by-nationalism-politics-121562849/1358466.html |archive-date=12 April 2021 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=VOA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2011 |title=Thailand and Cambodia border talks fail at Asean summit |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13319952 |url-status=live |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908153252/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-13319952 |archive-date=8 September 2021}}</ref> Cambodia was granted sovereignty over the [[Preah Vihear Temple]] area by a UN court in 2013, ending the dispute.<ref name=":25" />

==== Myanmar ====
{{See|Cambodia-Myanmar relations}}
[[File:2021 Special ASEAN Summit on Myanmar's coup d'état (1).jpg|thumb|Hun Sen at a 2021 [[ASEAN Summit]] on Myanmar with [[Joko Widodo]].]]
In his capacity as chairman of [[ASEAN]], Sen became the first foreign leader to visit Myanmar following the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|2021 coup d'état]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nachemson |first=Andrew |title=Misreading the room: Why Hun Sen is failing on Myanmar |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/30/misreading-the-room-why-hun-sen-is-failing-on-myanmar |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=Al Jazeera|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-01-08 |title=Cambodia to take 'different approaches' to Myanmar crisis as ASEAN chair |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-take-different-approaches-myanmar-crisis-asean-chair-2022-01-08/ |access-date=2023-09-26}}</ref>

==== United States ====
{{Main|Cambodia–United States relations}}
In November 2016, Hun Sen publicly endorsed US Republican presidential candidate [[Donald Trump]] who went on to be elected president.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 November 2016 |title=Hun Sen Endorses Trump—For World Peace |work=[[The Cambodia Daily]] |url=https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-endorses-trump-world-peace-120175 |url-status=dead |access-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909012346/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-endorses-trump-world-peace-120175/ |archive-date=9 September 2017}}</ref>

==President of the Senate (2024–present)==
[[File:240604-D-TT977-1141 (53769050950).jpg|thumb|Senate President Hun Sen meets with U.S. Secretary of Defense [[Lloyd Austin]] in Phnom Penh, 4 June 2024.]]
The Cambodian People's Party claimed an expected landslide victory in the [[2024 Cambodian Senate election|2024 Senate election]], paving the way for Hun Sen to become its president when the new Senate convenes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/senate-president-election-hun-sen-manet-c8613f0cc226f938f3e09b28e65a565e|title=Cambodia's ruling party wins Senate election, paving the way for Hun Sen to act as its president|work=[[Associated Press]]|date=27 February 2024|accessdate=31 March 2024}}</ref> He resigned from his National Assembly seat on 2 April, allowing him to take his seat in the Senate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501466110/hun-sen-bids-farewell-to-na/|title=Hun Sen bids farewell to NA|work=[[Khmer Times]]|date=2 April 2024|accessdate=2 April 2024}}</ref> The full Senate unanimously confirmed him as president on 3 April.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240403-cambodia-ex-leader-hun-sen-unanimously-voted-senate-president|title=Cambodia's ex-leader Hun Sen unanimously voted in as senate president|work=[[France 24]]|date=3 April 2024|accessdate=3 April 2024}}</ref>

==Public image==
In Cambodia, Hun Sen's core support base is from the majority of the population who reside in the countryside and work in the [[Agriculture in Cambodia|agricultural]] sector. He is less popular in urban centers like [[Phnom Penh]].<ref name=":22" />

Hun Sen's leadership has received criticism from various organizations, media and foreign governments for [[Corruption in Cambodia|corruption]], cronyism, [[environmental degradation]], [[Human rights in Cambodia|human rights violations]] and violence.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":10"/> Hun Sen and his government was described by former Prime Minister of [[Singapore]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] in 2000 as "utterly merciless and ruthless, without humane feelings".<ref name=":26">{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Gareth|date=2014-02-26|title=Cambodia's Violent Peace |url=https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/gareth-evans-examines-the-causes-of-ongoing-political-violence-since-the-1991-paris-peace-agreements|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Project Syndicate|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />
=== Alleged Vietnamese ties ===

{{See also|Cambodia–Vietnam relations}}

Some political opponents of Hun Sen have criticized him for alleged ties to Vietnam.<ref name="Sihanouk">{{cite news|last=Shenon|first=Philip|date=15 November 1991|title=Joyous Sihanouk Returns to Cambodia From Exile|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/15/world/joyous-sihanouk-returns-to-cambodia-from-exile.html|access-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> [[Norodom Sihanouk]] once referred to him as a "one-eyed lackey of the Vietnamese",<ref name="Sihanouk" /> with [[Sam Rainsy]] and members of the [[Cambodia National Rescue Party]] later echoing similar sentiments during the 2010s.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|title=Cambodia's opposition leader plays racist card |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cambodias-opposition-leader-plays-racist-card/a-17477112|access-date=12 December 2020|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sokha|first=Touch|title=Hun Sen touts relationship with Vietnam|url=https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/hun-sen-touts-relationship-vietnam|access-date=28 December 2020|website=Phnom Penh Post|language=en}}</ref> This is due to his position in the [[People's Republic of Kampuchea|puppet government installed by Vietnam]] and prominence in figure in the [[People's Revolutionary Party of Kampuchea]]. [[Anti-Vietnamese sentiment]] and racism is common in Cambodia.<ref name=":21" />

==Control of media==
Although Cambodia had relatively independent press during and immediately following the [[UNTAC]] era, Hun Sen and the [[Cambodian People's Party|CPP]] have since come to strictly control media in Cambodia.<ref name=":19">{{Cite magazine|title=Sale of Cambodian Newspaper Puts Press Freedom in Peril|url=https://time.com/5269047/cambodia-phnom-penh-post-newspaper/|access-date=9 December 2020|magazine=Time}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> This has more recently encompassed social media, which surpassed traditional media as a news source for Cambodians in 2017.<ref name=":17">{{Cite news|date=31 October 2017|title=What a Facebook experiment did to news in Cambodia|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41801071|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=20 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820111341/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41801071|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Television, radio, and newspapers ===
[[Bayon Television]] is owned and operated by Hun Mana, Hun Sen's eldest daughter. {{ill|Apsara TV|fr}} is joint-owned by [[Say Sam Al]], CPP Minister of Environment and son of [[Say Chhum]], CPP secretary and the son of CPP Deputy Prime Minister [[Sok An]]. CTN, CNC and MyTV are all owned by Khmer-Chinese tycoon, [[Kith Meng]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/oppositions-demand-for-tv-access-crucial-futile-44423|title=Opposition's Demand for TV Access Crucial, Futile – The Cambodia Daily|first=Alex|last=Willemyns|work=The Cambodia Daily|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904131636/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/oppositions-demand-for-tv-access-crucial-futile-44423/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

CPP officials claim that there is no connection between the TV stations and the state. However, CPP lawmaker and official spokesman Cheam Yeap once stated "We pay for that television [coverage] by buying broadcasting hours to show our achievements".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/cnrp-launches-online-tv-to-break-cpps-media-stranglehold-46710/|title=CNRP Launches Online TV to Break CPP's Media Stranglehold|first=Kuch|last=Naren|work=The Cambodia Daily|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=8 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908231500/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/cnrp-launches-online-tv-to-break-cpps-media-stranglehold-46710/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

A demand for television and radio licenses was one of 10 opposition requests adopted by the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) at its "People's Congress" in October 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ponniah|first=Kevin|title=CNRP has view to TV licence|url=http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cnrp-has-view-tv-licence|access-date=14 November 2013|newspaper=The Phnom Penh Post|date=7 November 2013|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023234922/https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cnrp-has-view-tv-licence|url-status=live}}</ref>

Radio stations were banned from broadcasting ''[[Voice of America]]'' and ''[[Radio Free Asia]]'' in August 2017. The country's most prominent independent newspaper ''[[Cambodia Daily]]'' was closed on 4 September 2017, a day after the main opposition leader [[Kem Sokha]] was arrested for treason.<ref name=":7">[https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21728665-opposition-leader-arrested-and-newspaper-closed-cambodias-government-preparing ''Closing Time''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215041919/https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21728665-opposition-leader-arrested-and-newspaper-closed-cambodias-government-preparing |date=15 February 2018 }}, ''The Economist'', September ninth-15th, 2017, pp. 45–46.</ref> ''[[The Phnom Penh Post]]'', another widely circulated independent newspaper, was sold to a Malaysian investor with ties to Hun Sen in 2018, which undermined its independence and aligned it closer to the government.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Riley|first=Charles|date=7 May 2018|title='Press freedom toppled': Phnom Penh Post sale rings alarm bells|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/07/media/cambodia-phnom-penh-post-press-freedom/index.html|access-date=9 December 2020|website=CNNMoney|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926234011/https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/07/media/cambodia-phnom-penh-post-press-freedom/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":19" />

=== Social media and suspension from Facebook ===
Facebook and the internet became widely used in Cambodia during the 2010s. It is thought that its adoption by the [[Cambodia National Rescue Party]] played a role in the party's gains in the [[2013 Cambodian general election|2013 election]].<ref name=":17" />

In the mid-2010s, Hun Sen and the [[Cambodian People's Party]] became enthusiastic users of Facebook. Hun Sen declared in February 2016 they had become an "electronic government" and regularly posted and livestreams of speeches, announcements, and selfies to million of followers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cambodia's Facebooker-in-Chief|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/08/cambodias-facebooker-in-chief/|access-date=8 December 2020|website=thediplomat.com|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108091823/https://thediplomat.com/2016/08/cambodias-facebooker-in-chief/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Hun Sen's official page was the eighth-most liked Facebook page of any world leader<ref name=":17" /> and as of December 2020 was the most liked Facebook page in Cambodia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Most popular Facebook pages in Cambodia|url=https://www.socialbakers.com/statistics/facebook/pages/total/cambodia|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Socialbakers|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513212946/https://www.socialbakers.com/statistics/facebook/pages/total/cambodia|url-status=live}}</ref>

Facebook activity in Cambodia is monitored by the authorities, and criticism of the government and prime minister on Facebook has led to several arrests in the country.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cambodia Convicts Journalist for Criticizing Hun Sen|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/press-freedom_cambodia-convicts-journalist-criticizing-hun-sen/6198454.html|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Voice of America|date=16 November 2020|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130004842/https://www.voanews.com/press-freedom/cambodia-convicts-journalist-criticizing-hun-sen|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cambodia Takes Aim at Critics Who Post on Facebook|url=https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/cambodia-takes-aim-critics-who-post-facebook|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Voice of America|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202204850/https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/cambodia-takes-aim-critics-who-post-facebook|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|title=Cambodia: Scrap Draft Cybercrime Law|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/11/13/cambodia-scrap-draft-cybercrime-law|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Human Rights Watch|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015135/https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/11/13/cambodia-scrap-draft-cybercrime-law|url-status=live}}</ref> Cambodia has also prosecuted women who post images of themselves wearing revealing clothing on Facebook, with Hun Sen saying it is "a violation of culture and tradition" and invites sexual harassment.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news|last=Blomberg|first=Matt|date=19 February 2020|title=Cover up or be censored: Cambodia orders women not look sexy on Facebook|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-women-internet-trfn-idUSKBN20D278|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504174447/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-women-internet-trfn-idUSKBN20D278|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Blomberg|first=Matt|date=24 April 2020|title=Cambodian Facebook vendor gets six months prison for 'pornographic' adverts|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-women-cambodia-facebook-trfn-idUSKCN226240|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727010905/https://www.reuters.com/?edition-redirect=uk|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] criticized this speech, characterizing it as "[[victim blaming]]" and contributing to violence against women.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cambodia: PM's threats against women Facebook users irresponsible and dangerous|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/cambodia-pms-threats-against-women-facebook-users-irresponsible-and-dangerous/|access-date=9 December 2020|website=www.amnesty.org|date=19 February 2020|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022195339/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/02/cambodia-pms-threats-against-women-facebook-users-irresponsible-and-dangerous/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":18" />

On 29 June 2023, Hun Sen deleted his Facebook account, which had approximately 14 million followers, hours after [https://oversightboard.com/news/656303619335474-oversight-board-overturns-meta-s-decision-in-cambodian-prime-minister-case/ Meta's oversight board] ruled that he should face a six-month ban from the platform over a video post in which he threatened to have opponents beaten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cambodian PM Hun Sen deletes Facebook page after criticism |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Hun-Sen-s-Cambodia/Cambodian-PM-Hun-Sen-deletes-Facebook-page-after-criticism |access-date=30 June 2023 |website=Nikkei Asia |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629212329/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Hun-Sen-s-Cambodia/Cambodian-PM-Hun-Sen-deletes-Facebook-page-after-criticism |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 June 2023 |title=Cambodia PM ditches Facebook as Meta mulls case over alleged threats |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-pm-ditches-facebook-meta-mulls-case-over-alleged-threats-2023-06-29/ |access-date=30 June 2023 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630101000/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodia-pm-ditches-facebook-meta-mulls-case-over-alleged-threats-2023-06-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ives |first1=Mike |last2=Narin |first2=Sun |date=30 June 2023 |title=Cambodian Ruler's Facebook Account Goes Dark After Spat With Meta |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/world/asia/cambodia-hun-sen-meta-facebook.html |access-date=30 June 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630093850/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/world/asia/cambodia-hun-sen-meta-facebook.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roeloffs |first=Mary Whitfill |title=Oversight Board Wants to Ban Cambodia's Prime Minister from Facebook and Instagram – Here's Why |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/06/29/oversight-board-wants-to-ban-cambodias-prime-minister-from-facebook-and-instagramheres-why/ |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Forbes |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630175410/https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/06/29/oversight-board-wants-to-ban-cambodias-prime-minister-from-facebook-and-instagramheres-why/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the following day, 30 June 2023, the Cambodian Ministry of Post and Telecommunications announced they would deport a Meta representative immediately and Cambodia would cease all cooperation with the company, attributing the move to an abundance of fake accounts, data risks, and lack of transparency.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 July 2023 |title=Cambodia's Hun Sen kicks off campaign for virtually unopposed election |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodias-hun-sen-kicks-off-campaign-virtually-unopposed-election-2023-07-01/ |access-date=1 July 2023 |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701065511/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/cambodias-hun-sen-kicks-off-campaign-virtually-unopposed-election-2023-07-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 July 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that all of Meta's Oversight Board's 22 members were "persona non-grata", barring them from entering the country because "[t]he recommendation of the Oversight Board to Meta Platforms Inc. to temporarily suspend the official Facebook page belonging to Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen is political in nature. It intends to obstruct the freedom of the press for the citizens of Cambodia and the right to receive credible news from a leader whom they support and admire."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samath |first=Kao |date=4 July 2023 |title=Top News: Cambodia Releases Statement of Persona Non Grata to 22 Members of the Oversight Board of Meta Platform Inc; Deadline Is in 48 Hours |url=http://en.freshnewsasia.com/index.php/en/localnews/37964-2023-07-04-10-32-06.html |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=Fresh News|archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705234748/https://en.freshnewsasia.com/index.php/en/localnews/37964-2023-07-04-10-32-06.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:The Vice President, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansasri with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr. Hun Sen at the ceremonial reception, at Peace Palace, in Phonm Penh, Cambodia on September 16, 2015.jpg|thumb|Hun Sen and his wife [[Bun Rany]] at the ceremonial reception of the then Vice President of India at [[Peace Palace, Phnom Penh]]]]

Hun Sen is married to [[Bun Rany]]. They have 6 children, including one adopted daughter: Kamsot (deceased), [[Hun Manet|Manet]], Mana, [[Hun Manith|Manith]], [[Hun Mani|Mani]] and Mali. The couple also adopted a daughter (who is not named in news media sources) in 1988, but they legally disowned her in 2007 for being lesbian.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2007 |title=Cambodia PM slammed for disowning lesbian daughter |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-lesbian-idUSBKK11415620071031 |access-date=9 December 2020 |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507082151/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-lesbian-idUSBKK11415620071031 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 October 2007|title=Cambodian PM cuts ties with gay daughter|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/cambodian-pm-cuts-ties-with-gay-daughter-20071031-gdrh1p.html|access-date=9 December 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412142550/https://www.smh.com.au/world/cambodian-pm-cuts-ties-with-gay-daughter-20071031-gdrh1p.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, Manet was promoted Major General in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and became the Deputy Commander of the Prime Minister's Body Guard headquarters. All three of Hun Sen's sons play big roles in his government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21581773-united-opposition-takes-aim-one-asias-strongest-ruling-parties-not-quite-usual-walkover|title=Not quite the usual walkover|newspaper=The Economist|date=13 July 2013|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093141/https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21581773-united-opposition-takes-aim-one-asias-strongest-ruling-parties-not-quite-usual-walkover|url-status=live}}</ref> His older brother, Hun Neng, was a governor of [[Kampong Cham province|Kampong Cham]] and a member of parliament.

Hun Sen is fluent in [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]], in addition to his native [[Khmer language|Khmer]]. Hun Sen also speaks some English after beginning to learn the language in the 1990s, but usually converses in Khmer through interpreters when giving formal interviews to the English-speaking media.<ref>Harish C. Mehta (1999), p. 15, 301</ref>

Hun Sen is blind in one eye because of an injury he sustained during the 1975 [[fall of Phnom Penh]] while fighting for the Khmer Rouge.<ref name=Eye>[http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/premier-fed-insensitive-remarks-about-eye Premier fed up with insensitive remarks about eye] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819010911/https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/premier-fed-insensitive-remarks-about-eye |date=19 August 2018 }}, by Vong Sokheng, in the Phnom Penh Post; published 23 December 2015; retrieved 30 September 2017</ref> He is fitted with a Japanese made artificial eye, which is regularly replaced by Japanese doctors.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2136983/one-eyed-hun-sen-likes-his-japanese-contact-lens-very-much|title= One-eyed Hun Sen likes his Japanese contact lens very much|work=Kyodo|date=2018-03-13}}</ref>

Hun Sen is a [[Buddhism in Cambodia|Buddhist]]. He has made major donations for the renovation of numerous pagodas, including [[Wat Vihear Suor]].<ref>{{Cite conference|last=Bertrand|first=Didier|title=Khmer Studies: Knowledge of the Past and Its Contributions to the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Cambodia |conference=Proceedings of the International Conference on Khmer Studies, Phnom Penh, 26–30 August 1996|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMeAAQAACAAJ|collaboration=Sorn Samnang|year=1998|volume=II|location=Phnom Penh|publisher=Royal University of Phnom Penh; Sophia University|chapter=Le role social et thérapeutique des mediums cambodgiens|page=1119}}</ref>

Until June 2022, Hun Sen has used 4 April 1951 as his legal birthdate even if he was actually born on 5 August 1952.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sirivadh |first1=Hun |title=PM Hun Sen Confirms Change of Birth Date to Avoid Confusion |url=https://eacnews.asia/home/details/13500 |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=EAC News |date=23 June 2022 |language=en |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514073530/https://eacnews.asia/home/details/13500 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="change-birthdate"/> He had it changed due to a Cambodian superstition relating to having wrong legal birthdates causing conflict with the [[Chinese zodiac]]. A lot of Cambodians use two birthdates due to losing their birth certificates during the [[Khmer Rouge]] era of the 1970s. Hun Sen had it changed for believing the death of his brother in May 2022 due to a cardiac arrest was related to this superstition since he also had an incorrect birth date.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zodiac superstition leads Cambodia leader to change date of birth |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/classified-odd/05/17/22/zodiac-superstition-leads-cambodia-leader-to-change-date-of-birth |access-date=14 May 2023 |work=ABS-CBN News |publisher=Kyodo News |date=17 May 2022 |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514073527/https://news.abs-cbn.com/classified-odd/05/17/22/zodiac-superstition-leads-cambodia-leader-to-change-date-of-birth |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Honours==

'''National Orders''':
* [[File:KHM Grand Order of National Merit rib.png|70px]] [[Grand Order of National Merit]] (1996)
* [[File:KHM Ordre Royal du Cambodge - Grand Croix BAR.svg|70x70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Royal Order of Cambodia]]
* [[File:KHM Royal Order Of Sowathara - Grand Cross rib.png|70x70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Royal Order of Sowathara]]
* [[File:KHM Royal Order of Monisaraphon - Grand Cross.png|70x70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Royal Order of Monisaraphon]]
* [[File:KHM Sena Jayaseddh Medal - v.2.png|70x70px]] [[Sena Jayaseddh Medal]]
* [[File:KHM National Defence Medal - gold x2 BAR.svg|70x70px]] [[Medal of National Defense]], with 2 gold stars
* [[File:KHM National Defence Medal - silver x2 BAR.svg|70x70px]] Medal of National Defense, with 2 silver stars
* [[File:KHM National Defence Medal - bronze x2 BAR.svg|70x70px]] Medal of National Defense, with 2 bronze stars
* [[File:KHM Medal of Labour.png|70x70px]] [[Medal of Labour]]
* [[File:KHM National Construction Decoration.png|70x70px]] [[National Construction Decoration]]

'''Foreign Orders''':
* Brunei:
** [[File:Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Golden Jubilee Medal.svg|70x70px]] Recipient of the [[Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/288255/agong-attends-sultan-bruneis-golden-jubilee-royal-banquet|title=Agong attends Sultan of Brunei's Golden Jubilee royal banquet|work=New Straits Times|date=6 October 2017|access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>
* Cuba:
** [[File:Ribbon jose marti.png|70px]] Recipients of the [[Order of José Martí]] (1999)<ref>[https://forum.faleristika.info/viewtopic.php?t=17230#p348924 Орден "Хосе Maрти" – Forum FALERISTIKA.info<!-- The title was added by a bot -->]</ref>
* Laos:
** [[File:LAO Gold Medal of the Nation BAR.svg|70px]] [[National Gold Medal (Laos)|Gold Medal of the Nation]] (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|author=[[David Fay]]|title=National Gold Medal|url=http://www.indochinamedals.com/lpdr/lp01_national_gold_medal.html|access-date=19 March 2014|language=en}}</ref>
** [[File:Order of Phoxay Lane Xang.png|70px]] Order of Phoxay Lane Xang (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aseanall.com/news/668.html|title=Lao President receives Cambodian PM and awards Phoxay Lanexang medal|work=AseanAll|date=17 February 2023|access-date=26 August 2024}}</ref>
* Philippines:
** [[File:PHL Order of Sikatuna - Grand Cross BAR.png|70px]] Grand Cross (Datu) of the [[Order of Sikatuna]]
* Russia:
** [[File:Orden of Friendship.png|65px]] Recipients of the [[Order of Friendship]] (2021)<ref>[http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202107250001?index=16&rangeSize=1 Указ Президента Российской Федерации от 25 июля 2021 года № 434 «О награждении государственными наградами Российской Федерации»]</ref>
* Thailand:
** [[File:Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|70px]] Knight Special Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the White Elephant]] (2001)<ref>ราชกิจจานุเบกษา, [https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170521/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/00027090.PDF ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์ให้แก่ชาวต่างประเทศ.] เล่ม ๑๑๘, ตอน ๒ ข, ๓๐ พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๔</ref>
* Ukraine:
** [[File:Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise 1st 2nd and 3rd Class of Ukraine.png|70px]] Member 3rd Class of the [[Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise]] (Awarded by [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]], 30 December 2022)<ref>[https://president.gov.ua/documents/9022022-45493 Указ Президента Украины от 30 декабря 2022 года № 902/2022 «О награждении государственными наградами Украины»]</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Cambodia|Biography}}
*[[Modern Cambodia]]
*[[Politics of Cambodia]]
*[[People's Republic of Kampuchea]]
*[[Kleptocracy]]
*[[Corruption]]

==Footnotes==
===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

===References===
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==

{{Further||Foreign relations of Cambodia#Further reading}}
* [[Elizabeth Becker (journalist)|Elizabeth Becker]]. 1986, 1998. ''When the War Was Over: Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge''. New York: Public Affairs. {{ISBN|1-891620-00-2}}
* Chandler, David. ''The Tragedy of Cambodian History: Politics, War, and Revolution since 1945'' (Yale UP, 1991)
* Ciorciari, John D. "Cambodia in 2019: Backing Further into a Corner." ''Asian Survey'' 60.1 (2020): 125–131. [http://www-personal.umich.edu/~johncior/files/2020%20(Cambodia%20in%202019).pdf online]
* Deth, Sok Udom, and Serkan Bulut, eds. ''Cambodia's Foreign Relations in Regional and Global Contexts'' (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, 2017; comprehensive coverage) [http://www.academia.edu/download/55582662/Cambodias_Foreign_Relations.pdf full book online free]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}.
** Path Kosal, "Introduction: Cambodia's Political History and Foreign Relations, 1945–1998" pp 1–26
* [[Harish C. Mehta]] and [[Julie B. Mehta]]. 1999. ''Hun Sen: Strongman of Cambodia''. Singapore: Graham Brash Pte Ltd. {{ISBN|981-218-074-5}}
* Peou, Sorpong. "Cambodia in 2018: a year of setbacks and successes." ''Southeast Asian Affairs'' 2019.1 (2019): 104–119. [https://muse.jhu.edu/article/722676/summary online]
* Strangio, Sebastian. ''Cambodia: From Pol Pot to Hun Sen and Beyond'' (2020)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071024155400/http://www.cnv.org.kh/personInfo/biography_of_hun_sen.htm Biography of Hun Sen] [http://www.cnv.org.kh/ Cambodia New Vision ~ newsletter of cabinet of Cambodia's Prime Ministerial office]
* Alain Forest (2008), ''Cambodge contemporain'', Indes Savantes, {{ISBN|2846541930}} {{in lang|fr}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline }}

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