Prime Minister Hun Manet Orders Promotion for Border Defense Troops

Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, has instructed Lieutenant General Eit Sarath, Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Joint Staff of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, to prepare a list of soldiers stationed on the front lines, particularly those who have fought to defend the territory from two instances of invasion, for promotion. This directive was issued on Wednesday morning, July 29, 2026, during a ceremony where the Prime Minister handed over 23,076 land title certificates to residents in the communes of Chrey Thom, Roka Chhlung, and Puk Russey, in Ksach Kandal district, Kandal province. "Previously, I instructed Excellency Eit Sarath to compile a list of our soldiers, especially the young ones who have recently joined, the brothers and sisters who have just joined to defend the territory. Prepare to promote them. Although the law usually requires over a year, they have already fought twice. For these new soldiers, let's promote them once," stated Samdech Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. In parallel, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia announced that a special medal for battlefields would be created. The existing National Defense Medal would also be prepared and awarded to all soldiers currently performing duties and stationed to defend the territory in all directions. Samdech Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet emphasized that soldiers who directly engaged in combat during the first round, lasting five days, and the second round, lasting 21 days, confronting invasions, would be given special consideration. "Normally, it takes over a year, but if they have fought and put their lives on the line, it is what we can do to help them," he further clarified. This decision aims to ensure justice and provide encouragement to all soldiers who have sacrificed their physical strength, mental fortitude, and intellectual spirit for the national cause. Through promotion, soldiers will receive official recognition for their achievements and sacrifices, serving as a crucial impetus to continue their national defense missions with a high sense of responsibility. The government is committed to continuing its support and enhancement of the defense sector by focusing on human resources and building the capacity of the armed forces to be stronger, thereby ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development for the entire nation.