By:
• Torn Chanritheara

• September 2, 2024 , 10:50 AM

PHNOM PENH – Long-time Royal Palace Minister Kong Sam Ol has passed away. He was 94.

Sam Ol, also a deputy prime minister, died due to old age in the morning of September 2, the ministry said.

He has held positions in government and as a member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party’s permanent committee. He was minister of agriculture from 1986 to 1989 and 1993-1994 and palace minister from 1998, serving two monarchs. 

He is one of the dignitaries conferred with the honorary title ‘Samdech’.

He is a member of the National Assembly for Kampong Chhnang, chairman of the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals and a deputy president of the Cambodian Red Cross.

Sam Ol had not been seen in public in recent months due to health issues.

In a royal decree issued later today, King Norodom Sihamoni appointed Kuy Sophal as the new minister. Sophal was also bestowed ‘Samdech’ title.


*This article was modified to include the royal decree.