PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian honorific “Samdech”, which roughly translates to “lord”, used to be a rare term only designated to four people who served as prime minister under the reign of the King Norodom Sihanouk. In more recent years, however, the title has been given to dozens of royal, political and religious leaders. On September 2, Prime Minister Hun Manet was named as “Samdech”, alongside the president of the National Assembly.

In a Royal Decree conferred by the king on September 2, Prime Minister Hun Manet was given the title Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, which loosely translates to Lord Supreme Scholar. On the same day, the king designated President of the National Assembly, Khuon Sodary, as a Samdech as well.

The day after Prime Minister Hun Manet was appointed by the King as the next prime minister of Cambodia on August 7, he was given a new honorific by the monarch as well: "Kitti Tesapibal Bandit.” It is unclear whether he will keep the whole title Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Kitti Tesapibal Bandit Hun Manet, or just stick to Samdech Hun Manet.

The PM was born on October 20, 1977, making him 45 years old upon receiving the honorific.