Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Bun Rany Hun Sen Meet with Fellow Couples Married During Khmer Rouge Era
Phnom Penh: In deep affection and understanding of the family situation of the couples who got married on the same day as Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Kittiprittbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross, on the morning of Sunday, June 30, 2024, Hun Sen and his wife met and had a family lunch with couples who were married during the Khmer Rouge regime in Takhmao town, Kandal province. Currently, there are 3 surviving couples, 4 widows, and 1 widower.
Among the couples who got married at that time, Samdech Hun Sen and his wife Bun Rany Hun Sen were the 13th couple, followed by Comrade Hun Bonal and Comrade Neary Phi. The marriage of Samdech Hun Sen and his wife has lasted 48 years. Their wedding, arranged by the Khmer Rouge with 12 other couples, was marked by difficulties and a lack of traditional customs. There were no traditional costumes, Khmer music, or relatives and friends allowed to attend. The ceremony took place in black suits with only Khmer Rouge witnesses. After the wedding, there was no honeymoon or excursions.
Weddings at that time did not include gatherings and dinners as they do today. About 28 hours after the wedding, the couple had dinner hosted by the villagers. The honeymoon of Samdech Hun Sen and Bun Rany HunSen took place at a small villager's house in Ponhea Krek district, Tbong Khmum province, during their return from the wedding venue to Hun Sen's base. Their marriage was marked by hardship, particularly the loss of their first son due to the negligence of Khmer Rouge midwives and He left his homeland to fight for his country's peace while his wife was pregnant. Their life as a couple was very difficult, born during a time of national crisis and war.
The life of Samdech Techo and his wife has always been intertwined with national events during the difficult period caused by the war, until he led the country to peace and development. Despite the challenges, their marriage produced six children, one of whom, Hun Komsat, died shortly after birth. Starting from just the two of them 48 years ago, Samdech Hun Sen family now has 34 members, including 10 children, a son-in-law, and 22 grandchildren.
During the meeting and lunch, the Samdech Hun Sen expressed their pleasure at having the opportunity to meet the families, husbands, and wives of all the wedding day couples. They also reminisced about the bitter history of marriage and living in fear during the Democratic Kampuchea regime of 3 years, 8 months, and 20 days. Samdech Hun Sen and his wife donated 20 million Riels to each of the 8 families who participated in this ceremony. Samdech Hun Sen announced that from July 1, 2024, he will provide monthly support of 1 million Riels to each of these families to help ease their burden. Additionally, for the children and grandchildren of the 12 couples, he promised to help them receive a proper education. For those who pass the high school diploma exam, he will provide a bachelor's degree scholarship. For those who do not pass, he will provide scholarships to study for an associate's degree in various fields.
