AKP Phnom Penh, September 24, 2026 --

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia, recalled an assassination attempt made against him by "political bandits" 28 years ago.

Writing on his social media account this morning, Samdech Techo noted that today marks the 28th anniversary of the failed attempt on his life (Sept. 24, 1998 - Sept. 24, 2026).

"After surviving the enemy's plot to kill me, I placed my hands on my head and vowed to myself that I must consolidate power and end the war at all costs," Samdech Techo wrote. "In fact, after winning the 1998 election, I requested to step down as Prime Minister during a party standing committee meeting at my house in Takhmao on the evening of July 27, 1998, chaired by Samdech Chea Sim.

However, no party leader agreed to let me resign. I originally intended to serve as Prime Minister only until 2003, but after they attempted to brutally kill me, I vowed to consolidate power, end the war, and remain Prime Minister until I no longer wished to serve."

Samdech Techo added: "Later, I declared that while I was Prime Minister today, I would become the father of the Prime Minister in the future. I have truly achieved this – Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has now served as Prime Minister for over three years through constitutional elections. I wanted to retire as Prime Minister at the age of 46, but because they tried to kill me, I continued to serve as Prime Minister for another 25 years until stepping down at age 71."

By K. Rithy Reak