(Phnom Penh): Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni temporarily assigned Senate President Hun Sen to act as Head of State while the king undergoes a medical check-up, according to a Royal Message issued on Saturday (Feb. 7).

The king stated that he has been unwell in recent days and is currently hospitalized, preventing him from performing royal duties during the state visits of high-level delegations from the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, scheduled for 6-7 February 2026.

Pursuant to Article 11 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, King Sihamoni granted royal authorization to Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and Chairman of the King’s Supreme Privy Council, to serve as Acting Head of State. In this capacity, Samdech Techo Hun Sen will officially welcome the visiting delegations at the Royal Palace, including presiding over the state welcoming ceremony in front of the Throne Hall and hosting a state audience inside the Throne Hall.

In the Royal Message, King Norodom Sihamoni also extended his highest respect to the Supreme Patriarchs of both Buddhist Orders and conveyed blessings to all venerable monks and the Cambodian people, wishing them longevity, prosperity, good health, strength, and lasting well-being.
=FRESH NEWS