PHNOM PENH: Cambodian leader Hun Sen's eldest son has officially been promoted to the rank of four-star general, in another sign of plans for him to succeed his father.
Hun Sen has publicly backed Hun Manet to lead the kingdom in the future.
Hun Manet, who is commander of the army, received the four-star rank at a ceremony on Thursday attended by more than 1,000 senior military officials.
Defence minister Tea Banh, who presided over the ceremony, said Hun Manet's promotion reflected his efforts "to serve the nation, military and Cambodian people".
Hun Manet -- who was educated in Britain and the United States -- has been officially backed by the ruling party as a future prime minister, and has been active on social media in recent months to increase his public profile.
The 45-year-old has also had more diplomatic meetings with senior political figures than before, according to the Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index.
In 2022 he met 10 world leaders, deputy leaders and foreign ministers, compared with only two in 2019, the institute said.
He will run for a parliamentary seat when Cambodia goes to the polls in July this year, according to a party document seen by AFP.
Hun Sen, who has ruled the country for 38 years, has repeatedly hinted at stepping down but has said he will run for office again in the coming election.
The prime minister, who has wound back democratic freedoms and used the courts to stifle opposition, rejects claims of nepotism. AFP
