The highway to success is never an easy one; it is fraught with risks and challenges and is bumpy most of the times. Needless to say, there are very few men who have had it easy. They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. These inspiring figures had less than a lemon to start out with – and are now known for their sheer tenacity as they climbed to the top. That is right! These Cambodian men of exemplary achievements have given the world every reason to be proud of them. Dancers, singers, musicians, journalists, players, Cambodia has produced a wad of notable men whose achievements in their fields have been remarkable. These extraordinary men with even more extraordinary accomplishments have something to teach the world. Be it their diligence, tenacity, temperament or ingenuity, these Cambodian men were and are living examples of their country’s greatness. So what are you waiting for? Join us as we explore the lives and deeds of famous Cambodian men in their biographies below and trail their timeline, trivia and interesting facts.

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Birthdate: October 31, 1922

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Died: October 15, 2012

Apart from taking over as the king of Cambodia at 18, Norodom Sihanouk had also been the country’s prime minister later. A multidimensional personality and a Khmer Rouge supporter, he had also composed a number of patriotic tracks and experimented with filmmaking, infusing Western elements into his work.

 2 

Hun Sen

(Prime Minister of Cambodia)

Birthdate: August 5, 1952

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Stueng Trang District, Cambodia

Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician and the current prime minister of Cambodia. Having assumed office in 1985, Hun Sen is one of the world's longest-serving leaders and the longest-serving Cambodian head of government. Over the years, he has been accused of abusing power as a number of activists, environmentalists, and politicians have been arrested and murdered under his government.

 3 

Suryavarman II

(King of the Khmer Empire (1113 - 1150))

Birthdate: 1094 AD

Birthplace: Angkor

Died: 1150 AD

The ruler of the Khmer Empire, Suryavarman II is known to be the founder of the famed Angkor Wat in Cambodia. His rule extended from Thailand to Vietnam. He is believed to have died while on a military campaign against Champa,following which, Angkor was taken over by the Chams.

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Birthdate: May 14, 1953

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Norodom Sihamoni has had an interesting childhood, from studying in Czechoslovakia to joining a film school in North Korea, to moving to China after the fall of Pol Pot. A skilled choreographer who had his own dance troupe in Paris, he later rather reluctantly became the king of Cambodia.

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Birthdate: September 27, 1942

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Died: March 30, 2008

 6 

Pol Pot

(Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1976 to 1979)

Birthdate: May 19, 1925

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Prek Sbov, Cambodia

Died: April 15, 1998

Pol Pot was a Cambodian politician who served as the prime minister of Democratic Kampuchea from 1975 and 1979. Widely considered a totalitarian dictator, Pol Pot was responsible for the Cambodian genocide, which resulted in the death of 1.5 to 2 million people. He was found guilty of crimes against humanity and placed under house arrest until his death.

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 7 

Jayavarman VII

(King of the Khmer Empire (1181 - 1218))

Birthdate: 1125 AD

Birthplace: Angkor, Cambodia

Died: 1218 AD

Khmer king Jayavarman VII, who embraced Buddhism, is best known for his initiatives in improving the infrastructure of Cambodia. Apart from building hospitals, he also built rest houses and highways but is best remembered for developing the temple at Bayon and the city of Angkor Thom.

Birthdate: January 2, 1944

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Phnom Penh

Former Cambodian prime minister Norodom Ranariddh had started his career as a researcher and lecturer of law at the University of Provence in France. Son of former king, Sihanouk, he is credited with ushering in democracy in Cambodia and now leads the royalist party FUNCINPEC, as its president.

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 9 

Jayavarman II

(King of the Khmer Empire (802 - 850))

Birthdate: 0770 AD

Birthplace: Cambodia

Died: 0835 AD

Khmer Ruler Jayavarman II is remembered for establishing the Devaraja cult as the official religion of his kingdom. He also expanded his kingdom to include Chenla. His origins were in Java, where he was to succeed as Java’s vassal in about 800, but he proclaimed Khmer independence soon after.

 10 

Norodom of Cambodia

(King of Cambodia (1860 - 1904))

Birthdate: February 3, 1834

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Angkor Borei, Cambodia

Died: April 24, 1904

Cambodian ruler Norodom, the eldest son of King Ang Duong, was trained in the concepts of Buddhism from an early age. His initial goals included strengthening ties between Siam (Thailand) and Cambodia. A treaty he signed with France handed over Cambodia’s foreign relations to the French.

Birthdate: March 10, 1949

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Phnom Penh

Sam Rainsy is a Cambodian politician, economist, and activist who served as the leader of the opposition from January 2015 to November 2015. He is credited with co-founding the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which was Cambodia's major political party from 2013 to 2017.

 12 

Norodom Suramarit

(King of Cambodia (1955 - 1960))

Birthdate: March 6, 1896

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Phnom Penh

Died: April 3, 1960

Norodom Suramarit reigned as the King of Cambodia from 1955 until his demise in 1960. He ascended the throne on his 60th birthday after his son King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne in favor of his father. The current King Norodom Sihamoni is Suramarit's grandson.

 13 

Vann Nath

(Painter)

Birthdate: January 7, 1946

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Battambang Province, Cambodia

Died: September 5, 2011

 14 

Son Sen

(Cambodian Politician who Ordered the Massacre of 100,000 People in 1978)

Birthdate: June 12, 1930

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Tra Vinh, Vietnam

Died: June 15, 1997

Son Sen was a Cambodian soldier and Communist politician. An important member of the Communist Party of Kampuchea aka the Khmer Rouge, Sen was accountable for the massacre of over 100,000 people in Cambodia's Eastern Zone in 1978. Son Sen is also remembered for his service as the Minister of National Defense from 15 January 1976 to 7 January 1979.  

 15 

Sisowath of Cambodia

(King of Cambodia (1904 - 1907))

Birthdate: September 7, 1840

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia

Died: August 9, 1927

Cambodian king Sisowath is remembered as a titular head of the French colonial administration in Cambodia. He even went to France in 1906, to visit the Colonial Exhibition. He is said to have had 20 wives and 29 children, including Sisowath Monivong, who succeeded him.

 16 

Ang Duong

(King of Cambodia (1840 - 1860))

Birthdate: June 12, 1796

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Oudongk, Cambodia

Died: October 19, 1860

Ang Duong served as the King of Cambodia between 1840 and 1860. He is credited with establishing the basis for the united state of Cambodia as he made an attempt to form an alliance with colonial France, which also led to the French protectorate of Cambodia. He is credited with founding the two main houses of Cambodia, Sisowath and Norodom.

 17 

Kem Sokha

(Former President of the 'Cambodia National Rescue Party')

Birthdate: June 27, 1953

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Cambodia

Kem Sokha is a Cambodian activist and politician. He is known for his service as the President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party. He also led the Human Rights Party, which he had founded, from 2007 to 2012. In 2017, Kem Sokha was arrested and imprisoned under allegations of treason. From 2018 to 2019, he was placed under house arrest.

 18 

Suryavarman I

(King of the Khmer Empire (1006 - 1050))

Died: 1050 AD

Suryavarman I served as the king of the famous Khmer Empire between 1006 and 1050. An astute ruler, Suryavarman I maintained diplomatic relations with powerful kings like Rajendra Chola I, which helped him successfully defend his kingdom for about 40 years.

 19 

Rithy Panh

(Film director)

Birthdate: April 18, 1964

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 20 

Ta Mok

(Cambodian Military Chief and a Senior Figure in the 'Khmer Rouge')

Birthdate: 1924 AD

Birthplace: Takéo Province, Cambodia

Died: July 21, 2006

Ta Mok was a Cambodian soldier and military chief. He was one of the most important members of the Khmer Rouge. Nicknamed the Butcher, Ta Mok also led the national army of Democratic Kampuchea. He was captured by Cambodian government forces in March 1999 and was kept in government custody until his demise in 2006.

Birthdate: November 13, 1913

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Prey Veng Province

Died: November 17, 1985

Lon Nol was a Cambodian general and politician. He served as the prime minister of Cambodia from 1966 to 1967 and again from 1969 to 1971. A nationalist, Nol played a decisive role during the 1970 Cambodian coup d'état where he led the military coup against Prince Norodom Sihanouk. The coup led to the abolition of the monarchy of Cambodia.

 22 

Indravarman I

(King of the Khmer Empire (877/878 - 889/890))

Birthplace: Hariharalaya, Cambodia

Died: 0889 AD

It is largely believed that Khmer ruler Indravarman I had snatched the throne away from his cousin, Jayavarman III. His reign saw the construction of a large reservoir, which later became the chief source of water for irrigation and other purposes in the Angkor region. He also built a temple at Bakong.

 23 

Ang Chan I

(King of Cambodia (1516 - 1566))

Birthdate: 1496 AD

Birthplace: Srei Santhor, Cambodia

Died: 1566 AD

Ang Chan I was the King of Cambodia who reigned from 1516 until his death in 1566. He was coronated twice during his reign. Counted among the most distinguished kings of the post-Angkor era, Ang Chan I was one of the first Cambodian kings to use cannons and firearms in wars.

 24 

Son Sann

(Former Prime Minister of Cambodia (1967 – 1968))

Birthdate: October 5, 1911

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Phnom Penh

Died: December 19, 2000

Son Sann was a Cambodian anti-communist resistance leader and politician. He is best remembered for his service as the Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1 May 1967 to 31 January 1968. Son Sann is also credited with forming a new political party called the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party.

 25 

Kang Kek Iew

(Cambodian War Criminal and Khmer Rouge Leader)

Birthdate: November 17, 1942

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia

Died: September 2, 2020

Khmer Rouge leader Kang Kek Iew headed the Cambodian government’s internal security branch and was in charge of the Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison camp. Charged with crimes against humanity, he was punished with 30 years of imprisonment, a sentence that was later extended to life imprisonment.

 26 

Ang Chan II

(King of Cambodia (1806 - 1834))

Birthdate: 1791 AD

Birthplace: Bangkok, Thailand

Died: November 30, 1834

The son of Cambodian king Ang Eng, Ang Chan II, also known as Udaraja III, was recognized as a king by the Thais. He maintained good relations with both Vietnam and Siam, so that peace could be maintained in Cambodia. Following his death, both Vietnam and Siam took over control of Cambodia.

 27 

Eh Phuthong

(TV show host)

Birthdate: 1975 AD

Birthplace: Koh Kong, Cambodia

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

 28 

Isanavarman I

(King of Chenla (616 - 637))

Birthplace: Unknown

Died: 0637 AD

Isanavarman I served as the King of Chenla from 616 to 637 AD. The kingdom of Chenla went on to become the powerful Khmer Empire. King Isanavarman I is credited with founding the temples at Sambor Prei Kuk.

Birthdate: August 5, 2001

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Cambodia

 30 

Photisarath

(King of Lan Xang (1520 - 1548))

Birthdate: 1501 AD

Birthplace: Muang Sua, Lan Xang

Died: 1547 AD

Photisarath reigned as the king of Lan Xang from 1520 to 1548. Counted among the most pious of the Lao kings, Photisarath played a key role in promoting Buddhism by destroying spirit shrines that enabled spirit worship. He banned spirit worship and animism and built Buddhist temples on the sites of spirit shrines.

 31 

Neko Hiroshi

(Comedian)

Birthdate: August 8, 1977

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Ichihara, Chiba, Japan

Height: 4'10" (147 cm)

 32 

Nuon Chea

(Chief Ideologist of the Khmer Rouge)

Birthdate: July 7, 1926

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Voat Kor, Battambang, Cambodia, French Indochina

Died: August 4, 2019

Nuon Chea was a Cambodian revolutionary and politician who served as the chief ideologist of the Khmer Rouge. From 27 September 1976 to 25 October 1976, he served as the prime minister of the Democratic Kampuchea. In 2014, he was convicted of crimes against humanity and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Nuon Chea died in 2019 while serving his sentence.

 33 

Thun Sophea

(Cambodian Professional Kickboxer)

Birthdate: 1979 AD

Birthplace: Unknown

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

 34 

Hem Bunting

(Marathoner)

Birthdate: December 12, 1985

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Steung Treng Province, Cambodia

 35 

Bun Kenny

(Tennis player)

Birthdate: June 1, 1990

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Metz, France

Height: 5'11" (180 cm)

 36 

Sovijja Pou

(Swimmer)

Birthdate: July 18, 1995

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: United States

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

 37 

Vath Chamroeun

(Wrestler)

Birthdate: October 12, 1972

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Unknown

 38 

Van Son

(Cyclist)

Birthdate: April 4, 1934

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Unknown

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)

 39 

Soth Sun

(Boxer)

Birthdate: January 1, 1946

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Unknown

 40 

Preah Maha Ghosananda

(Buddhist Monk)

Birthdate: May 23, 1913

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Treang, Cambodia

Died: March 12, 2007

 41 

Sitha Sin

(Athlete)

Birthdate: March 10, 1950

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Unknown

 42 

Hem Lumphat

(Swimmer)

Birthdate: December 4, 1976

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Died: July 15, 2020

 43 

Ret Chhon

(Cyclist)

Birthdate: 1940 AD

Birthplace: Unknown

Height: 5'4" (163 cm)

 44 

Divākarapaṇḍita

(Political Adviser)

Birthdate: 1040 AD

Birthplace: Cambodia

Died: 1120 AD

 45 

Austin So

(TikTok Star Who Posts Dance and Comedy Videos)

Birthdate: April 24, 2002

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Cambodia

 46 

Yaro Vy

(TikTok Influencer)

Birthdate: February 15, 1993

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Cambodia

 47 

Seak Hok

(Cambodian TikTok Star)

Birthdate: April 11, 2000

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Cambodia

 48 

Soria Oung

(YouTube Vocalist and Guitarist)

Birthdate: September 20, 1988

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Cambodia

 49 

Seak Vlogger

(YouTube Vlogger)

Birthdate: May 10, 2000

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Cambodia

 50 

Heng Visal

(Cambodian Instagram Star)

Birthdate: January 8, 1995

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Cambodia