AKP Phnom Penh, July 05, 2025 --

President of the Senate, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, has stated that the law on the revocation of Khmer citizenship is not a new concept in Cambodia, as it already existed during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era (1955–1970).

“I have just found two legal documents concerning the ‘revocation or loss of Khmer nationality’ for those who committed acts harmful to national interests,” he wrote in a social media post this afternoon. He attached two documents: the Royal Decree Promulgating the Law on the Loss of Khmer Citizenship dated October 16, 1968, and Article 25-duplicate of the Civil Code (extracted from Royal Decree No. 397, N.S., dated October 26, 1959).

He added that Cambodia is not alone in this matter. Based on available information, about 150 countries around the world have laws allowing for the revocation of citizenship. Generally, these laws permit citizenship revocation in cases involving threats to national security, disloyalty, acts that undermine national interests, or crimes related to terrorism.

H.E. Seng Dyna, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, explained that the proposed constitutional amendment is intended to create a legal framework for revoking the citizenship of individuals who conspire with foreign entities to harm the Khmer nation. He stressed that the measure is not aimed at citizens who are loyal to the nation.

“Those who truly love the nation and have no intention of colluding with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia have nothing to worry about regarding this law,” he said.

H.E. Seng Dyna also rejected claims by certain individuals abroad that the revocation of citizenship constitutes ethnic cleansing or even genocide. “This is a misunderstanding that confuses ethnicity with nationality. Ethnicity or race is a blood bond, whereas nationality is a legal bond between an individual and the state,” he clarified.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly is scheduled to meet on July 7, 2025, to review and consider the proposed amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

According to the Constitutional Council, amending Article 33 to allow the revocation of Khmer citizenship for individuals who conspire with foreign countries and act against national interests is legally feasible.

Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen

H.E. Seng Dyna, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice

By C. Nika