The son of Defence Minister and Cambodian People’s Party stalwart Tea Banh has been made a deputy governor of Siem Reap province, according to a sub-decree.

The document, signed last week by Prime Minister Hun Sen, elevates Tea Seiha to the position, while moving current Deputy Governor Kim Chhay Heang to the Council of Ministers, where he was previously employed.

Seiha previously worked at the Ministry of Defence, according to Siem Reap province’s director of administration, Nuon Putheara. Recent photos posted online show his rank to be major general.

The scion also previously worked as the head of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia’s (UYFC) Siem Reap branch.

Two recently promoted figures, Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Nuon Pharath and Koh Kong Governor Mithona Phouthorng, were also members of the UYFC, which is led by the premier’s youngest son, Hun Many.

Putheara said he learned of Seiha’s promotion on Facebook and had yet to receive an official notice. He said the scion was “youthful and full of energy”.

“He will work effectively and fast,” Putheara said.

Licadho’s coordinator for the province, Men Kimsour, said the move was likely designed to boost the party’s popularity in the area, which saw strong gains for the opposition at the June 4 commune election.

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