Former Oddar Meanchey governor, Pech Sokhen, passed away in a hospital in Thailand Monday morning at the age of 61.

Samroang District Governor Thon Nol, said Sokhen – who served as governor from 2006 to May this year when he resigned due to his declining health – was admitted to the hospital on the night of June 22.

“When he vomited, it contained blood. The doctor tried to help him but could not save his life,” Nol said, speaking from the funeral.

Nol added that the funeral will be held until June 30 at his home in Samroang commune.

Sokhen’s health worsened last year ago but he continued to work at his office and would occasionally travel to Thailand’s Surin province for medical checkups. He decided in May to resign from his position as governor to focus on his health.

Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for Ministry of Interior said Sokhen’s death was a big loss as he had done a tremendous job for the Ministry of Interior for years.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Interior, we would like to share our condolence to his family, he was one of the good people,” Sopheak said.

Sar Thavy, former deputy governor from neighbouring province Preah Vihear, has been appointed to take the role of governor of Oddar Meanchey.