CAMBODIA

ORDERS & DECORATIONS

 

The Grand Order of National Merit - collar, collar badge and breast star.

The Grand Order of National Merit (Jathupakaraksha): founded by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995. Awarded in one class to foreign Heads of State and to Cambodian nationals who have performed exceptional services to the nation. Recipeints include H.E. Samdech Akka Maha Senapatidesa Hun Sen (1996), H.R.H. Samdach Krum Brhat Naradhama Ranariddhi [Norodom Ranariddh] (2004), H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Dharmabudhisara Chea Sim and Samdech Brhat Abhisiri Sugandha Maha Sangharajadhipati Bour Kry (2007).
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The Royal Order of Cambodia - Grand Cross type III, breast star (L) and sash badge (R)

The Royal Order of Cambodia: founded by King Norodom I on 8th February 1864, reformed by King Sisowath on 16th September 1905 and 1st January 1925, and entirely nationalised by King Norodom Sihanouk on 25th August 1948. Obsolete 1970. Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995 and reformed again in 2002. Awarded in a special class (Grand Cross with Collar-conferred on Heads of State only) and five ordinary classes (1. Maha Sirivudha Mohaséreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer*, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Séna or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight). The order originally included a medal attached to it (awarded in gold, silver and bronze) which later evolved into the Medal of the Reign.
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The Royal Order of Cambodia - Knight's badge type I, type II colonial ribbon, type II national ribbon, and Officer type III.

The National Order of Independence: founded by King Norodom Sihanouk on 17th November 1963. Awarded in a special class (Grand Collar) awarded to Heads of State. The order ranked above the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia. Obsolete 1970. At inception, this order included five ordinary classes (1. Maha Sirivudha Mohaséreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Séna or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight). All conferable upon Comindeps of the Légion des Compagnons de la Croisade Royale pour l’Indépendance complète du Cambodge (Légion Comindep) , which institution had been established on the same day as the order. These classes could also be awarded to nationals and foreigners who, although not having taken part in the Royal Crusade, made a meritorious contribution towards the independence of Cambodia. However, no such insignia appear to have ever been worn, bestowed or manufactured.
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The National Order of Independence - Grand Collar

The Medal of National Independence: instituted by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995 (to replace the Seventh of January Decoration instituted on 20th February 1988). Awarded to those who make an outstanding contribution to the nation in defending national independence, democracy, justice and peace but who do not qualify for the award of the Grand Order of National Merit. Awarded in a single class, a silver-gilt medal.
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The Medal of National Independence.

The Order of National Merit of Cambodia (Jathupakara Kampuchea): instituted by King Norodom Sihanouk on 9th September 1948 to recognise outstanding services to the Kingdom. Awarded in a single class - an eight-pointed gold star enamelled in white, the arms of the star resting on a circular wreath, the centre containing a circular red-enamelled disk with a gilt coat-of-arms surrounded by a blue-enamelled band inscribed "Jathupakara Kampuchea", suspended from a medal ribbon of deep-blue moiré on the left chest. Obsolete 1970.
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The Sena Jayasiddha Medal (Séna Chaysith): founded by King Sisowath Monivong on 29th December 1928 as a high distinction for military and civil merit. Reformed by King Norodom Sihanouk on 9th September 1948 and thereafter reserved for exceptional acts of valour, gallantry and brave conduct by both individuals and military units of the military and national police forces in the defence of the country, the attainment and maintenance of national independence and the territorial integrity of the fatherland. The decoration is also awarded for exceptional leadership by general officers in supreme command of military forces. Awarded in one class only. Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995 when eligibility was restricted to holders of three National Defence Medals.

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The Sena Jayasiddha Decoration - breast badge (type I ribbon).

The Order of Queen Sri Suvatta Muni Varman Kusuma Niariratna Siri Vadhana (or Samdech Preah Moha Kshatriyani Preah Sisowath Monivong Kossomak Nearireatth Serey Vathana): founded by Queen Kossomak on 1st October 1962 as to reward services to the sovereign and the Royal Family. Awarded in five classes (1. Maha Sirivudha-Mohaséreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer*, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Séna or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight) and two medals (silver and bronze). Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk in 2002 without the two medals and conferred very sparingly.
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The Order of Queen Kossomak - Commander, neck badge.

The Order of Sahametrei: founded by King Norodom Sihanouk on 9th September 1948 and conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and to the Nation, particularly in the field of external relations and diplomatic services or, as a token of friendship to foreigners. Expanded on 23rd August 1956 from three to five classes (1. Maha Sirivudha-Mohaséreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer*, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Séna or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight). Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995.
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The Order of Sahametrei - Grand Cross, breast star (L) and sash badge (R)

The Order of Suvadara (or Sowathara): founded by King Sisowath on 22nd June 1923 (first statutes issued 3rd July 1923). Awarded for services in the fields of agriculture and economic endeavour and conferred in three classes (1. Commander, 2. Officer, and 3. Knight). Reformed by King Norodom Sihanouk on 23rd August 1956 and extended to five classes (1. Maha Sirivudha-Mohaséreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer*, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Sena or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight). Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995
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The Order of Suvadara - Grand Cross, sash badge.

The Order of Muni Isvarabarna (or Monisaraphon): founded by King Sisowath on 1st February 1905 (first statutes issued 18th April 1905) and awarded in a single class limited to Cambodians, French protected subjects and other Asians. Reformed by King Norodom Sihanouk on 9th September 1948 and extended to three classes. Extended again to five classes in 1961. Awarded for services in the fields of literature and the fine arts, education, justice, administration, and science. Conferred in five classes (1. Maha Sirivudha-Moha Séreivath or Grand Cross, 2. Mahasena-Mohaséna or Grand Officer*, 3. Adipati-Thibadin or Commander, 4. Séna or Officer and 5. Askararidha-Assarith or Knight). Revived by King Norodom Sihanouk on 5th October 1995.
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The Order of Monisaraphon - Grand Cross, breast star (L) and sash badge (R)

* Grand Officers of the Cambodian orders now wear their badges in the same manner as a Grand Cross, suspended from a broad sash over the right shoulder and resting on the left hip. The star of a Grand Officer is pinned through the centre of the sash onto the chest. When worn without the riband or when worn in a junior position to the star of another order, the Grand Officer's star is worn on the right chest.
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