The deputy governor of Siem Reap province, Tea Seiha, has been made the governor, replacing Khim Bunsong who was transferred to the Ministry of Defence as secretary of state.

Meanwhile, a government official lauded the promotion, saying the former is “eligible to strengthen work efficiency”. The reshuffle was made after King Norodom Sihamoni signed a sub-decree on Thursday.

Tea Seiha, the son of the Defence Minister and Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) stalwart Tea Banh, was appointed deputy governor by Prime Minister Hun Sen last year.

Before that, he was a major general at the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), the Union Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) president in Siem Reap province and a member of CPP’s central committee.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the reshuffle is part of “reform and work continuation”.

He also lauded Seiha’s remarkable “talent and ability” which he will need to “enhance work efficiency” and to “succeed the previous official”.

“The candidate who assumes the responsibility has the ability to get work done,” Siphan said.