Nine senior police officers were yesterday officially promoted following the signing of a Royal Decree by acting head of state Chea Sim.

The decree, dated April 13, was signed by Sim due to King Norodom Sihamoni being in Beijing for medical treatment.

Major generals Prum Chantha, So Vanty and Em Vicheth were made lieutenant generals, a rank that carries three stars, while brigadier generals Sguon Kimsurn, Kheng Chu, Van Sareoun and You Polin had a second star added to their uniforms, rising to the rank of major general.

Colonels Nim Chantana and Suos Sokdara, meanwhile, became one-star brigadier generals.

In January, a total of 81 officers at the General Commissariat of National Police were promoted.

Civil society groups have chastised the government for its rapid promotions, especially for officers considered unqualified.

“There are too many [promotions] – they’re almost uncountable,” said Ny Chakrya, a senior investigator at rights group Adhoc. “Some officers have been criticised by human rights groups . . . but were [still promoted].”