Prime Minister Hun Sen’s youngest son, Hun Many, has been promoted to the rank of colonel in his father’s personal bodyguard unit, documents obtained yesterday show.

Along with 25 others, Many, a lawmaker in Kampong Speu, was promoted from lieutenant colonel in December, and now sits one position below the one-star rank of brigadier general.

The sub-decree was signed by his father on December 19. Other notable promotions to colonel were given to San Narith, assistant to Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Commander in Chief Pol Saroeun, and Kong Vannak, assistant to RCAF’s cabinet director.

Many could not be reached yesterday. While lawmakers are expected to resign from military or civil servant positions when they are elected, they automatically retain their rights to promotion and maintain their seniority for retirement purposes, according to the Election Law.

Social analyst Meas Nee said the current culture of promotions meant it was not unusual for children to be promoted by their parents, who are senior officials, especially in the armed forces, but he warned it could sow discord.

“When there is a promotion of their children, other family [members] or nepotism, it can impact other, older soldiers to be unhappy, and might lead to a breaking up in the army,” Nee said.

Many has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after his Facebook pages were hacked, with leaked chats purportedly between him and several women leading to allegations of misconduct.