AKP Phnom Penh, July 11, 2025 --

The Senate Standing Committee of the fifth legislature this afternoon agreed to forward the proposed amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution to the Senate’s Legislation and Justice Commission for review, study, and comment. 
The decision was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee held here at the Senate Palace under the chairmanship of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate. 

The proposed constitutional amendment to Article 33 was unanimously approved this morning by all the 125 lawmakers during the 4th session of the National Assembly’s 7th legislature, chaired by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly.

This amendment establishes a legal framework for revoking Cambodian citizenship from individuals convicted of treason or colluding with foreign powers in ways that seriously harm national interests.

Article 33 previously stated: “Khmer citizens shall not be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or arrested to be extradited to a foreign country, except when there is a mutual agreement. Khmer citizens residing abroad are under the protection of the State. The acquisition of Khmer nationality shall be determined by law.”

The constitutional amendment was a joint proposal by all 125 members of parliament, representing all political parties with seats in the National Assembly, alongside Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

This amendment aims to strengthen national sovereignty and security by deterring foreign interference and punishing acts of treason. It aligns with Article 49 of the Constitution, which mandates every Khmer citizen to prioritise national interests and participate in the defence and development of the motherland.

Cambodia has a legal history of regulating annulment of citizenship, including the Civil Code of 1920 and the Law on the Loss of Khmer Citizenship promulgated in 1968.

Globally, over 70 percent of countries, including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Singapore, have laws allowing citizenship revocation for treason or threats to national security. This practice is also adopted by several ASEAN and European states.

In accordance with Article 143 of the Constitution, National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet have submitted the proposed amendment to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, requesting consultation with the Constitutional Council.

By Heng Panha