Cost of gaining ‘Oknha’ title soars

Anyone hoping to be bestowed with the title of “Oknha” must now contribute at least $500,000 to the government, five times more than was previously required, Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled. The new sub-decree signed on March 20 replaces an earlier one from April 1994, which said wealthy benefactors who gave at least $100,000 to the government and directed their money into initiatives to help society would receive a first class Sathapana Cheat medal from the king and the royally-bestowed title of Oknha.
 

Now the government will only ask the king to give the Oknha title to individuals who contribute $500,000 or more. There are three levels of Oknha – Lork Oknha refers to the richest, followed by Neak Oknha and Oknha.
 

Government secretary-general Soy Sokha could not provide the exact figures on the number of business tycoons who are Oknha as of press time yesterday. However, he told Khmer Times the increase in the amount of cash needed to secure the title will help develop the country.
 

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