Uy Rithy, the Facebook user behind comedy account “Troll Chav Chav,” has been appointed as Prime Minister Hun Sen’s assistant with rank equivalent to the head of a government department, according to a sub-decree signed on July 3, 2023.
The sub-decree has yet to be officially released as part of the government’s Royal Gazette, but has been posted online by pro-government media outlets.
Troll Chav Chav spoofs popular Chinese television drama Three Kingdoms, using clips from the show featuring warlord “Cao Cao” and other characters overlaid with dubbed dialogue imitating their voices.
The videos have commented on news stories and social issues, or mocks other Facebook accounts.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, during a speech to garment workers on June 24, played a recent Troll Chav Chav video for the gathered audience.
In the video, Troll Chav Chav mocks overseas opposition figures telling people to boycott the upcoming July 23 vote, then encourages people to vote for Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party. The video praises the country’s economic development.
Hun Sen said in his speech that he admired the Troll Chav Chav video and its humor, and thanked its creator. He said it would be useful in the lead-up to election day.
