Queen Soma, Cambodia’s First Female Leader

Soma (Khmer:) or Neang Neak (Khmer) was commonly regarded as Cambodia’s first monarch (reigned c. 1st century). She was also Cambodia’s first female leader. She was the spouse of Kaundinya I (also known “Preah Thong”).

In Khmer history, Queen Soma and her husband, King Kaundinya I, are known as “Preah Thong (Kaundinya) and Neang Neak (Soma).”