Phnom Penh & Tribute: Commemoration of the 12th anniversary of the death of the Father-King

Cambodian people yesterday commemorated the 12th anniversary of the death of His Majesty King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk (Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh) (October 15, 2012 - October 15, 2024).

On Sunday morning in Phnom Penh, high-ranking delegations from the Senate, the National Assembly and the government, as well as from ministries and institutions, took turns laying wreaths at the memorial statue of the late King-Father, located in the public park to the east of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh

At the same time, municipal and provincial authorities also organized ceremonies to pay tribute to the soul of Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh.

In a message posted on his social networks on Sunday morning, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sèn, President of His Majesty the King's Supreme Privy Council, expressed his sincere gratitude to His Majesty the late King-Father for his sacrifice in the supreme interest of the nation, and wished his soul to rest in peace.

His Majesty King-Father Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk passed away on October 15, 2012 at 01:20 am in Beijing, China, at the age of 90 from natural causes.

October 15 is a public holiday in Cambodia to commemorate the late King-Father's sacrifice for the nation.

Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk was born on October 31, 1922. He is the only son of HRH Prince Norodom Suramarit and HRH Princess Sisowath Kossomak Nearirath Serey Vatthana.

Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk became King of the Kingdom of Cambodia in April 1941. He led Cambodia to independence from France in 1953.

In 1955, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk abdicated in favor of his father and founded the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (SRN), a movement to develop the country. He won a major victory in the legislative elections. Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk became Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Head of State in 1960 after his father's death.

On March 18, 1970, during an official visit to the USSR, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk was ousted from power in a coup. He became president of the Cambodian Resistance (FUNK).

In April 1975, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk became head of state of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge regime), but resigned in 1976.

From the fall of Democratic Kampuchea on January 7, 1979 to 1990, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk remained outside the country before returning in 1991 and becoming King of Cambodia in 1993 until his abdication in October 2004.

After his abdication, he often stayed in China for medical treatment until his death.