Cambodia Marks 13th Anniversary of King Father Passing, Honoring Legacy of Independence and Peace

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 15, 2025) — Cambodia on Wednesday commemorated the 13th anniversary of the passing of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, widely revered as the architect of the nation’s independence, unity and territorial integrity.

His Majesty, known posthumously as “Preah Borom Ratanak Kaudh,” was passed away on Oct. 15, 2012, in Beijing at the age of 90. In Phnom Penh, senior government officials, civil servants and members of the armed forces gathered at his statue near the Independence Monument to pay tribute.

Though more than a decade has passed, King Sihanouk’s legacy remains deeply embedded in Cambodia’s national identity. He is credited with leading the peaceful movement that secured independence from French colonial rule on Nov. 9, 1953 — a defining moment in the country’s modern history.

“King Norodom Sihanouk left a tremendous legacy for all Cambodians,” said Yong Pov, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia. “His peaceful mission for independence from colonial rule was among the greatest achievements in our history.”

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy, described the King’s diplomatic strategy as instrumental in achieving freedom from France and regaining territories such as the Preah Vihear Temple.

“This was the strongest diplomatic policy to achieve freedom from France,” Phea said. “We have the Cambodia of today because of his sacrifices.”

King Sihanouk also played a pivotal role in ending Cambodia’s civil war. On Oct. 23, 1991, he joined then-Prime Minister Hun Sen at the negotiating table in Paris, leading to the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements. The accords ended decades of conflict and paved the way for a new Constitution, which King Sihanouk signed on Sept. 24, 1993.

“Without King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Samdech Hun Sen, we cannot imagine what Cambodia would be like today,” Phea said. “Their leadership was crucial in bringing about peace, stability and development.”

He also credited France for facilitating the first peace talks between the two leaders in Fère-en-Tardenois in 1987 — a key step toward reconciliation.

Chea Thyrith, spokesman for the Cambodian People’s Party, emphasized the personal and political bond between King Sihanouk and Samdech Techo Hun Sen, now president of the Senate.

“Their relationship extended beyond politics, encompassing national reconciliation and personal ties,” Thyrith said. “At that time, it was Khmer talking to Khmer, after years of war. It marked the beginning of national dialogue.”

He added that Samdech Techo Hun Sen learned greatly from King Sihanouk’s leadership in guiding Cambodia toward peace and stability — a legacy that continues to shape the nation today.