Colorful celebrations and fanfare in the streets during King Shinaouk’s birthday
King-Father Norodom Sihanouk or more properly: Preah Karuna Preah Bat Sâmdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Preahmâhaviraksat is the King-Father of Cambodia. His birthday, October 31, 1922, is celebrated every year in Cambodia with great pomp and splendor.
King Norodom Sihanouk is the son of King Norodom Suramarit and Queen Sisowath Kossamak was King of Cambodia until his abdication on October 7, 2004 (although his effective rule as King of Cambodia was from November 9, 1953 when independence was granted to Cambodia until March 18, 1970 when Lon Nol and the National Assembly deposed Sihanouk).
Before his abdication, King Norodom Sihanouk held enough office to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the politician who has held the most political office. These positions include two terms as king, two as sovereign prince, one as president, two as prime minister and one as untitled head of state of Cambodia, as well as numerous positions as leader of various governments in exile. Most of these positions were honorary, including his position as king immediately before his abdication. After his abdication, he is known as the King-Father of Cambodia and still retains many of the titles from his reign.
His recognition as a great king and popular figure, in the country and beyond its borders, has made him a local icon, and his birthday is celebrated in the best possible way by both royalty and the local community.
King Norodom Sihanouk has varied interests such as film making and music composition. ‘Ambition Burned to Ashes’ and ‘The Last Days of Colonel Savath’ are two of his films. Apart from this, he also creates musical compositions in English, French and Khmer (official language of Cambodia). The King also has his own website, which displays political ads and attracts more than a thousand Cambodian visitors daily.
If you plan to visit Cambodia during October, be prepared to join the locals for fun and celebration. Preparing for the birthday festivities in advance, the community will be abuzz with activity. You can stay in a Phnom Penh hotel while enjoying the clamor and entertainment on the streets. A luxury hotel in Phnom Penh will be your best option as you will find all the modern conveniences there.
