Cambodian former king returns, praising media and Chinese medics

Sun, 06 Apr 2008
DPA

Siem Reap, Cambodia - Retired former Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk flew into this northern tourist province Sunday from months in China looking sprightly and attributing his health to prayers and Chinese doctors. Now aged 85, Sihanouk waved reporters past his notoriously protective North Korean bodyguards and chatted at length about the importance of free speech, the media, his health and future plans.

He was greeted by all of the nation's leaders, including Prime Minister Hun Sen and Sihanouk's son, King Norodom Sihamoni, before driving past thousands of his subjects who lined the route to his royal residence to cheer his return.

"I am retired, so there is no need for me to intefere in this country's politics," the famously political octogenarian told reporters, repeating an earlier pledge. "However I am happy to stay here though and help all of you and I welcome direct opinions (to me) on this country.

"I am still alive, strong and younger than my years thanks to the prayers and wishes of my people and the skill of my Chinese doctors."

The former monarch, who has been in Beijing undergoing routine medical checkups with his wife, Norodom Monineath, since November also praised journalists, saying they were "working hard for the country."

Sihanouk spends increasing periods of time in Beijing, where a team of Chinese doctors are treating him for a range of ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer, although he previously announced that his cancer was in remission.

A palace official said this week that he was planning a gala to celebrate the nation's most important holiday, Khmer New Year, at his residence in the capital less than 10 days after his return.

The former king, who abdicated in 2004, had not set a date for his return to China, but Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Saturday that Sihanouk had been invited to, and was expected to attend, the opening of the Beijing Olympics in July.

Cambodian former king returns home from China

PHNOM PENH, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian retired King Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Monineath Sihanouk arrived in Siem Reap province of Cambodia from China on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Hun Sen said.

Sihanouk and his wife will stay at their royal residence in Siem Reap provincial town, Hun Sen was quoted by the National Television of Kampuchea (TVK) as saying earlier on Sunday.

The former king always returns to his homeland to celebrate the Khmer New Year on April 13-16 with Cambodian people.

Sihanouk and his wife, accompanied by their son King Norodom Sihamoni, left for China last November for routine medical checkup and rest.

The 85-year-old former king suffers from diabetes and has had colon cancer. He abdicated his throne to his son in October 2004.

King-Father to arrive in Cambodia on Sunday [-Sumptuous banquet with singing and dancing planned for Cambodian New Year celebration]

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Former monarch, King Norodom Sihanouk, will return back to Cambodia this week, following several months of medical treatment in China. An official from the Royal Palace told a foreign news media on Wednesday that the 85-year-old King-Father and Queen Norodom Monineath will arrive in Siem Reap on Sunday. The former monarch will be welcomed by his son, King Sihamoni, and by top country leaders. The Royal Palace official also indicated that King-Father planned to organize a sumptuous celebration for the Cambodia New Year and he also plans to organize an evening banquet, complete with singing and dancing, in which all the ambassadors in Cambodia are invited. The same royal palace source added that King-Father did not set a date for his return back to China yet.

Cambodian former king to return home from China

Wed, 02 Apr 2008
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian former king Norodom Sihanouk would return to the country this week after spending three months resting and undergoing routine medical checkups in China, a palace source said Wednesday. The palace official said the former monarch, now 85, would fly to the northern tourist town and gateway to the Angkor Wat temples, Siem Reap, Sunday, where he keeps a royal residence.

He would be accompanied by his wife, Norodom Monineath, and greeted on arrival by the nation's leaders and his son, King Norodom Sihamoni.

Sihanouk spends increasing periods of time in Beijing, where a team of Chinese doctors treat him for a range of ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer, although he previously announced that that he is in remission.

The octogenarian apparently remains spritely, and the palace source said he was planning a gala to celebrate the nation's most important holiday, Khmer New Year, at his residence in the capital less than 10 days after his return.

"He plans to host a banquet followed by a night of singing and dancing and will invite all members of the diplomatic corps," the palace official said by telephone.

The former king, who abdicated in 2004, had not set a date for his return to China, the source added. He was last in the country in November when he celebrated his birthday here.

King-Father to return home before the 2008 election

13 December 2007
By Mayarith
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

King Norodom Sihamoni returned back home yesterday afternoon, and he was welcomed at the airport by top Cambodian leaders such as Hun Sen.

There was no additional report provided regarding the king’s return, however, Oum Daravuth, an official from the royal palace cabinet, indicated that the king’s father, Hero-King Norodom Sihanouk, will return back home prior to the upcoming 2008 general election, so that he can provide a shade (to the country) and project an image of peace in the country.

Oum Daravuth said: “The words from Samdech Ta were: ‘his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren shouldn’t be worried because he will stay (in Cambodia) to provide a shade for the upcoming 2008 general election.’ The Hero-King send words that he never abandon his children and grandchildren, the latter should remember that in1993, 1998, and 2003, he always stayed (in the country) to provide a shade for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren living in the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

The departure of King-Father to Beijing for healthcare took place while his son, Prince Ranariddh, is still in exile and cannot return back to politics in Cambodia any time soon to participate in the upcoming 2008 July general election.

There is only 7 months left until the general election, several political sources, both inside and outside the country, hope that an intervention could be done to make the return of Prince Ranariddh home possible.

However, Oum Daravuth, (son of Oum Manorin) who is close to the Hero-King and the king, revealed that the key for the return of the prince to Cambodia lies with Hun Sen.

Oum Daravuth added: “He (King-Father) told Prince Ranariddh that the prince will return back (to Cambodia), if he clenches an agreement with Samdach Hun Sen, and only Samdach Hun Sen can guarantee the return of Prince Ranariddh home.”

Prince Ranariddh left Cambodia since after his resignation as president of the National Assembly in March 2006.