Commemoration Day of King’s Father 2023: Date, History, Facts about Cambodia

Commemoration Day of King’s Father is annually observed in Cambodia on October 15. “Commemoration Day to the Royal Soul of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King-Father of Cambodian National Independence, Territorial Integrity, and Unity” is the complete title of the observance. It is observed on October 15, 2012, the date of the demise of former king Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. Sihanouk Kossamak, who was born on October 31, 1922, to Norodom Suramarit and Sisowath Kossamak, was sairoy on Cambodia May 3, 1941.

The background of Commemoration Day of King’s Father

The public holiday honors Norodom Sihanouk, the former monarch and prime minister of Cambodia, who died on October 15, 2012.

On October 31, 1922, Sihanouk was delivered as the sole offspring of Norodom Suramarit and Sisowath Kossamak. During this period, King Sisowath Monivong, Sihanouk’s maternal grandfather, ruled as monarch despite the fact that France was still colonizing the nation. Sihanouk was selected by Jean Decoux, the Governor-General of French Indochina, to succeed Monivong as monarch upon his death in 1941. He was crowned monarch of Cambodia on May 3, 1941. The Japanese military, which had been in occupation of the region since August 1941, formally terminated the French colonial administration in March 1945.

Sihanouk, under Japanese duress, proclaimed a brief period of independence and concurrently assumed the position of prime minister while continuing to reign as king. When the French regained power and appointed Sihanouk’s relative to the position of prime minister, this stance shifted. Sihanouk repeatedly resumed and renounced the position in his later years. France consented in August 1953 to a relaxation of pressure, granting Cambodia authority over its internal and judicial matters. Sihanouk subsequently proclaimed Cambodia’s independence from France on November 9, 1953.

Sihanouk vacated the throne on March 2, 1955, to succeed his father. After submitting his abdication, he proceeded to found a political entity known as “Sangkum.” In the 1955 elections, he was re-elected prime minister as the organization received 83% of the vote. Following the demise of Sihanouk’s father on April 3, 1960, Sihanouk’s uncle Monireth was bestowed with the regentship. Subsequently, Sihanouk established and occupied the position of Cambodia’s Head of State. Subsequent to his reassertion as king of Cambodia on September 24, 1993, Sihanouk declared his intention to abdicate once more on July 6, 2004.

5 intriguing Cambodian facts

Wedding festivities in Cambodia may extend for a maximum duration of three days and three nights.

April marks the Choul Chnam Thmey, or Cambodian New Year celebration.

It is not uncommon for individuals in Cambodia to prepare insects in the form of ant stews or arachnid dishes.

Angkor Wat, situated in Cambodia, is the greatest religious structure in the world and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

McDonald’s has never existed in Cambodia, never!

COMMEMORATION DAY OF KING’S FATHER DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	October 15	Sunday
2024	October 15	Tuesday
2025	October 15	Wednesday
2026	October 15	Thursday
2027	October 15	Friday