International Lifestyles in Cambodia

It was unfortunate, however, that the coronation of King Sihamoni was surrounded by speculation and debate, regarding his father's abdication. King Norodom Sihanouk, was the first Cambodian king, in recent memory, to quit his post, while still alive. As recently as two days before the coronation, the constitutionality of the King's abdication was still a subject of debate.

A throne council was called, also a first in recent Cambodian history. The council chose Prince Norodom Sihamoni, a 51 year old ballet dancer, who had spent much of his life in Paris, to be the new King. His brother, Prince Norodom Ranarith, would have been the natural successor to their father. But Prince Ranarith, who is head of the FUNCINPEC, royalist political party, had often stated, that he had no desire to assume the position of king.