The Cambodian Monarchy - Leading The Nation To A Brighter Future

The country of Cambodia, familiar among tourists all over the world as having some

of the worlds most breathtaking religious architecture and unspoiled countryside, is also home to South East Asias last remaining monarchies. Officially the country of Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with the King as its head of state. The monarch is vested with numerous powers under the present constitution such as appointing the prime minister.

The present day king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni was appointed by a nine member throne council in 2004 following the surprise abdication of his father Norodom Sihanouk. Prior to being crowned, he was well known as a proponent of Cambodian culture in Europe, an instructor of classical dance and as Cambodias ambassador to UNESCO.

Notable due to its absence during the kings coronation was the traditional gold and diamond encrusted crown, which is said to symbolize Mount Meru- which is considered to be sacred to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. The crown was thought to be lost during the Lon Nol regime that overthrew the monarchy in the 1970s. The ceremony was an elegant yet simple affair, with the royal family stating that it did not wish to burden the fragile economy.

The present king of Cambodia, is a direct descendent of the King Norrodom, who is considered to be the first modern Khmer king. He was instrumental in ensuring Cambodias existence during the 19th century. Sandwiched between the powerful kingdoms of Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam; Cambodia was in grave danger of being over run; the king circumvented this by inviting the French colonial forces to make the country its protectorate.

The royal family was exiled during the Lon Nol regime of the 1970s and as the communist insurgency with in the country grew as the decade progressed; the times seemed very bleak for the monarchy. Despite those dark days of violence and conflict, the country emerged from the tatters and the monarchy was reinstated.

Today the monarchy plays a largely ceremonial role, seen as a source of inspiration for the masses of the country. Even today many sites with particular significance to the royal family can be seen close to many a Siem Reap hotel. Known as a favorite destination of travelers to Cambodia an Angkor hotel such as Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor will always offer the best in accommodation and services.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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