Events on March 18 in history

Lon Nol ousts Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia.

The mid-20th century in Cambodia was a period of profound political turbulence, marked by the intertwined destinies of two towering figures: Marshal Lon Nol and Norodom Sihanouk. Their actions dramatically reshaped the nation's course, leading to a republican experiment, civil war, and ultimately, the devastating rise of the Khmer Rouge.

Marshal Lon Nol: Architect of the Khmer Republic

Born on 13 November 1913, Marshal Lon Nol was a Cambodian politician and a seasoned general whose career was characterized by strong nationalist and conservative principles. He played a pivotal role in his country’s history, serving as Prime Minister of Cambodia on two separate occasions, first from 1966 to 1967, and again from 1969 to 1971. Beyond the premiership, he also held repeated terms as defence minister and provincial governor, demonstrating his deep involvement in both military and civilian leadership.

Lon Nol's defining moment arrived in 1970 when he orchestrated a military coup against the then-head of state, Prince Norodom Sihanouk. This audacious move abolished the ancient monarchy and led to the establishment of the short-lived Khmer Republic. While constitutionally framed as a semi-presidential republic, the reality on the ground was a Cambodia de facto governed under a military dictatorship, with Lon Nol at its helm. As commander-in-chief of the Khmer National Armed Forces, he found himself leading the country through the harrowing Cambodian Civil War. However, as the conflict intensified and the Khmer Rouge forces closed in on Phnom Penh, Lon Nol was compelled to flee. He sought refuge in the United States, living first in Hawaii and Michigan before settling in California, where he remained until his death on 17 November 1985.

Norodom Sihanouk: Cambodia's Enduring Royal and Statesman

Norodom Sihanouk, born on 31 October 1922 and passing on 15 October 2012, was arguably Cambodia's most complex and enduring leader. A Cambodian statesman and royal, he led the nation through a multitude of capacities over his exceptionally long career, frequently serving concurrently as both King and Prime Minister. In his homeland, he is affectionately known as Samdech Euv (Khmer: សម្តេចឪ), a revered title meaning "King Father," reflecting his deep connection to the Cambodian people.

Sihanouk's lifetime spanned a remarkable period of transformation for Cambodia, which underwent numerous changes in its official designation: from the French Protectorate of Cambodia (until 1953) to the Kingdom of Cambodia (1953–1970), then the Khmer Republic (1970–75), Democratic Kampuchea (1975–79), the People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979–93), and finally, a return to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1993 onwards. This litany of names underscores the relentless political upheaval he navigated.

Early Life and Ascendancy

The only child of Prince Norodom Suramarit and Princess Sisowath Kossamak, Sihanouk's royal lineage was impeccable. He ascended to the throne in 1941 following the death of his grandfather, King Sisowath Monivong, amidst French colonial rule. After the Japanese occupation of Cambodia during World War II, Sihanouk skillfully negotiated and secured Cambodia's full independence from France in 1953, a monumental achievement that cemented his popularity. In a surprising move in 1955, he abdicated the throne in favor of his father, Suramarit, a strategic decision designed to allow him to participate directly in politics. His political organization, Sangkum, swept the general elections that very year, and Sihanouk became Prime Minister. He governed under a one-party system, suppressing political dissent, and declared himself Chief of State in 1960.

Political Turmoil and Exile

Despite officially maintaining neutrality in foreign relations, Sihanouk's leanings were, in practice, closer to the communist bloc. This complex geopolitical tightrope act was dramatically cut short by the Cambodian coup of 1970, led by Marshal Lon Nol, which ousted him from power. Sihanouk fled into exile, finding refuge in China and North Korea. From there, he formed a government-in-exile and a resistance movement, encouraging Cambodians to fight the new government and, controversially, backing the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian Civil War. Following the Khmer Rouge's victory in 1975, Sihanouk returned as a figurehead head of state. However, his relationship with the new, brutal regime quickly soured, leading to his resignation in 1976 and subsequent house arrest until Vietnamese forces overthrew the Khmer Rouge in 1979.

Return from Exile and Final Years

Once again, Sihanouk went into exile, forming FUNCINPEC, a resistance party, in 1981. The following year, he became president of the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK), a broad alliance of anti-Vietnamese resistance factions. This crucial role allowed him to retain Cambodia's seat at the United Nations, maintaining his status as Cambodia's internationally recognized head of state. The late 1980s saw informal talks aimed at ending hostilities between the Vietnam-supported People's Republic of Kampuchea and the CGDK. In 1990, the Supreme National Council of Cambodia was formed as a transitional body to oversee the country's sovereign matters, with Sihanouk as its president. The landmark 1991 Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the establishment of the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) the following year. UNTAC organized the 1993 Cambodian general elections, which resulted in a coalition government led jointly by his son Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen. It was then that Sihanouk was reinstated as Cambodia's King. He abdicated for a final time in 2004, and the Royal Council of the Throne chose his son, Sihamoni, as his successor. Norodom Sihanouk passed away in Beijing in 2012, leaving behind an indelible legacy.

Beyond Politics: Sihanouk's Artistic Pursuits

Beyond his monumental political career, Sihanouk harbored a passion for the arts. Between 1941 and 2006, he produced and directed an astonishing 50 films, some of which he also acted in. While these films were later described as being of modest quality, they often incorporated strong nationalistic themes, mirroring many of the songs he composed. His musical compositions frequently celebrated his wife, Queen Monique, neighboring nations, and even the communist leaders who supported him during his periods of exile. In the 1980s, Sihanouk notably held concerts for diplomats in New York City, and he continued to participate in palace concerts during his second reign as King, showcasing a unique blend of royal duty and artistic expression.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lon Nol and Norodom Sihanouk

Who was Marshal Lon Nol?

Marshal Lon Nol (1913–1985) was a Cambodian politician and general who twice served as Prime Minister and led the 1970 coup against Prince Norodom Sihanouk, establishing the Khmer Republic.

What was the Khmer Republic?

The Khmer Republic (1970–1975) was a short-lived state in Cambodia, formed after Lon Nol's coup. Although constitutionally a semi-presidential republic, it was de facto a military dictatorship that fought against the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian Civil War.

Who was Norodom Sihanouk?

Norodom Sihanouk (1922–2012) was a Cambodian statesman and royal who served in various capacities, most often as King and Prime Minister, navigating Cambodia through decades of political upheaval and numerous changes in its governmental structure.

Why was Sihanouk known as "Samdech Euv"?

Sihanouk was known as Samdech Euv, meaning "King Father," a revered title given to him by the Cambodian people to acknowledge his enduring role and connection to the nation throughout its many transformations.

How many times did Sihanouk abdicate the throne?

Norodom Sihanouk formally abdicated the throne twice: first in 1955 to enter direct politics, and again in 2004, when his son Sihamoni was chosen as his successor.

What was Sihanouk's relationship with the Khmer Rouge?

During his exile after the 1970 coup, Sihanouk controversially backed the Khmer Rouge in their fight against Lon Nol's government. After their victory in 1975, he returned as a figurehead, but his relations with the new regime soured, leading to his resignation and house arrest.

Did Sihanouk have artistic talents?

Yes, Sihanouk was also a prolific artist, producing and directing 50 films and writing numerous songs between 1941 and 2006. His artistic works often featured nationalistic themes.