Cambodia Marks 12th Anniversary of King’s Coronation

PHNOM PENH— Cambodia celebrated the 12th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni's coronation on Saturday with blessing messages and fireworks show.

The monarch's portraits have been displayed in front of all state's ministries and institutions on the occasion, as blessing messages from the heads of the senate, the national assembly, and the government have been broadcast on television channels and radios, and published on newspapers or posted on online media.

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his profound gratitude to the king for his great contribution to the nation's socio-economic development and foreign affairs.

"On this auspicious occasion, I'd like to bless Your Majesty the King with good health, strength, wisdom, and longevity in order to stay as the cold shade for the Cambodian people," he said in a blessing message.

To mark the day, there was also a fireworks show over Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Saturday night.

Sihamoni, 63, ascended the throne as the King of Cambodia on Oct. 29, 2004 after his father late King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated due to health problem.