Norodom Sihanouk - Death

Death

Sihanouk died after a heart attack in Beijing, People's Republic of China on 15 October 2012, at the age of 89. He had been receiving medical treatment there since January, 2012 for a number of health problems, including colon cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. State flags flew at half-mast, and current King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen went to Beijing to bring home Sihanouk's body for a funeral at the Royal Palace.

Prince Sisowath Thomico, who was Sihanouk's assistant and nephew, said "his death was a great loss to Cambodia," adding that Sihanouk had dedicated his life "for the sake of his entire nation, country and for the Cambodian people." United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also commented, acknowledging Sihanouk's "long dedication to his country and his legacy as a unifying national leader who is revered by Cambodians and respected internationally." After Sihanouk's death, the National Television of Kampuchea repeatedly screened a 30-minute documentary about his life. 100,000 Cambodians were expected to line the route from the airport to the Royal Palace for the return of Sihanouk's body, but state television broadcaster TVK later said about 1,200,000 people had turned out. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed his condolences over the demise of former Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk.