Journeys Within hopes that everyone enjoyed themselves and their families during the Royal Birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni.
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Born May 14, 1953, the King celebrated his 60th birthday over the holiday weekend. In honour of Sihamoni’s landmark birthday the central bank will be releasing a 100,000 Riel note ($25) — the largest bank note available in Cambodia.
According to its model, the bill displays the portraits of late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath on the front sides, with pictures of the two monarchs and current King Norodom Sihamoni on the reverse.
Sihamoni has been King of Cambodia since October 29, 2004 when his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated his throne.
“Sihamoni’s selection as king over one of his higher-profile siblings or uncles probably represented Sihanouk’s desire that someone neutral and politically untainted succeed him. Although Sihamoni reportedly was initially reluctant to become king, he accepted the role of monarch after a unanimous vote of approval by Cambodia’s nine-member Throne Council. Concerns that Sihamoni might find it hard to live up to the reputation of his charismatic and politically savvy father were dispelled when, early in his reign, he showed himself to be a dignified king, humble toward his office and eager to reach out to the Cambodian population. In addition to formal trips abroad, Sihamoni made a series of visits to rural Cambodian villages and towns, where he met and talked with local residents. He also made known his desire to improve education and health care in Cambodia and to help revive the cultural life of the country.” – Encyclopedia Britannica