Beings eventually disappear from this earth, no one is exceptional. Three characteristics Buddha exposed “Anica = impermanence, Dhukkha=decaying and Anatta=non-substantial, are omnipresently existing and no one can resist these natural forces. I am sad to hear that our Somdach Ta Norodom Sihanouk passed away at Beijing on 15 October 2012 at 2:25 am today. Of course, there are different views from Cambodians and non-Cambodians regarding the political leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk, but for me who have closely followed all political movements in Cambodia, the post Cold War positioned King Norodom Sihanouk and other world leaders at a critical angle in governing their country. 

I am very sorry for one thing that our King Ta should not be undone is to be a witness at the current Khmer Rouge Tribunal.

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 Kyodo – Former King Norodom Sihanouk passed away in Beijing early Monday morning, government officials said. He was 89.

Nhiek Bunchhay, deputy prime minister and secretary general of royalist FUNCINPEC Party told Kyodo News that King Norodom Sihanouk who is in Beijing for medical check-up died of heart attack early Monday morning.

“I have just received information from Beijing and that I was told that His Majesty (the former King Sihanouk), he had heart problem and was sent to hospital where he passed away there,“ Nhiek Bunchhay said.

Prince Sisowath Thomico, personal assistant to Sihanouk told Kyodo News, “It is true that His Majesty passed away by heart attack in Beijing at 2:25 am (Beijing time),“ he said.

“Because of his heart is weak that is why His Majesty continued to stay in Beijing for treatment since January this year,“ he added.

Nhiek Bunchhay noted that his birthday was coming later this month. Sihanouk was born on Oct. 31, 1922