Cambodian King to celebrate his father's birthday in Beijing

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni left Phnom Penh on Tuesday for Beijing to celebrate his King father's 83rd birthday.

King Sihamoni ascended the throne on Oct. 29 last year after the abdication of his 82-year-old father Norodom Sihanouk.

Senate President Chea Sim and other government officials, and members of the royal family as well as the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Hu Qianwen saw the King off at the Phnom Penh International Airport.

Co-minister of Interior Prince Norodom Sirivudh, half-brother of the retired king, said King Sihamoni plans to return home on early November.

The retired monarch, who suffers from a variety of ailments that include cancer and hypertension, has received a routine medical checkup and treatment in Beijing.

The retired King and Queen Monineath left the country in August with King Sihamoni who paid his first state visit to China.

Source: Xinhua