King's Birthday in 2024

When is the Cambodian King's Birthday?

The King's Birthday is a national holiday in Cambodia observed on May 14th each year.

Until 2020, the public holidays lasted for three days usually from May 13th to May 15th. The holiday was reduced to one day from 2020 as part of a shake-up to reduce the number of holidays from 28 to 22.

The date may vary if the day falls on a weekend.

The holiday was established to celebrate the Royal Birthday of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia

History of Cambodian King's Birthday

HM King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Preahmahaviraksat. He was born on May 14th 1953 in Phnom Penh Capital.

King Sihamoni was educated in the Czech Republic and is known for his work as a cultural ambassador to Europe. He is also a renowned classical dance instructor.

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has been the sovereign of Cambodia since October 29th 2004.

He was made king after being chosen by a nine-member throne council to become the next king after his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated in 2004 due to ill health.

Even though King Norodom Sihamoni's father was King, the King of Cambodia is an elected monarch, making Cambodia one of the few elected monarchies of the world.

The King is elected for life and is chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne. The only stipulations are that the candidates must be part of the royal family and at least 30 years old.

Did you know?

King Norodom Sihamoni is the only ruling monarch who speaks Czech

How is Cambodian King's Birthday Celebrated?

To mark the holiday, the King makes offerings to monks and those less fortunate in society. Many government buildings are covered in lights and pictures of the King, while people will fly the flag of Cambodia from their houses. Celebrations take place inside the Royal Palace with a fireworks display on the nearby Tonlé Sap river.