// University of Washington
// CSE 143 Project 2x
// Name          : Giovandy Phan
// Section       : JK
//
// Document Title: Khmer Chronology
// Source        : http://www.geocities.com/khmerchronology/
// Author        : Mony Keo
// Date Prepared : October 28, 2002
// Comments      : -Prepared via copy and paste.
//                 -Date are in 3 formats:
//                  <MM>/<DD>/<YYYY>
//                  <Month Name> <DD>, <YYYY>
//                  <YYYY>
//                 -There may be more than one fact per date.
//                 -Abbreviations: http://www.geocities.com/khmerchronology/abbr.htm
//
//
205
Fan Shih-Man (ca.205-225) rules Funan; according to Chinese dynastic history - The Liang-shu - relates that Fan Shih-Man attacked and conquered the neighboring kingdoms.  All recognized themselves his vassals.  He took the title of Great King of Funan. Then he had great ships built and crossing the immense sea he attacked more than ten kingdoms, including Tun-hsun.  He extended his territory 5000 or 6000 li (1250 or 1500 miles). Then he wished to subdue the country of Chin-lin (Golden Frontier). But he fell ill. (1)
225
Fan Chin-Sheng is chosen to succeed his ailing father Fan Shih-Man, the King of Funan.  Chin-Sheng is killed by a usurper Chan, son of Fan Shih-Man's sister. (Fan) Chan proclaims himself king of Funan.
240
Fan Hsun king of Funan?.
243
The first embassy from Funan arrives in the Chinese Imperial court, with some musicians and Funan's produces as tribute to the Chinese Emperor.
268
King of Funan Fan Hsun sends an embassy carrying tribute to the court of Chin Emperor.
270
Fan Hsiung comes to the throne of Lin-yi (Champa).
285
King Fan Hsun sends an embassy carrying tribute to the court of Chin Emperor.
286
Another Funan embassy is sends with tributes to the court of Chin Emperor.
287
Funan sends an embassy to the Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
400
Sanskrit is becoming established as the literary language of India and the Hindu epics are written down in it.
431
King Fan Yang Mai II of Champa, who is engaging in a war with the Chinese Governor of Chiao-chou (Tonkin), asks aid of the King of Funan and is refused.
435
Srutavarman king of Chenla; he is said to rule Chenla from 435 AD to 495 AD. (The year is approximated by scholars)
478
Jayavarman (r. c. 478 - d. 514) ascends the throne of Funan. (According to the Chinese dynastic histories, Jayavarman of the Kaundinya dynasty is reigning in 478 until his death in 514, therefore, it seems Jayavarman ascends the throne before 478.) A Funan trade mission returning from southern China is raided by the Chams of Linyi.
484
King of Funan sends a Buddhist monk, Nagasena, to Chinese court.
491
King of Lin-yi (Champa) Fan Tang is recognized by Chinese emperor Wu-Ti, who granted him the title of 'General Pacifier of the south, Commander-in-Chief of the military affairs of the seashore, King of Lin-yi.' Fan Tang, son of King Jayavarman, fled from Funan after a revolt and seized the throne of Lin-yi.  Jayavarman asks the Chinese emperor to drive his renegade son Fan Tang from the throne of Champa and be punished; the emperor politely replies and refers the request to an imperial tribunal for consideration, which never realizes.
495
Sreshthvarman is the King of Chenla; he is said to rule Chenla from 495 AD to 530 AD. (The year is approximated by scholars)
502
King Jayavarman sends an embassy to the Chinese imperial court with a coral image of Buddha as tribute; in return, the Chinese emperor grants Jayavarman the title of General of the Pacified South, King of Funan.
503
Mandrasena, one of two Buddhist monks sent by King Jayavarman, arrives in the Chinese court; he is sent to translate Buddhist texts for Emperor Wu.
511
King Jayavarman's embassy arrives in the Chinese Imperial court, with products of Funan as tribute.
514
An embassy sent by King Jayavarman arrives at the Chinese Imperial Court. Rudravarman (r. 514 -?) ascends the throne of Funan after the death of King Jayavarman I. Rudravarman, son of a concubine, kills his younger brother, who is the son of the legitimate queen of Jayavarman and the legitimate heir to the throne, and makes himself king.
517
King Rudravarman sends an embassy to the Chinese Imperial Court.
519
Funan embassy arrives in the Chinese Court, with a goo-lick image in Indian sandalwood, leaves of the po tree, pearls, circuma, storax, and other perfumes as tribute.
520
An embassy sent by the Funanese King arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
527
P'an-p'an, a former vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to Chinese Imperial Court to pay tribute.
530
Funan embassy arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court, offering tribute.  P'an-p'an, a former vassal of Funan, also sends an embassy to Chinese Imperial Court to pay tribute. Rudravarman is the King of Chenla; he is said to rule Chenla from about 530 AD to 550/560 AD. (The year is approximated by scholars)
532
P'an-p'an, a former vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to Chinese Court to pay tribute.
535
Funan's embassy arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court, offering tribute.
539
An embassy from Funan arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court with a live rhinoceros as tribute.
550
Bhavavarman is King of Chenla; he is said to rule Chenla from about 550/560 AD to 590 AD. (The year is approximated by scholars).
568
An embassy sent by King Bhavavarman of Chenla arrives in Chinese Imperial court to offer tribute.
590
Mahendravarman (r. c. 590 - 610), King of Chenla.
607
A Chinese Imperial embassy is sent to Ch'ih-t'u (red earth) to establish tributary connection with the state of that region.  Ch'ih-t'u, is describes by a Chinese envoy, as locate more than one hundred days of navigation from China, and the inhabitants are of the same race as Funan and their houses and furniture resembled those of Chenla.
608
T'o-ho-lo (Dvaravati), a former vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to the Chinese Imperial Court.
611
Isanavarman I (r. c. 611/616 - 635), Protégé of the Master Siva called Isanasena by the Chinese becomes king of Chenla, succeeding his father - King Mahendravarman.
616
King of Chenla sends an embassy to Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
617
An embassy is sent by King of Chenla to Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
620
Inscription of Prasat Toc attributes to the reign of Isanavarman I.
624
Inscription of Prasat Bayang attributes to the reign of Isanavarman I.
625
T'san-pan, a former vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to the Chinese Imperial Court.
626
Inscription of Vat Chakret attributes to the reign of Isanavarman I.
627
Inscription of Sambor-Prei Kuk attributes to the reign of Isanavarman I. T'and dynasty history indicates that in 627 AD or shortly afterward, Isanavarman conquers Funan and annexes its territory.
628
Inscription of Kdei Ang Chumnik attributes to the reign of Isanavarman I.
635
Bhavavarman II (r. c. 635/639 - 656).
638
Sang Kao, a former vassal of Funan, and several neighboring small states send embassies to Chinese Imperial court to offer tributes.
644
T'o-yuan, a Mon settlement and a form vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to Chinese Imperial Court to offer tributes.
646
Inscription of Phu Huu. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
647
T'o-yuan, a Mon settlement and a form vassal of Funan, sends an embassy to Chinese Imperial Court to offer tributes.
648
Inscription of Basat. (Mention Jayavarman I)
653
Prakasadharma, grandson of king Isanavarman, ascends the throne of Champa under the name of Vikrantavarman.
655
Inscription of Prasat Preah Theat. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
657
Inscription of Tuol Kok Preah or Kompong Rusei, mention Jayavarman I, Conqueror of the circle of his enemies.
664
Inscription of Vat Prei Vier I, mentions Jayavarman I, Victorious is the King Sri Jayavarmanto whom the fickle goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, is firmly attached skillful in the task of protecting the world, he is proclaimed by sages to be the thousand-eyed god (Indra) in person.
667
Inscription of Vat Prei Vier II, not mentioning Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign.  Yet the inscription of Kdei Ang Chumnik II, mentions Jayavarman I, the glorious lion of kings, the victorious Jayavarman. Jayavarman I appoints his court physician, Simhadatta, Governor of his old home city of Adhayapura, about eleven kilometers south of Ba Phnom.
673
Inscription of Tuol Preah Theat. (Mention Jayavarman I)
674
Inscription of Preah Kuha Luong. (Mention Jayavarman I)
676
Inscription of Vat Barai. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
681
Inscription of Tuo An Tnot. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
685
Inscription of Phum Komrieng. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
693
Inscription of Tuol Tramung. (No mention of Jayavarman I but scholar dated back to his reign)
717
The first embassy from Upper/land Chenla (Chinese called Wen Tan) arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
722
Upper/land Chenla joins in a war against the Chinese governor of Chiao-chou. The war is waged when a native chief of Nghe-an revolts against the Chinese court; he is aided by the Chams and Khmer forces from upper/land Chenla; he defeats the Chinese forces and proclaims himself Hei-ti (Black Emperor).
750
Kolofong, King of Nan Chao, invades Chinese territory and takes several cities; several Chinese armies sent against him are defeated; the Crown Prince of upper/land Chenla accompanying the Chinese force is also defeated. Embassy from Chenla (? Upper or lower Chenla) arrives in the Chinese Imperial Court to offer tribute.
751
Java is taken over by a Buddhist dynasty of Sumatran origin and Buddhism becomes the official religion.
753
The Crown Prince of Wen Tan (Chenla) comes to the Chinese Court with a suite of twenty-six relatives and is received with great honor and given the title of Protector Firm and Persevering.
767
Raiders from Java attack Chenla.
771
An envoy of king of Upper/land Chenla arrives at the Chinese court.  According to Chinese record, the Viceroy of Upper Chenla, named Pho Mi, comes to the Court with his wife and offers a tribute of eleven trained elephants. This Pho Mi is given the grade of second president, inspector of the palace, and is given also the surname of Pin Han (guest of the Emperor).
774
Javanese attacks and sacks Champa; according to an inscription of Po Nagar II, ferocious, pitiless, dark-colored people of other countries, whose food was more horrible than that of vampires came in ship, sacked the temple of Po Nagar and carried off the golden Mukhalinga and other spoils.  The Javanese also raid Chenla.
787
Javanese attack Champa and burn the temple of Siva near Virapura (Champa capital).
790
Jayavarman II, founder of the Angkor dynasty, returns from exile in Java. [Read about the account of his exile and return]
799
Chenla envoy arrives at the Chinese court and receives Chinese title.  This is the last known embassy which appears at the Chinese Imperial Court.
802
Jayavarman II (r. 802 - d. 850) ascends the Khmer throne.
850
Jayavarman III (r. 850 - d. 877) succeeds his father King Jayavarman II upon his death. He reigns at Hariharalaya. The King died in 877 and received the posthumous name of Vishnuloka.
877
Indravarman I (r. 877 - d. 889) ascends the throne.
879
Preah Ko (The sacred Cow) is built. The temple is an outstanding example of one of the earliest brick temples of the Khmer Empire. This beautiful temple has six brick towers on a terraced pyramid, surround by four enclosures.
881
The temple of Bakong is built and dedicated in 881 by King Indravarman. It consists of a central pyramid, with two brick towers on each side of the base and twelve small stone prasats.
889
Yasovarman I (r. 889/890 - d. 910/912) ascends the Khmer throne. He moves his capital from Roluos into Angkor and built the royal pyramid temple, Bakheng, located on top of a mountain right at the heart of Angkor. The King builds Lolei, Bakheng, and Eastern Baray.
893
The temple of Lolei is completed. It's erected on a little artificial island on the baray of Roluos; it consists of four brick towers, similar to those of Prasat Preah Ko on the same terrace. The temple towers are dedicated to King's Yasovarman's ancestors.
900
Prasat Bakheng is built.
910
Harshavarman I (r. 910/912 - 925) succeeds his father King Yasovarman after his death; he rules at Yasodharapura. He builds Baksei Chamkrong and Prasat Kravan.
921
Prasat Kravan is built. The temple consists of five brick towers in a row, arrange North-South and open to the east. It is dedicated to Vishnu.
923
Isanavarman II (r. 923/25 - 928), son of King Yasovarman and brother of Harshavarman, ascends the throne. The King is said to have reigned successively with his brother after the death of their father.
928
Jayavarman IV (r. 928 - 941). The King has a power base to the north of Angkor, at Koh Ker (referred to in an inscription as Chok Gargyar-Island of Glory). He builds Prasat Thom. Prasat Krachap is consecrated by King Jayavarman.
937
Prasat Bantay Pir Chan is consecrated by King Jayavarman to Prajapatisvara (Brahma).
939
Ngo Quyen defeats the Chinese and founds the Kingdom of Dai-co-Viet (today Vietnam), with his capital at Co-Loa.
941
Harshavarman II (r. 941 - 944) succeeds his father, King Jayavarman IV, and reigned at Koh Ker.
944
Rajendravarman II (r. 944 - d. 968) becomes king. He restores Angkor after a period of neglect and consolidates the empire. He claims descent from the rulers of Bhavapura, and brings together under his rule a number of territories not previously assimilated. The King builds East Mebon, Pre Rup, and starts the Phimeanakas.
947
Baksei Chamkrong is consecrated by King Rajendravarman.
952
The Mebon temple is consecrated; it is located on an island at the center of the Eastern Reservoir.
960
Prasat Lak Nan and Bat Chum is built.
961
Pre Rup temple is built.
967
Prasat Banteay Srei (citadel of women) is consecrated by the Brahman Yajnavaraha. The temple is erected by King Rajendravarman.
968
Jayavarman V (r. 968 - d. 1001) ascends the Khmer throne.
982
Le Dai Hanh, emperor of Dai co-Viet, attacks and destroys Champa's capital, Indrapura. [Dai-Viet expansion]
1002
Udayadityavarman I (r. 1001 - 1002) succeeds his uncle, King Jayavarman V. He reigns very briefly and then disappears. Jayaviravarman I (r. 1002 - 1010). Not much is known about Jayaviravarman; he is said to rule concurrently over different portions of Cambodia from 1002 until Suryavarman conquers the whole country and ruled exclusively in 1010 A.D. Suryavarman I (r. 1002/1010 - 1050) becomes sole Khmer ruler.
1044
Ly Thai-tong, who usurped the throne of Dai co-Viet in 1010, defeats and kills king Jaya Simhavarman II of Champa, and sacks his capital - Vijaya.
1050
Udayadityavarman II (r. 1050 - 1066). He builds Baphuon and finishs the Western Baray.
1052
Inscription of Sdak Kak Thom, from temple of the same name in Prachinburi province in presend-day Thailand, records the installation of the first devaraja on Phnom Kulen in 802.
1066
Harsavarman III (r. 1066 - 1080) ascends the Khmer throne. According to Chinese sources, Angkor and Champa are jointly required to help China fight the Vietnamese. Subsequently there is war in Champa, in which the Cham claimed to have taken a city and offers prisoners and booty to a Cham national temple.
1068
Ly Thai-tong attacks and captures King Rudravarman III of Champa and annexes his northern provinces.
1080
Jayavarman VI (r. 1080 - d. 1107) ascends the Khmer throne. He builds Phimai (in Thailand today), Prasat Preah Vihear and Wat Phu (in Laos today).
1107
Dharanindravarman I (r. 1107 - 1113) assume the throne from his younger brother Jayavarman VI.
1113
Suryavarman II (r. 1113 - d. c. 1150) becomes Khmer King.
1116
King Suryavarman send an embassy to Chinese Imperial court.
1117
An embassy is sent by King Suryavarman to Chinese Imperial court.
1128
King Suryavarman II sends 20,000 men to attack the Dai Viet and is defeated. Suryavarman's embassy reaches China.
1132
The Chams and Khmers attack Dai Viet together at Nghe-an and are defeated.
1133
Two men from Champa ask for asylum in the Dai Viet court, which indicate that the hostilities between the Khmer and Cham have started.
1136
King Suryavarman II carries out another major campaign against the Dai Viet, without the Cham as allies, and is defeated.
1138
King Suryavarman II launches another unsuccessful campaign against the Dai Viet.
1145
King Suryavarman II conqueres Champa. [Khmers and Chams fighting]
1149
King Jaya Harivarman of Champa recaptures his capital, Vijaya, from King Suryavarman's younger brother, Prince Harideva, whom the King established on the throne of Champa.  The Prince is killed in the battle together with all of his troops.
1150
Dharanindravarman II (r. 1150 - d. c. 1160).
1160
Yasovarman II (r. 1160 - 1165) ascends the Khmer throne. The King's reign ended in the hand of a usurper, Tribhuvanadityavarman, who is his official.
1165
Tribhuvanadityavarman (r. 1165 - d. 1177) becomes Khmer King. His reign is obscure; it ends when a Cham fleet makes its way unexpectedly up the Tonle Sap to the Great Lake and scores a rapid and devastating victory that give power at Angkor to the Cham ruler Jaya Indravarman IV.
1177
Jaya Indravarman IV of Champa sacks Angkor and killed its ruler, Tribhuvanadityavarman. Jayavarman, son of Dharanindravarman II, assumes leadership of Khmer resistance.
1181
Jayavarman VII (r. 1181 - d. c. 1215).
1186
Ta Prohm is built. It's dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII.
1191
Preah Khan is built. It is dedicated to the father of Jayavarman VII.
1203
Jayavarman VII conquers and annexes Champa.
1215
Indravarman II (r. 1215 - d. c. 1243).
1220
Jaya Parameshvaravarman II becomes King of Champa upon the withdrawal of the Khmers.
1230
Bang Klang T'ao (Indrapatindraditya) becomes King of Sukhodaya, the first Thai (Siamese) state to free itself from Khmer.
1243
Jayavarman VIII (r. 1243 - 1295/96) ascends the Khmer throne. He sponsors the last known royally endow temple.  He is said to have lived to the age of 104. Brahmanism is restored as state religion during his reign.
1283
Indravarman V successfully resists a sea-borne Mongol invasion of Champa.
1295
Indravarman III (r. 1295 - 1308) ascends the Khmer throne. The King reigns at the time of the visit of Zhou Daguan, a Chinese visitor who offers a great deal of concrete information about Angkor at the time. Zhou reports Khmer wars against Thai invaders. Rama Khamheng, second King of Sukhodaya, conquers the Mekong and Menam valleys (in Cambodia), and the Malay Peninsula.
1308
Indrajayavarman (r. 1308 - 1327) ascends the Khmer throne.
1313
Emperor Tran Anh-tong of Dai Viet occupies Champa and establishes Che Nang, the Cham royal dynasty, as a puppet ruler.
1318
Emperor Tran Minh-tong of Dai Viet deposes Che Nang of Champa and appoints Che Anan as governor.
1327
Jayavarman Paramesvara (r. 1327-?), Khmer King.
1350
Beginning of first PONGSA VODA Khmer chronicles. Rama Tiboti founds the Tai Kingdom of Siam with its capital at Ayuthia.
1351
Pongsa Voda records the Siamese king's capture of Angkor and placed his son on the throne. [22]
1355
The Siamese prince, who was put on the Khmer throne in 1351, is killed along with two others, and the rightful king regains his throne according to Pongsa Voda. [22]
1361
Che Bong Nga succeeds as King of Champa and begins his attacks on the Dai Viet.
1373
Pongsa Voda records the Khmer king's attack and re-conquer of two provinces from the Siamese, taking 8000 prisoners. [22]
1385
Siamese annals records its captured of Angkor, and after sacking it and killing all the inhabitants who are useless for slaves, marching away with tremendous booty and thousands of prisoners, leaving only 5,000 alive within the wall.  Khmer accounts, however, contradict the number but recorded the incidence. [22]
1390
Che Bong Ngo, King of Champa, is assassinated.
1400
Le Quy Ly deposes the last Tran Emperor of the Dai Viet and becomes Emperor with the name Ho Quy.
1405
Samtac Chao Phaya Phing-ya Nippean-bat (1405 - 1409), Khmer king.
1409
Lampang Paramaraja (1409 - 1416), Khmer king.
1416
Sorijovong or Lambang (1416 - 1425), Khmer king.
1417
Pongsa Voda records the Siamese's siege of Angkor, which capitulated after seven months during which Khmer ministers had gone over to the enemy, taking a great number of followers. [22]
1425
Barom Racha, or Gamkhat Ramadhapati (1425 - 1429), Khmer king.
1429
Thommo-Soccorach, or Dharmasoka (1429 - 1431), Khmer king.
1431
Paramaraja II of Ayuthaya sacks Angkor. Khmer capital is relocated to Srei Santhor region.
1432
Ponhea Yat, or Gam Yat (1432-?) comes to the Khmer throne.  The King begins his reign at Angkor.
1433
King Ponhea Yat abandons Angkor and moves his court to Basan. [14]
1434
The Khmer royal court (capital) move from Basan to Phnom Penh.  According to Pongsa Voda (Chronicle) Khmer, in 1434, Tuesday, the ninth day of the waning moon, in the month of Pisakh in the year of the Tiger, 6th in the decade, the King left Basan, where he had resided for only one year, and went by boat to Phnom Daun Penh, accompanied by his mandarins and all his household.
1444
Siamese capture Angkor.
1471
Emperor Le Thanh-tong of Dai Viet annexes the northern provinces of Champa (today Vietnam).
1473
Siamese invade and sack the capital.
1505
Khmer Royal court moves to Udong. [22] [Map | Image]
1516
Barom Reachea II or Chau Ponhea Chan (r. 1516 - 1566) Khmer king.
1528
Khmer Royal court moves to Lovaek. [22]
1566
Barom Reachea III (r. 1566 - 1576), Khmer king.
1576
Barom Reachea IV or Sattha (1576 - c. 1594), Khmer king.
1580
Portugal and Spain send reinforcements of Spanish soldiers of fortune and Dominicans from Manila, the Philippines, to protect Portuguese in Cambodia.  Many Portuguese traders and missionaries are in the Khmer court of Longvaek. [14]
1583
Pongsa Voda accounts a Siamese invasion with 100,000 men, 800 elephants, and 15,000 horses; it also details the abduction of the King's chief wife, and the flight of the King's elderly aunt.  The Siamese account of the same incidence describes the victorious Siamese king bathing his feet in the blood of the fallen Khmer king before departing with 50,000 prisoners. [22]
1584
Chei Chettha 1st (1584 - 1594), Khmer king. Barom Reachea V or Chau Ponhea Tan (1584 - 1594), Khmer king first reign.
1587
Thai unsuccessfully besieges Khmer's capital, Longvaek.
1593
A Spaniard adventurer Blaz Ruiz de Hernan Gonzales arrives in Longvaek.  He is one of a band of Portuguese, Spaniard traders and adventurers come to Cambodia. [14]
1594
Ream 1st (1594 - 1596), Khmer king; Thai sacks Longvaek.
1595
A Portuguese adventurer Diogo Veloso, who is a Khmer King's favorite, manages to convince Dasmarinas, the Governor of the Philippines, to send the Khmer sovereign military support that would enable the King to preserve his throne and at the same time establish de facto Spanish rule over the Khmer court. [14]
1596
Ream 2nd or Chau Ponhea Nou (1596 - 1597), Khmer king. The Hispano-Portuguese expedition sent from the Philippines, at the urging of Portuguese adventurer Veloso, arrives in the Khmer court; however, the King had fled.  Reama Chung Prei is installed at Srei Santhor. [14]
April 12, 1596
Portuguese Veloso and Spaniard Ruiz's men attack and ruthlessly kill Chinese traders in Phnom Penh.  They also burn houses in the Chinese quarter of Phnom Penh. [14]
1596
Veloso, Ruiz and some 40 of their men make a surprise attack on the Khmer court at Srei Santhor, killing the King, burning his palace and blowing up a powder magazine.  They then return to their ships in Phnom Penh and fled. [14]
1597
Barom Reachea V (r. 1597 - 1599), Khmer king second reign.?
1597
Veloso and Ruiz, who fled Cambodia after killing a Khmer King the previous year, reappears with the son of King Satha Chau Ponhea Ton (Barom Reachea II), who takes the throne at Srei Santhor.  [14]
1599
Barom Reachea VI (1599 - 1600), Khmer king. Spaniard and Malays in Phnom Penh clashed, in which Veloso and Ruiz are killed.  The Portuguese and Spaniard adventurers are at Srei Santhor for discussion with the King as violent incident occurred in Phnom Penh between Spaniards and Malays.  Against the King's advice for them to hide and wait for the violence to calm down, the two adventurers rush to Phnom Penh to help their compatriots and are both killed. [14]
1600
Kev Fa 1st or Chau Ponhea Nhom (1600 - 1602), Khmer king.
1602
Barom Reachea VII or Srei Soriyopor (r. 1602 - 1619), Khmer king.
1612
Peter Floris arrives in Phnom Penh through the Mekong; he appeares to be the first British to reach Phnom Penh. [14]
1619
Chey Chetta II (r. 1618 - 1627), Khmer king.
1620
A new palace is built at Udong. [22] A Dutch under-merchant ship arrives in Phnom Penh.
1627
Barom Reachea (Outei)? [Opphayoreach], Khmer king. Srei Thoamareachea 1st or Chau Ponhea To (1627 - 1632), Khmer king.
1632
Ang Tong Reachea or Chau Ponhea Nou (1632 - 1640), Khmer king.
1637
The Dutch East Indies Company establishes its first factory in Cambodia. [14]
1640
Botum Reachea 1st or Ang Non (1640 - 1642), Khmer king.
1642
Reameathipadei 1st or Chau Ponhea Chan (1642 - 1658) ascended the Khmer throne. King Ponhea Chan, in response to the disorder of traders, issues a decree that all Khmer or foreign ships arriving from other countries would not be permitted to moor at Phnom Penh unless their masts and helms are removed. [14]
1643
Manager of the Dutch factory Pierre de Regemortes, following disturbances, presents himself at the Oudong Court to protest against the violence and damage suffered by his company.  Irritated by his insolence, the Royal Guard kills him and his followers.  At the same time, the trading post is pillaged, 36 of the company's men are killed and some 50 others are thrown into prison. [14]
March 23, 1644
To re-establish the Company's prestige in Cambodia, the Council of the Indies decides to mount a reprisal expedition by dispatching a squadron of ships comprising the Kievit, the Dolphin, the Wakende Boei and the Noorster, carrying 432 well-armed men, under the command of Admiral Hendrik Harouze and Vice-Admiral Simon Jacobsz Domkins.
June 3, 1644
Three of the four ships sent by the Indies Company arrives off Phnom Penh;
July 22, 1644
Dutch ship ‘the Noordster' is attacked by the Khmer Royal ships, which include the ships Rijswijk and Oranjeboom captured from the Dutch the previous year. [14]
1646
The King agrees to hand back the Dutch prisoners who were captured three years earlier, as well as the seized merchandise. [14]
1651
A British merchant comes to Phnom Penh and Longvaek in August to set up a factory.  In his diary, he described the rivers at Phnom Penh: Three big rivers traverse the country, but all three converge at the site of the principal town.  This town is called Pantaprick by the people of the country and Camboja by the Malays and Christians.  The three rivers are the Bussack, the Kerringheze and the Sending.  The Bussack lies to the west, the Kerringheze to the east, and the Sending between the two.  The distance from the mouth of the river to the town of Camboja is about 190 miles.  If a ship wishes to mount the river in January February March or April and is aided by a favorable wind and the tide, it can reach Camboja in five days.  During the months of May and June the voyage would take 10 to 12 days.  In August and September the current is so swift and the winds so unfavorable that the journey can take more than 52 days. [14]
1653
Bastian de Bouillon, according to the English documents, appeares to be the first Frenchman to arrive in Cambodia.  He arrives from Batavia with two junks laden with cloth worth 30,000 reals. [14]
1655
The King and East Indies Company reach an agreement under which Khmer would pay restitution for the damage to the Company's trading post; however, the Dutch have to forego the trade monopoly in Cambodia. [14]
1656
The British hands over their trading post to the Dutch.  Soon after the British set up a trading post in Cambodia, the Dutch make relentless war on the British trading competitors, who later withdraw completely from Cambodia. [14]
1659
Barom Reachea VIII or Ang So (1659 - 1672), Khmer king. Dutch trading post in Phnom Penh is sacked by Annameses.
1662
The Society of Foreign Missionary of Paris (Societe des Missions Etrangeres de Paris) is set up in the Siamese capital.  A few years later it tries to extend its religious activities to Cambodia but encounters the opposition of the Spanish Dominicans, who are determined to defend their fief. [14]
1664
Reameathipadei ? (Outei Sorivong Ang Tan) [Opphayoreach] (1664 - 1674), Khmer king.
1665
French Father Louis Chevreul establishes himself in the Svay Rieng area.  He later moves to Phnom Penh and finally to Oudong.  However, discouraged by Khmer indifference and the hostility of the Hispano-Portugese, the priest abandoned his evangelist effort and leave Cambodia. [14]
July 9, 1667
The yacht Schelvisch arrives at the trading post in Phnom Penh to evacuate Dutch traders, but that night the Chinese forestall the Dutch and invade their establishment, murdering the factor, Pierre Ketting, along with some of his men and seize the money and goods before withdrawing. [14]
July 12, 1667
The Schelvisch left Phnom Penh, marking the end of the East Indies Company in Cambodia. [14]
1672
Botum Reachea II or Srei Chei Chet (1672 - 1673), Khmer king.
1673
Kev Fa II or Ang Chi (1673 - 1677), Khmer king.
1674
Botum Reachea ? (Ang Non) [Opphayoreach] (1674 - 1691), Khmer king.
1677
Chei Chettha III or Ang So (1677 - 1695), Khmer king first reign.
1695
Reameathipadei II or Ang Yang (1695 - 1696), Khmer king.
1696
Chei Chettha III or Ang So (1696 - 1700), Khmer king second reign.
1700
Kev Fa III or Ang Im (1700 - 1701), Khmer king first reign.
1701
Chei Chettha III or Ang So (1701 - 1702), Khmer king third reign.
1702
Srei Thoamareachea II (1702 - 1704), Khmer king first reign.
1704
Chei Chettha III or Ang So (1704 - 1707), Khmer king fourth reign.
1707
Srei Thoamareachea II (1707 - 1714), Khmer king second reign.
1714
Kev Fa III or Ang Im (1714 - 1722), Khmer king second reign.
1772
Thai destroys Phnom Penh.
1779
Ang Eng (r. 1779 - 1796) succeeds to the Khmer throne. He is crowned in Bangkok in 1794 and sent into Cambodia with the support of Siamese army.
1782
Rama I (1782 - 1809) found a new Siamese kingdom with its capital at Bangkok. He brings to an end the long conflict with Burma in 1793, re-establishing control throughout the country, and through division with Annam, the King secures a large part of Khmer territory.
1794
Ang Eng is crowned king.
1796
King Ang Eng died.
1802
Gia Long (Nguyen Anh / 1802 - 1820), emperor of Annam (Vietnam).
1806
Ang Chan II (r. 1806 - 1834) comes to the Khmer throne. After King Ang Eng died in 1796, but Siam which held many important members of the Khmer royal family in Bangkok, did not approve the elevation of any princes to ascend the throne immediately.
1809
Rama II (1809 - 1824), Siamese king.
1811
King Ang Chan asks Vietnam for help in protecting his throne - especially from one of his brothers who had fled the court and seemed bent on rebellion.
1820
Khmer revolt.  Resentment with the Vietnamizing process, harsh rule and forced labor leads to a Khmer revolt against the Vietnamese occupiers. The rebels, lead by a monk named Kai, slaughter Vietnamese residents in eastern Cambodia before being subdued by superior forces sent by the Vietnamese governor in the south. Minh Mang (1820 - 1840), emperor of Annam.
1824
Rama III (1824 - 1851), Siamese king.
1833
Thai attacks Cambodia and Vietnam. Rama III, believing that the time come to restore the Khmer kingdom and to punish the insolence of Vietnam - who he blamed of removing of Khmer court from his control - sent a large army down the southern shores of the Tonle Sap and occupies Phnom Penh.  King Ang Chan had been taken off beforehand into Vietnam. The Siamese retreated a few months later after burning down Phnom Penh and driving out its population.
1834
King Ang Chan dies; Princese Ang Mey ascends the Khmer throne.  At the time of the King's death, the Khmer court was still controlled by the Vietnamese who was able to prevent the succession from passing to any of the dead king's brothers, who were living in Bangkok, Siam.  King Ang Chan had left no sons of his own.  Under Vietnamese pressure, the Khmer Court chose princess Ang Mey as a successor. [6]
1835
Prince Norodom is born.
1840
Prince Sisowath is born. Khmer revolt. The uprising broke out in late 1830s, but a larger one in 1840 broke out soon after the Vietnamese decided to install a Vietnamese taxation system and to administer Cambodia's provinces directly, instead of using local officials. Furthermore, the Vietnamese imprisoned the Khmer queen whom they thought uncooperative. The disappearance of their queen, however ineffectual she had been, enraged and terrified many Khmer provincial officials who led their followers into rebellion. Thieu Tri (1840 - 1847), emperor of Annam/Vietnam.
1841
Prince Si Votha is born. He is son of King Ang Duong; half-brother of Prince Norodom and Prince Sisowath. Thai invades Cambodia. For the next five years, Cambodia is a battlefield, with the advantage seesawing between the Thai and the Vietnamese, with the casualties largely Khmer.
1847
Prince Ang Duong is crowned king. Tu Duc (1847 - 1883), emperor of Annam/Vietnam.
1848
Thai and Vietnamese conclude peace. The two enemies made an uneasy peace between themselves, which left most of Cambodia a Thai protectorate. In the 1840s Cambodia almost disappeared as the Thai took charge of much of the country west of the Mekong and the Vietnamese controlled the Cambodian royal family, the capital region, and the eastern part of the country. [Map of Asia] The Siamese General P'raya Bodin, who launched a long campaign against the Vietnamese in Cambodia which brought Prince Ang Doung to the Khmer throne, dies.  In honoring the General, King Ang Doung orders his statue to be erected in the Khmer royal court.
1851
An inscription is erected to record King Ang Doung's return to Cambodia and the defeat of the Vietnamese. Rama IV (1851 - 1868), Siamese king.
1856
King Ang Duong writes a letter to the French emperor, Napoleon III, urging him not to accept the Khmer territories taken by the Vietnamese. King Ang Duong asks Siamese King to grant his son, Prince Norodom, the title of Obbareach, which ensures the prince, will succeed him.
1858
Chams and Malays living in the southeast of the Khmer Kingdom rebel against King Ang Duong.
August 31, 1858
French expedition forces lands in Tourane.
February 17, 1859
King Ang Duong sends Khmer troops into Cochin china.
October 19, 1860
King Ang Duong dies.  Prince Norodom, the King's eldest son, is unable to take the throne at the time because of the Chams' rebellion. Khmer troops withdraw from Cochin china.
1860
Henri Mouhot, a French naturalist who visited Siam, Cambodia, and Laos between 1858 and 1861, visits Angkor, which dazzled him, At the sight of this temple, one fells one's sprit crushed, one's imagination surpassed. One looks, one admires, and, seized with respect, one is silent.  For where are the words to praise a work of art that may not have its equal anywhere on the globe?  . What genius this Michelangelo of the East had, that he was capable of conceiving such a work. [23]
1861
Prince Norodom abandons the capital at Oudong for the comparative safety of Battambang.
February 7, 1861
The French navy attacks Saigon.
1862
Prince Norodom flees to Bangkok.
June 5, 1862
Saigon treaty, in which France takes control of all three provinces of Cochin china.
1863
August 11, 1863
THE PROTECTORATE TREATY is concluded between the French and Prince Norodom. The treaty requires Khmer sovereign to hand over to France the conduct of his country's foreign relations and prohibits the King from receiving any foreign consuls within his kingdom without French authorization.  In return, France pledges itself to give Protection to the kingdom, to recognize the sovereignty of the King, and assist in maintaining internal order as well as protecting the country against external attack.
1863
Adm. Pierre de La Grandiere, governor of Cochinchina (1863 - 1868).
1864
June 3, 1864
Prince Norodom is crowned king at Oudong.
1865
Prince Sisowath, who resides in Bangkok, is in Saigon where he enters into negotiation with French Admiral de la Grandiere with the aim of returning to Oudong. King Norodom moves the Royal Court (Capital) from Oudong to Phnom Penh. (NK)
1866
A naval officer, Doudart de Lagree, begins his mission to study the navigability of the Mekong River 1866-1868. [23] Assoa, who claimed descent from King Ang Eng, rebelled against King Norodom, is arrested and handed over to the French by the Vietnamese.
1867
Poucombo is captured and put to death. ...Poucombo, an adventurer with striking charismatic powers who claims to be a grandson of King Ang Chan. He was, in fact, a member of a small minority group, the Kuoy, now almost completely assimilated into the Khmer population . Backed by Vietnamese vagabonds, and possibly by mandarins who hoped to embarrass the French, Poucombo rallied a large part of the Khmer population in the east of the kingdom in Ba Phnom Province and about Tay-Ninh in Cochinchina to his cause. During 1865 and 1866 he had considerable success, sacking villages that resisted him and eluding French efforts to capture him. His followers may have numbered as many as ten thousand, and for a period he appeared to threaten the Royal court at Oudong. [6] Siam abandons its claim of Cambodia. France persuades Siam to abandon its claim to Cambodia but allow the Siam to keep Battambang and Siem Riep provinces.
1868
Jean Moura is appointed as the French representative to the Khmer Kingdom. Rama V (1868 - 1910), Siamese king.
1870
Prince Sisowath is installed Obbareach with the wish and support of the French.  The installation will ensures the Prince to succeed King Norodom upon his death or abdication.
March 10, 1870
Edouard Pottier, interim French Representative to Cambodia.
November 11, 1870
Jules Marcel Brossard, interim French Representative to Cambodia.
January 1, 1871
Jean Moura is French Representative to Cambodia; his second term.
1873
Doudart de Lagree heads an expedition to make plaster impressions and bring back to France the first set of original works from Angkor and provincial sites such as Beng Mealea and Koh Ker in a campaign to  bring Angkor into the museums. [23]
December 27, 1875
Prince Sisowath Monivong is born.
January 6, 1879
Etienne Francois Aymonier, interim French Representative to Cambodia.
1881
May 10, 1881
Paul Julien Auguste Foures, interim French Representative to Cambodia. Delaporte, on his final mission to Cambodia, brings back a number of casts and seventy original works of Khmer art to France. [23]
1883
Charles Thomson is appointed governor to Cochinchina.  He is the French official with ultimate authority over Cambodia.
1884
The French administration in Cochin china takes over the collection of taxes on opium and alcohol sold in the Khmer kingdom.
June 17, 1884
France imposes a convention forcing King Norodom to accept administrative, judicial, finance and commercial reform, and direct control of the Khmer kingdom from France.  Also, the French Representative in Cambodia will be called Resident General.
November 1, 1884
Resident General Foures commences the imposed June convention.
1885
January 8, 1885
Khmer rebellion against French authority start.  Supporters of Prince Si Votha attacked an isolated French military outpost at Sambor, just above the modern town of Kratie.  In May, the insurgents attack the capital.
August 12, 1885
Jules Victor Renaud, interim Resident General to Cambodia.
October 16, 1885
Pierre Badens, Resident General to Cambodia.
1886
March 6, 1886
Prince Norodom Suramarit is born (b.03/06/1896 d.04/03/1960).
May 17, 1886
Georges Jules Piquet, Resident General to Cambodia.
1887
Cambodia and Vietnam (Cochinchina, Annam, and Tonkin) are administratively united as the Indochina Union.  Laos is added six years later.
October 17, 1887
France issues a decree placing Resident General in Cambodia under the authority of Governor General of Indochina.
November 4, 1887
Louis Eugene Palastre de Champeaux, interim Resident General to Cambodia.
1888
Um is appointed Akhamohasena (Prime Minister). Um had been born in Pursat Province in 1821. At the age of sixteen he had entered the service of Ang Duong and accompanied the future king to Bangkok. He fought with Ang Duong and the Siamese against the Vietnamese who occupied Cambodia. When Ang Duong regained control of Cambodia, Um was appointed director of the royal pages. From then on he rose steadily in the royal service. In 1861, Norodom named him assistant to the minister of war, and in 1868 he became the actual minister. He was later minister of justice. [6]
1889
March 10, 1889
Orsini, interim Resident General to Cambodia.
May 9, 1889
France issues a decree reorganizing its high-level officials in Indochina; Resident General to Cambodia is renamed the Resident Superior.
May 16, 1889
Albert Louis Huyn de Verneville, Resident Superior.
1891
Prince Si Votha died.
1892
French administration assume responsibility for collecting all taxes within the Khmer Kingdom, doing away with an earlier division of duties, which had left some direct taxes in King Norodom's hands.
1893
Prince Duong Chacr, King Norodom's son, is arrested in Paris.  He is interned in Algeria and remains there until his death in 1897.
October 3, 1893
The French and Siamese sign a treaty, in which the Siam abandons all claims to territory east of the Mekong and pays an indemnity of three million francs.
January 24, 1894
Felix Leonce Marquant, interim Resident Superior.
August 4, 1894
Albert Louis Huyn de Verneville, Resident Superior; his second term.
1895
King Norodom's mother dies.
January 15, 1896
The British and French reach an agreement, ending the long friction between the two countries on the Siamese issue. The British recognize the gained made by France in 1893 and abandon the demand for a buffer between Burma and the French colonies. Both countries guarantee the independence of Siam.
1897
Prince Duong Chacr, who is interned by the French in Algeria, dies.
May 14, 1897
Antoine Etienne Alexandre Ducos, Resident Superior.
1898
April 6, 1898
The council of ministers, at the request of the Resident Superior Ducos, approves a measure providing that the council has the right to appoint and dismiss all Khmer officials who earn a salary of less than sixteen Piastres a month, without any reference to the King. The decision present to King Norodom for his approval twice, and on each occasion he refuses, arguing that it will further diminish his power. [6]
01/16/1900
Paul Louis Luce, interim Resident Superior.
10/05/1900
Prince Yukanthor visits Paris. The prince, a favored son of king Norodom, travels to France and confronts the French government with a host of the King's complaints about the French authority in Cambodia. [Learn more about the event - in French]
1901
The École Francaise d'Extreme-Orient sends its first mission to record and photograph the bas-reliefs of the Bayon.
06/03/1901
Leon Pol Jules Boulloche, Resident Superieur.
07/17/1902
Charles Pallier, interim Resident Superieur.
10/26/1902
Henri Felix de Lamothe, Resident Superieur.
02/13/1904
French and Siam sign a treaty establishing the general character of the frontier between Cambodia and Siam (Thailand).  A Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission will survey and draw an exact boundary.
05/25/1904
King Norodom dies.  His half-brother, Prince Sisowath, is elected by the Council of Regent and Resident Superieur to succeed the late king. [About Sisowath in French]
09/25/1904
Henri Felix de Lamothe, Resident Superieur.
1905
The protectorate authorities report that there are seven hundred and fifty pupils attending schools in Phnom Penh and that twenty-nine are princes and twenty-five princesses.
08/17/1905
Museum of archeology is built in Phnom Penh to store the work of L'ecole Francaise d'Extreme-Orient.
10/16/1905
Olivier Charles Arthur de Lalande-Calan, interim Resident Superieur.
12/29/1905
Paul Louis Luce, Resident Superieur.
1906
King Norodom's cremation.
07/01/1906
King Sisowath visits Paris.
04/01/1906
Pen Nouth is born. (Prime Minister)
04/27/1906
Prince Sisowath is crowned king.
12/02/1906
A Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission, which is established to demarcate the Cambodia-Siam border, agrees at its meeting to travel along the Dangrek ranges for the purpose of demarcation the borderline.
03/23/1907
France and Siam signs a boundary treaty, in which France relinquish three Cambodian provinces - Battambang, Sisophon and Siem Reap - to Siam.
1908
French census reveals some sixty thousand Vietnamese in Cambodia; total Cambodian population is less than one million. Prince Monivong, who attended a French military academy, is commissioned as a lieutenant in the French Foreign Legion.
07/01/1908
Nheou Vises leads a rebellion in Battambang, which lasts for a month.
12/07/1908
Son Ngoc Thanh is born. (Prime Minister)
02/10/1909
Nheou Vises leads another rebellion.
04/14/1909
Insurgents attack French Resident Superieur in Kampot.  Twenty-three people are killed in the attack.
1911
Alexis Louis Chhun is appointed Youmreach (Minister of Justice).
07/26/1911
Paul Louis Luce, Resident Superieur.
10/05/1911
Son Sann is born. (Prime Minister)
10/08/1911
Ernest Outray, Resident Superieur.
1912
Penal Code is adopted in Cambodia.
11/13/1913
Lon Nol is born. (Prime Minister and President)
1914
Sisowath Sirik Matak is born.  He will play a significant role in Cambodian politics, especially in the early 1970s. Banteay Srei (the citadel of women), located about 20km from Angkor, is discovered.
01/02/1914
Cochinchina governor writes letter to Resident Superieur in Cambodia concerning maritime border between Cochinchina and Cambodia.
03/26/1914
Xavier Tessareck, interim Resident Superieur.
07/25/1914
Maurice Le Gallen, interim Resident Superieur.
10/22/1914
Francols Marlus Baudoin, Resident Superieur.
11/20/1914
Pali school is established in Phnom Penh.
1916
Prince Mayura, King Norodom's son, is exiled to the remote northern Laotian town of Xieng Khouang; he was suspected of working against the French's rule.
01/06/1916
The 1916 Affair begins, in which thousands of Cambodian peasants march into Phnom Penh to complain to the king about the taxes and forced labor that are imposed upon them by the French. More than 500 people are arrested and put in prison.
1917
School of Administration is established in Phnom Penh by the French authority to train Cambodian officials.
1918
National Museum of Cambodia is opened.  Its purpose is to store and exhibit Cambodia's national treasures - stone, bronze, and wooden sculpture. [23]
04/12/1919
King Sisowath issues a decree to rename the National Museum of Cambodia to the Musée du Cambodge (Museum of Cambodia). [23]
02/25/1920
Civil Code is adopted.
04/13/1920
Albert Sarraut Museum is inaugurated in Phnom Penh. The Museum is again renamed from the Museum of Cambodia by a decree issued on April 10 by King Sisowath in honor of the French governor-general of Indochina, Albert Sarraut. [23]
04/15/1920
Gaston Rene Georges Maspero, interim Resident Superieur.
12/06/1920
Hector Clair Henri Jospeh Letang, interim Resident Superieur.
04/10/1922
Victor L'Helgoulch, interim Resident Superieur.
10/31/1922
Prince Norodom Sihanouk is born.
02/14/1925
France and Siam sign a Treaty of Friendship, which among other things, confirms the frontier between Cambodia and Siam that was demarcated in 1907.
04/16/1925
French Resident, Bardez, is killed by angry Khmer peasants at Kampong Chhang.
01/20/1927
Aristide Le Fol, Resident Superieur.
08/09/1927
King Sisowath dies; his son Prince Sisowath Monivong is elected to succeed him.
05/25/1928
Sarloth Sar (Pol Pot) is born. (Prime Minister)
07/20/1928
Prince Sisowath Monivong is crowned king.
01/01/1929
Achille Louis Auguste Silvestre, interim Resident Superieur.
01/12/1929
Femand Marie Joseph Antoine Lavit, Resident Superieur.
1930
Ieng Sary is born. (Khmer Rouge Foreign Minister)
02/03/1930
Indochinese Communist Party (ICP) is founded.
05/12/1930
Buddhist Institute is established in Phnom Penh.
07/27/1931
Khieu Samphan is born. (Head of State)
1932
Chan Sy is born. (Prime Minister)
03/04/1932
Achille Silvestre, interim Resident Superieur.
12/07/1932
Achille Silvestre, Resident Superieur.
1934
Prince Yukanthor, who lived in exile since 1900 for protesting against French authority, dies in Bangkok. Heng Samrin is born. (Head of State)
01/15/1935
Henri Louis Marie Richomme, interim Resident Superieur.
1936
The first Khmer language newspaper, Nagara Vatta or Angkor Wat, is established by Son Ngoc Thanh and his associates - Sim Var and Pach Chhoeun.
04/15/1936
Pen Sovann is born. (Prime Minister)
12/12/1936
Leon Emmanuel Thibaudeau, interim Resident Superieur.
06/16/1937
Leon Emmanuel Thibaudeau, Resident Superieur.
12/07/1937
France and Siam sign a treaty confirming the treaty of 1925 and agreeing that any conflict should be solved by the International Court at the Haye.
1939
Siam is renamed Thailand.
August 30, 1940
Franco-Japanese Treaty.
September 4, 1940
U.S. Secretary of State Hull warns the Japanese government that aggressive moves against Indochina would have an unfortunate effect upon opinion in the United States.
September 17, 1940
Thailand demands France to return Cambodia and a large part of Laos.
September 26, 1940
Japanese forces begin their occupation of Indochina.  Earlier, the French Vichy government conceded the use of three airfields and several ports in Indochina to the Japanese. The United States had placed an embargo on the export of iron and steel scrap after October15 to countries outside the Western Hemisphere except Great Britain.
December 1, 1940
Thai attack the French in Cambodia; French troops are defeated.
January 1, 1941
French navy defeats Thai navy at Koh Chhang.
January 10, 1941
Taking advantage of the French defeats in Europe, Thai attacks French positions in Laos and Cambodia, gaining control over most of Cambodia's Northwestern.
January 31, 1941
Under Japanese auspices, an armistice is arranged to end hostilities which had broken out between Thailand and French in Indochina. The Japanese obtain rice, rubber, coal, and minerals from Indochina, and confirm their military occupation.
March 11, 1941
France and Thailand conclude a treaty, signed in Tokyo on May 9, whereby Thailand acquires the section of Laos province west of the Mekong River, three-fourths of the Kampong-Thom province, and territory in northern Cambodia.
April 23, 1941
King Sisowath Monivong dies; his nineteen-year-old grandson, Prince Norodom Sihanouk, is chosen to succeed the late King.
April 25, 1941
Prince Sihanouk is crowned king of Cambodia. [2]
December 29, 1941
Jean de Lens, interim Resident Superieur.
July 18, 1942
Two monks, Achar Hem Chieu and Nuon Duong, are arrested on charge of inciting violence against the French.
July 20, 1942
Anti-French demonstration in Phnom Penh.  Son Ngoc Thanh and Pach Chhoeun organize an anti-French demonstration in Phnom Penh that involve over five hundred monks and as many civilians.  Led by Chhoeun, the group marches to the office of the French chief administrator, where Chhoeun presents a petition to the French authorities calling for the immediate release of two monks, Achar Hem Chieu and Nuon Duong.  The French refuse the petition, which enrage demonstrators who break into the chief office, attaching French officials and smashing furniture.  As the result, Chhoeun is arrested and jailed at Kok Poulo Condor.  Thanh goes into hiding and soon escapes to Battambang, where he seeks and is granted asylum to live in Japan where he spends the last two years of the war in Tokyo. [3][24]
December 19, 1942
Achar Hem Chieu and Nuon Duong are condemned to death; later their sentences are commuted to life imprisonment and sent to Koh Poulo Condor, where they meet with many of Vietnamese communists such as Pham Van Dong.
December 26, 1942
Son Ngoc Thanh arrives in Tokyo.
1943
Princess Bopha Devi is born.
March 2, 1943
Goerges Armand Leon Gauthier, Resident Superieur.
1944
Excavation begins at Angkor Thom (The Great City).
January 2, 1944
Prince Norodom Ranariddh is born.
February 7, 1945
US aircraft bombs Phnom Penh; Unalom pagoda is hit, injuring 20 people.
March 9, 1945
Cambodia declares independence. On March 9, the Japanese stage a coup de force throughout Indochina, imprisoning French officials, military personnel, and interning other French citizens.  Soon after, the Japanese ask the rulers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to declare independence.  King Sihanouk complies on March 12.
March 18, 1945
King Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (03/18/45-08/13/45).
May 30, 1945
Son Ngoc Thanh returns from exile in Japan to serve as Cambodian Foreign Minister.
July 18, 1945
Annam emperor Bao Dai declares independence.
August 14, 1945
Son Ngoc Thanh becomes Prime Minister (08/14/45-10/16/45).
August 14, 1945
Japan capitulates.  Emperor Hirohito of Japan announces unconditional surrender of the second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9.  The first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6. [Oxford Companion to WW II p.1336-1337]
October 8, 1945
British troops enter Phnom Penh and disarm Japanese forces.  French military units filter back into Cambodia and gradually reassert their control of the colony.
October 15, 1945
French Gen. Leclerc arrives in Phnom Penh from Saigon and arrests Prime Minister Son Ngoc Thanh, who is accused of being a traitor.
October 17, 1945
Prince Sisowath Monireth becomes Prime Minister (10/17/45-12/15/46).
January 1, 1946
The Cambodian School for Officers is established.
January 7, 1946
Cambodia is granted autonomy (Modus Vivendi).  France recognizes Cambodia as an autonomous kingdom within the French Union, permitting Cambodians to draft a constitution and form political parties.
May 31, 1946
Electoral law is promulgated to allow the election of a Consultative Assembly, which would approve a draft constitution.
1946
Former Prime Minister Son Ngoc Thanh, arrested on charges of treason, is tried in Saigon and then exiled to France. Thailand returns to Cambodia the two provinces, Battambang and Siem Reap, which were retaken at the start of WWII. The first Indochina War begins. Election for a 67-seat Constituent Assembly is held.  The Assembly is to approve a draft constitution, which had been formulated by a joint Franco-Khmer commission. The Democratic Party, led by Prince Sisowath Yuthevong, wins 55 seats; the French-sponsored Liberals Party win 14 seats and 3 seats are won by independents.
December 15, 1946
Prince Sisowath Yuthevong becomes Prime Minister (12/15/46-07/17/47).
January 1, 1947
French troops suppress Khmer rebellion.
May 6, 1947
Cambodia's first constitution is promulgated.
1947
Prince Sisowath Yuthevong, leader of the Democrat party, died.
July 25, 1947
Prince Sisowath Watchayavong becomes Prime Minister (07/25/47-02/20/48).
1947
The first election is held for National Assembly under a new constitution, which had been promulgated in May. Again, the Democrats gained a majority by winning 55 of 75 seats.  Mr. Chheam Van becomes Prime Minister.
January 1, 1948
The Excise Office is transferred from the French to the Royal Government of Cambodia.
February 20, 1948
Chheam Van becomes Prime Minister (02/20/48-08/14/48).
1948
Chheam Van's government collapses.
August 15, 1948
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (08/15/48-01/21/49)
December 9, 1948
UN General Assembly adopts a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
February 12, 1949
Penn Nouth resigns his premiership; he is replaced by Yem Sambaur (Prime Minister 02/12/49-09/20/49).
March 10, 1949
Sam Rainsy is born.
1949
Saloth Sar/Pol Pot leave Phnom Penh for France to study. He is going on a government scholarship. [3] King Norodom Sihanouk dissolves the National Assembly.
September 20, 1949
Ieu Koeus becomes Prime Minister (09/20/49-09/29/49).
September 29, 1949
Yem Sambaur becomes Prime Minister (09/29/49-04/28/50).
November 8, 1949
Franco-Cambodian Treaty is signed in Paris between the High representatives of France and Cambodia. [Text of the treaty]
1950
A grenade is thrown into the Democratic Party's headquarters in Phnom Penh fatally wounded Ieu Koeuss; his funeral draws an enormous crowd. [24][3]
February 7, 1950
US recognizes Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos as independent states within the French Union: The Government of the US has accorded diplomatic recognition to the Governments of the State of Viet Nam, the Kingdom of Laos, and the Kingdom of Cambodia.  Communist China and the Soviet Union recognized the Communist regime of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. [Statement by the U.S. Department of State]
1950
United Issarak Front or Khmer Issarak (Liberated Khmers) is established and funded by the Thai; the front dedicates to armed resistance against the French.
April 28, 1950
Norodom Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (04/28/50-05/30/50)
May 8, 1950
US Secretary of States and French Foreign Minister meet to discuss situation in Indochina and U.S. aid to the Associated States of Indochina and France. [The statement]
May 17, 1950
Cambodia places with the UN her acceptances of the Constitution of the World Health Organization.
May 24, 1950
US Charge d'Affaires in Saigon informs the Chiefs of State of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos about the U.S. decision to provide economic aid to the three states. [The note]
May 30, 1950
Prince Sisowath Monipong becomes Prime Minister (05/30/50-03/03/51).
October 15, 1950
Cambodia ratifies UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
December 23, 1950
US signs Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with France and Associated States of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. [Original Agreement]
January 19, 1951
Cambodia places with UN her acceptance of the Agreement for the Establishment of Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council.
March 3, 1951
Oum Chheang Sun becomes Prime Minister 03/03/51-10/12/51)
April 4, 1951
Hun Sen is born.
July 3, 1951
Cambodia accepts the Constitution of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
July 16, 1951
Cambodia places with UN her acceptance of the Constitution of the International Rice Commission.  [1613]
1951
General election is held. Again the Democratic Party gains control of the National Assembly.
September 8, 1951
Cambodia and US sign an agreement on Economic Cooperation between the two countries in Phnom Penh.  Foreign Minister Oum Chheang Sun signs for Cambodia and Charge d'Affaires Don Catlett for the U.S. [Original Agreement]
September 23, 1951
US and French officials discuss U.S. military aid program for the defense of Southeast Asia. [Statement]
September 30, 1951
The Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP) is founded under Vietnamese Communist auspices after dissolution of Indochinese Communist Party (ICP), which split itself into national parties - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
October 13, 1951
Huy Kanthoul (Democratic Party) becomes Prime Minister (10/13/51-06/16/52).
October 29, 1951
The French commissioner in Cambodia, Jean de Raymond, is assassinated by a Vietminh.
October 30, 1951
Son Ngoc Thanh returns to Cambodia.
October 18, 1951
Cambodia and US exchange notes constituting an agreement concerning mutual security.
April 9, 1952
Cambodia and The UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) sign an agreement, in Phnom Penh, concerning the activities of UNICEF in Cambodia (Original Agreement).
June 2, 1952
Cambodia accepts Treaty of Peace with Japan.
June 10, 1952
Cambodia accepts the International Plant Protection Convention (1963).
June 15, 1952
Cambodia declares her acceptance of the obligations contained in the charter of the UN.  PM Huy Kanthoul makes the declaration in Phnom Penh, I, the undersigned, President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, being duly authorized thereto by the Cambodian Government, hereby declare, on behalf of the State of Cambodia, that that State unreservedly subscribes to the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the UN and accepts and undertakes to fulfill all the obligations deriving therefrom. King Sihanouk dismisses Huy Kanthoul's government, dissolves the National Assembly, and begins governing the country by decree. [24]
June 16, 1952
King Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (06/16/52-01/24/53)
June 18, 1952
Minister in the French Cabinet for the Associated States in Indochina, officials from the U.S. Dept. of State and Defense, Cambodia and Vietnam ambassadors conclude a series of discussions about the defense of Indochina from communists and issue a communiqué.
July 17, 1952
Foreign Minister Prince Norodom Songdeth makes a declaration, in Phnom Penh, accepting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.
January 24, 1953
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (01/24/53-11/22/53)
July 13, 1953
King Sihanouk launches the royal crusade for the independence of Cambodia by going into self-imposed exile.
July 24, 1953
Cambodia and UN sign an agreement concerning technical assistance to Cambodia.  PM Penn Nouth signs for Cambodia and N.E.S. Raghavachari for the UN (500).
July 3, 1953
French Government announces its intention to give independence to the three Associated States of Indochina.
July 23, 1953
Cambodia places her ratification or accession, with the government of Belgium, constituting the acceptance of Universal Postal Convention, Agreement Concerning Insured Letters and Boxes, Agreement Concerning Postal Parcels, Agreement Concerning Postal Money Orders and Postal Travellers' Cheques, Agreement Concerning Cash-On-Delivery Items, Agreement Concerning the Collection of Bills, Drafts, Etc., and Agreement Concerning Subscriptions to Newspapers and Periodicals.
July 29, 1953
France hands over police and judicial power to Cambodia.
September 30, 1953
The US government agrees to provide additional aid to France and the Associated States of Indochina. [Joint Franco-American communiqué]
October 17, 1953
France and Cambodia sign an agreement on the hand-over of military sovereignty to Cambodia.
September 8, 1953
King Norodom Sihanouk returns to Phnom Penh.
November 9, 1953
The independence ceremonies are held, marking the end of colonial presence in Cambodia.
November 23, 1953
Chan Nak becomes Prime Minister (11/23/53-04/7/54)>
1954
Thailand claims and occupies Preah Vihear.
February 18, 1954
Foreign Ministers of the US, France, the UK and the Soviet Union issue a joint communiqué in Berlin following their meeting to discuss plans for the Geneva Conference on Korea and Indochina.
March 2, 1954
Cambodia accepts the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (2163).
March 29, 1954
US Secretary of State addresses his country's views of Indochina and the Chinese Communist on the eve of the Geneva Conference. [Text of the address]
April 7, 1954
King Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (04/7/54-04/18/54).
April 14, 1954
US Secretary of State and French Foreign Minister issue a joint statement following their conversation in Paris about the situation in Indochina.
April 18, 1954
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (04/18/54-01/26/55).
May 5, 1954
U.S. President issues a statement concerning the preparations of the Geneva Conference on Indochina.
May 7, 1954
U.S. Secretary of State's address referring to the Geneva Conference, which he had attended, and is still going on in Geneva.
May 25, 1954
U.S. Secretary of State addresses the conditions for the U.S. direct intervention in Indochina at a news conference. [Excerpt of the news conference]
June 11, 1954
U.S. Secretary of State addresses the threat of direct Chinese Communist intervention in Indochina: At the moment, Indochina is the area where international communism most vigorously seeks expansion under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. [Text of the address]
July 15, 1954
U.S. Secretary of State issues a statement following his consultations with the French Premier and British Foreign Secretary concerning Indochina.
July 20, 1954
The Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Cambodia is agreed, providing for a cease-fire, withdrawal of all foreign armed forces, military personnel, and establishment of an International Control Commission, which is comprised of representatives of Canada, India and Poland, to supervise its execution. [Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos]
July 21, 1954
The Geneva Conference concludes and issues a Final Declaration of the Geneva Conference on the problem of restoring peace in Indochina.
July 23, 1954
All hostilities are to be ceased from 0800 hours (Pekin mean time) throughout Cambodia (Article 1 of the Agreement).
August 7, 1954
A cease-fire throughout Cambodia went into effect at 7 hours local time (Article 2 (a) of the Agreement).
August 8, 1954
The Manila Pact or Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty and Organization (SEATO), engineered by the US in an effort to forestall further Communist gains following the defeat of France in Indochina. The US is joined by Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, with the objective of contributing to peace and security in Southeast Asia through mutual aid in resisting armed attack and countering subversion.  Cambodia, Laos, and South Vietnam, precluded by the Geneva accords from formally joining, sign a protocol bringing them within the scope of the treaty's military and economic terms. The treaty becomes effective on February 19, 1955.
October 2, 1954
US President Eisenhower sends a message to the King of Cambodia concerning U.S. aid to Cambodia.
December 31, 1954
US Dept. of State issues a statement concerning direct aid to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos: Arrangements have been completed so that on January 1, 1955, the US can begin supplying financial aid directly to the Government of Viet-Nam, Cambodia, and Laos for the purpose of strengthening their defense against the threat of Communist subversion and aggression.
January 26, 1955
Leng Ngeth becomes Prime Minister (01/26/55-10/3/55).
February 7, 1955
A national referendum approves King Sihanouk's rule.
March 2, 1955
King Sihanouk abdicates in favor of his father, Prince Norodom Suramarit, in order to freely participate in the political arena.
March 24, 1955
Prince Sihanouk forms his own political movement Sangkum Reastr Niyum (Popular Socialist Community).
April 17, 1955
Afro-Asian Bandung Conference.
May 16, 1955
Cambodia and US sign an agreement concerning U.S. military assistance to Cambodia.
September 11, 1955
Election is held.  Sangkum Reastr Niyum (the People's Socialist Community) wins all 91-seats in the National Assembly with 83 percent of the votes.
October 3, 1955
Prince Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (10/3/55-01/5/56).
November 8, 1955
Cambodia accedes to the Convention on the World Meteorological Organization (998).
January 4, 1956
Oum Cheang Sun is elected by the Sangkum as premier, replacing Prince Sihanouk.
January 16, 1956
Cambodia accedes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (102).
1956
Sarlot Sar/Pol Pot married Khieu Ponnary, the first Cambodian woman to earn a baccalaureate.  Ponnary was eight years older than Saloth Sar. [Chandler, Brother #1 17] Prince Sihanouk makes his first visit to the People's Republic of China - Communist China. Prince Sihanouk begins program of Khmer Socialism.
March 1, 1956
Prince Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (03/1/56-03/24/56).
March 14, 1956
Cambodia accedes to the Convention on Road Traffic (1671).
April 3, 1956
Khim Tit becomes Prime Minister (04/3/56-07/29/56).
April 24, 1956
Cambodia signs economic assistance pact with the PRC; South Vietnam and Thailand impose economic blockades of Cambodia in retaliation for signing the agreement; U.S. suspends aid to Cambodia.
May 9, 1956
Cambodia and UNICEF sign in Bangkok a protocol additional to the agreement of April 9, 1952.  [Original Agreement]
May 18, 1956
Cambodia establishes diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union).
September 15, 1956
Prince Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (09/15/56-10/15/56).
October 5, 1956
Cambodia and UN revise Standard Agreement concerning technical assistance.  [Agreement]
October 25, 1956
Sam Yun becomes Prime Minister (10/25/56-04/9/57).
November 12, 1956
Cambodia accepts International Convention on Certain Rules Concerning Civil Jurisdiction in Matters of Collision and International Convention Relating to the Arrest of Seagoing Ships.
1957
Sangkum Reastr Niyum approves making neutrality the constitutional law, which would be enacted by the National Assembly in September.
February 6, 1957
Cambodia ratifies and accepts the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency [3988].
April 7, 1957
Prince Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister, following the deposition by the National Assembly of Premier San Yun over a budget dispute.
May 18, 1957
Cambodia accedes to the Convention for a Uniform System of Tonnage Measurement of Ships [2814].
June 12, 1957
Cambodia places her accession to the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery [3822].
July 26, 1957
Sim Var becomes Prime Minister (7/26/57-1/11/58).
July 30, 1957
Cambodia places with UN her accession to the Protocol for Extending the Period of Validity of the Convention on Declaration of Death of Missing Persons.
September 9, 1957
Foreign Minister Sim Var, in Phnom Penh, declares Cambodia's recognition as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International court of Justice. [Declaration]
October 17, 1957
Cambodia and the US sign an agreement for mutual assistance in cartography between the Khmer Geographic Service and the Army Map Service. [Original Agreement]
January 11, 1958
Ek Yi Oun becomes Prime Minister (1/11/58-1/17/58).
January 17, 1958
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (1/17/58-4/24/58).
March 23, 1958
Elections for the National Assembly; the Sangkom Reash Niyum win all 61 seats.
April 24, 1958
Sim Var becomes Prime Minister (4/24/58-7/10/58).
1958
South Vietnamese forces incur into eastern Cambodia.
July 10, 1958
The National Assembly approves a new cabinet headed by Prince Sihanouk (Prime Minister 7/10/58-4/19/60)
July 24, 1958
Cambodia recognizes communist China (People's Republic of China - PRK).
September 25, 1958
The PRC establishes its embassy in Phnom Penh. On the same day, Prince Norodom Sihanouk makes his first visit to US since Cambodia gaining her independence from France.
November 28, 1958
Cambodia breaks off relations with Thailand.
December 8, 1958
Cambodia notifies the Swiss Federal Council of her accessions to: (1) Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea and in Field; (2) Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War; (3) Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.
January 13, 1959
Prince Sihanouk, in a speech at Kompong Cham, reveals a plot Bangkok Plot to eliminate him, seize power and set up a pro-US regime: The plan was drawn up by a march, head of the government of a neighboring kingdom, by the envoys of a neighboring state, and by Song Ngoc Thanh.  Like nocturnal birds of prey blinked by the hunter's touch, dark schemes hatched in secret will come to nothing once they are dragged out into the light. [2]
February 20, 1959
Cambodia resumes relations with Thailand.
February 21, 1959
Gen. Dap Chhuon, who leads a plot against Prince Sihanouk in which the CIA, Thailand and South Vietnam are involved, is captured and killed. [2][4]
March 2, 1959
Cambodia and Japan sign an agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in Phnom Penh.
March 26, 1959
Prince Sihanouk leads a group of diplomats, including the US, USSR, PRC, Britain and France, on a tour of Dap Chhuon villa. [2]
March 30, 1959
Cambodia places with UN her accessions to the Convention for the Suppression of the Circulation of, and Traffic in, Obscene Publication.
August 31, 1959
Bomb assassination attempt against royal family.  A plastic bomb sent in a gift box to a royal family member explodes as Prince Vakrivan - Palace Chief of Protocol - opened it, killing him, King Suramarit's valet and wounding two others.  The King and Queen who were receiving PM Son Sann in the adjoining room were unhurt.  Prince Sihanouk blames Sam Sary and Son Ngoc Thanh, in Saigon at the time, for the blast.  The Prince also adds that the bomb was sent from an American military base in South Vietnam. [2][4]
1959
L'Observateur, a left-wing French-language newspaper, begins its publication; Khieu Samphan is its editor. [3]
September 22, 1959
Cambodia places with UN her accession of the Convention on the Taxation of Road Vehicles for Private Use in International Traffic. [4844]
September 30, 1959
Cambodia files a complaint with the International Court of Justice concerning Thailand's occupation of Preah Vihea.  Thailand claimed Preah Vihea and occupied the area surrounding the Temple since 1954.
January 5, 1960
Cambodia places with UN her accession to the Convention On The Recognition And Enforcement Of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
February 20, 1960
Sangkum Reastr Niyum opens its Ninth National Congress. [Opening speech]
April 2, 1960
Sihanoukville (Kompong Som) seaport is inaugurated; the inauguration ceremony presides by Prince Sihanouk.
April 3, 1960
King Norodom Suramarit died, provoking a constitutional crisis over the successor to the late King.
April 11, 1960
PM Prince Sihanouk presents the resignation of himself and his cabinet to the President of the Council of Regency.
April 12, 1960
Prince Sihanouk declines the Council of Regency's invitations to form a new government; instead he submits a list of five persons for the premiership: Penn Nouth, San Yun, Son Sann, Nhiek Tioulong and Lon Nol.
April 16, 1960
Pho Proeung, who resigned from the Council of Regency, resolves the crisis by accepting to form a new government.
April 19, 1960
New government of PM Pho Proeung is sworn in and received by the Council of Regency.
May 8, 1960
PM Pho Proeung and visiting Chinese Premier Chou En-lai issue a joint declaration following their meeting.
May 19, 1960
Cambodia and World Health Organization sign in Phnom Penh a basic agreement for the provision of technical advisory assistance.  Secretary of State for Health Yim Dith signed for Cambodia and Regional Director I. C. Fang for the WHO.
June 5, 1960
A nation-wide referendum gives an overwhelming vote of confidence of Prince Sihanouk.
June 14, 1960
Prince Sihanouk is sworn in as Cambodia's Chief of State after the 1947 constitution is revised by the National Assembly a day earlier.
July 15, 1960
Cambodia and United States exchange notes constituting an agreement relating to the exchange of official publication.
September 30, 1960
The Khmer Communist party convenes its secret congress, which is held at Phnom Penh railway station; KPRP renames to the Workers' Party of Kampuchea (WPK), and Saloth Sar (Pol Pot) becomes member of the WPK central committee.
November 24, 1960
Cambodia and UN Special Fund sign, in Phnom Penh, an agreement concerning assistance from the Special Fund.  Phlek Chhat, Director General of Planning of the Ministry of Planning, signed for Cambodia and Walter De Selys Longchamps, Regional Representative of the Special Fund, for UN.
November 27, 1960
Cambodia and Czechoslovakia sign in Prague Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, Prince Sihanouk signs for Cambodia; and Agreement On Cultural Co-operation, Pho Proeung signs for Cambodia.
November 30, 1960
Cambodia and UN exchange letters constituting an agreement for the provision of operation and executive personnel.
December 12, 1960
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Republic of Vietnam and Australia signed in Bangkok an agreement concerning tax exemption of contribution of Australia for the development of water resources of the Lower Mekong Basin.
December 15, 1960
Cambodia and Thailand exchanged letters constituting an Agreement relating to the press and radio [5490], Agreement relating to the joint repression of criminal offences in the frontier region [5491], Agreement relating to rebels and political refugees [5492] and Agreement relating to common law criminals [5493].
January 3, 1961
Cambodia places with UN her acceptance of the Convention On The Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization.
January 28, 1961
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (01/28/1961-11/17/61).
May 26, 1961
International Court of Justice ruled unanimously that it had jurisdiction over the case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear, which Cambodia submitted to the Court on September 30, 1959. Thailand, occupying the Temple since 1954, argued that the Court had no jurisdiction over the case. [Text of the Judgment]
1961
Armed clashes between Khmer army and Vietnamese Communists inside Cambodia.
October 23, 1961
Cambodia severs diplomatic relations with Thailand again.
November 17, 1961
Prince Norodom Sihanouk becomes Prime Minister (11/17/1961-02/13/1962).
1962
First U.S. bombs felt on Cambodia. The bombing was targeted at Vietnamese Communists in the border area.
February 13, 1962
Nhiek Tioulong becomes acting Prime Minister (02/13/1962-08/06/1962)
April 4, 1962
Cambodia places with UN her ratification of the Convention And Protocol For The Protection Of Cultural Property In The Event Of Armed Conflict.
June 15, 1962
International Court of Justice, by nine votes to three, found that the Temple of Preah Vihear situated in Cambodia, and that Thailand under an obligation to withdraw any military, police forces, guards or other keepers stationed at the temple, or in its vicinity on Cambodian territory. By seven votes to five, the Court found that Thailand under an obligation to return to Cambodia any sculptures, stelae, fragments of monuments, sandstone model and ancient pottery which might had been removed from the Temple or the Temple area by the Thai authorities since its occupation in 1954. [Text of the Judgment]
August 6, 1962
Chau Sen becomes Prime Minister (08/06/62-10/06/62).
October 6, 1962
Prince Norodom Kantol becomes Prime Minister (10/06/62-10/25/66).
November 19, 1962
Prince Sihanouk formally requested various countries to recognize Cambodia's independence, neutrality and territorial integrity.
1963
Cambodia's banking and foreign trade was nationalized. Sarloth Sar (Pol Pot) became Cambodian communist party general secretary after the mysterious disappearance of his predecessor Tou Samouth. Tou Samouth disappeared in July 1962.
February 11, 1963
Cambodia places with UN her accession to Customs Convention Concerning Facilities for the Importation of Goods for Display or Use at Exhibitions, Fairs, Meetings or Similar Events.
February 20, 1963
Cambodia places with UN her accession to Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Packing.
May 1, 1963
The PRC Pres. Liu Shao-Chi visits Cambodia.
May 5, 1963
A Sino-Khmer Declaration of Friendship is signed between Communist Chinese chief of state Liu Shao-chi and Prince Norodom Sihanouk.
June 14, 1963
Prince Sihanouk, Cambodia Chief of State, sent telegram to U.S. President John Kennedy, appealing for his intervention to stop the South Vietnamese's brutal suppression of the Cambodian Buddhist in Vietnam nonviolent protests.
June 18, 1963
US President Kennedy responded to Prince Sihanouk's telegram.
August 27, 1963
Cambodia broke off diplomatic ties with South Vietnam citing the Diem's regime border violation, persecution of Buddhists, and discrimination against Cambodian minorities in the Mekong Delta.
October 18, 1963
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Republic of Vietnam sign an agreement with Netherlands concerning the Netherlands' contribution to the Committee for the Co-ordination of Investigations of the Lower Mekong Basin.
November 6, 1963
Cambodia places with UN her accession to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
November 20, 1963
The National Congress of the Sangkum Reash Niyum votes unanimously not to accept US aid.
November 21, 1963
Prince Sihanouk ends U.S. military-economic assistance.
1963
Cambodia receives People's Republic of China military assistance.
January 6, 1964
France offers Cambodia military supplies to help defend her neutrality.
January 15, 1964
Cambodia and France sign an agreement relating to air transportation in Paris. PM Pho Proeung signed for Cambodia and Augustin Jordan for France.
January 24, 1964
Bristish Amb. call on Secretary of State Rusk to discuss the differences between his country and the U.S. on handling the Soviet proposal for a conference on Cambodia neutrality. [Memo of Conversation]
January 31, 1964
French President Charles de Gaulle, at the press conference, proposed the neutralization of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in cooperation with Communist China.
February 4, 1964
Amb. Sprouse suggests the State Dept. to give serious consideration our going on record with Sihanouk through UK as one of co-Chairmen by expressing willingness to accept drafts as they stand, thus obviating need for conference if other concerned countries agree. [21]
February 8, 1964
Prince Sihanouk charges the US with great responsibility for the South Vietnamese attack on a Cambodian village on February 4, and asks the US to finance truce observation posts along the Cambodian-South Vietnamese border. US State Dept. response to Sprouse's suggestion concerning the propose conference on Cambodian neutrality.
February 11, 1964
Prince Sihanouk proposed an international conference to guarantee Cambodia's neutrality.
February 13, 1964
Prince Sihanouk warned that if the US does not agree to an international conference by May, he would sever diplomatic relations with Washington and possibly sign assistance agreements with certain great friendly countries.
February 19, 1964
US Emb. in Phnom Penh inform Washington of Sihanouk's new proposal.  Prince Sihanouk proposes a quadripartite (US, SVN, Thailand, and Cambodia) negotiations which lead to an agreement recognizing Cambodia's neutrality and borders without a conference; and Cambodia would observe strict neutrality and prevent the passage or presence of rebel across or on its territory.
March 2, 1964
US inform Cambodia of its acceptance in principle to attend a Quadripartite Conference on Cambodian neutrality. [21]
March 3, 1964
US National Security Council Staff Michael V. Forrestal sends memo to the President's Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy),  ..We told the Cambodians privately yesterday that in principle we agreed to attend a Quadripartite (Thailand-Vietnam-U.S.-Cambodia) Conference on Cambodian neutrality. The GVN has already agreed to do so publicly, and the Thais have said that, although they haven't been asked officially, they would give sympathetic consideration to the idea. Today telegrams are coming in from Phnom Penh reporting Sprouse's meeting with the Cambodian Foreign Minister, at which time the latter turned over to Sprouse a pile of Cambodian draft proposals for a neutrality declaration and protocol. Unfortunately, our drafts have only been given to the GVN and the Thais; so we have been caught flat-footed on two counts. We have made no public announcement of our agreement to the Quadripartite Conference, and Sihanouk has beaten us to the punch on the draft proposals. Hilsman thinks we should defer any further public statements until we have had a chance to examine the Cambodian package   On the same day, State Dept. instructs its embassy in Phnom Penh to submit copies of draft documents to the Government of Cambodia.
March 4, 1964
US Embassy in Phnom Penh informs State Dept. of its delivery of draft document and wait for Prince Sihanouk's reaction.
March 5, 1964
Prince Sihanouk, in a speech, charges that the US blamed Cambodia and North Vietnam for its defeat in South Vietnam, but because of Chinese Communist strength, dared not strike Hanoi, so instead devised a plan to invade Cambodia with Khmer Serei and South Vietnamese forces. [21]
March 9, 1964
US Ambassador to Laos Unger telegram Dept. of State concerning his meeting with Laos PM Souvanna, who had met with Prince Sihanouk.
March 10, 1964
Secretary Rusk instructs US Embassy in Bangkok to approach Thai leader in order to exploit the opportunity following Prince Sihanouk's negative reaction to US proposal.  Earlier, Sihanouk disagreed with US draft proposals for a 4-power conference and saw them as a rejection of his own proposals for the quadripartite conference on Cambodia neutrality.
March 11, 1964
Anti-U.S. and British demonstrators damaged the U.S. and British Embassies in Phnom Penh. The mobs hurled rocks, stormed through police barriers, rushed into the ground floor of the U.S. embassy and wrecked it. Demonstrators outside the building tore down the American flag, burnt it and raised the Cambodian flag. The British embassy, which was near by, was attacked by the demonstrators, and its ground floor was badly damaged. The mobs also sacked the British Council and Information buildings. US Amb. Spivack informs State Dept. of heavy demonstration and rock throwing against US Embassy in Phnom Penh. Secretary Rusk informs Cambodian Secretary of State for Foreign Affair, Huot Sambath, of his shock and concern over the attacks and reminds the Minister that US draft proposals for the 4-power conference are not intended as a substitute for those of Cambodia, and asks for assurance that American lives and property could be protected in Cambodia.
March 13, 1964
Cambodia military delegation authorized to make arms purchases arrived in Peking, China. Amb. Spivack telegrams to the State Dept. stating that the March 11 attacks on US and Brit. embassies was approved by Cambodian Government in advance.
March 14, 1964
US National Security Council Staff sends memo to Bundy, Sihanouk has accused the US of sabotaging his proposed 4-nation conference. He has also said that we have been trying to kill a reconvening of the Geneva Conference.  Sihanouk has sent a mission to Hanoi to discuss South Vietnamese frontiers and supposedly is going to agree to establish diplomatic relation with North VN.  The destructive rioting of March 11 from all indications was clearly sanctioned by the Cambodian Government and probably was carried out in order to impress Peking and Hanoi.  At present there seems to be some confusion at the Dept. as to what they should do next.  Rusk is alleged to have said in an informal conversation last night that perhaps we should have a conference on Cambodian neutrality with either the 1954 or the 1962 participants.  Harriman, on the other hand, is reported to be inclined to call in the Cambodians and express displeasure as only he can do it. [21]
March 16, 1964
An arms shipment was delivered to Cambodia, and accepted at Cambodia's international airport by Prince Sihanouk. State Dept. telegram to US Embassy in Phnom Penh concerning Secretary Rusk's conversation with departing Cambodian Amb. to the US Nong Kimny.
March 20, 1964
Cambodia accused the U.S. and South Vietnam of the attacking Cambodian border village of Chantrea killing 17 villagers, which Saigon admitted that its unit had strayed into Cambodia in pursuit of Vietcong guerrillas.
March 21, 1964
US apologizes for the Chantrea incident, which a State Department statement attributed to faulty map reading. In referring to the downing of the L-19 observation plane during the attack, which killed a South Vietnamese and seriously injured an American airman, the statement said Cambodian planes might have shot it down. South Vietnamese Premier Nguyen Khanh apologizes for the attack on Chantrea but charges that two Cambodian fighters were responsible for the downing of the L-19, which he claimed had crashed two and a half miles inside Vietnam. On the contrary, South Vietnam's chief negotiator, Huyn Van Cao who was in Phnom Penh for border talk, visited Chantrea and called the attack a shameful mistake and pledge compensation.
March 22, 1964
Cambodia sends Washington a protest for the Chantrea attack and demanded formal apology and compensation for the damages. Prince Sihanouk visits Chantrea and declares that U.S. and Saigon apologies alone would not save the Cambodian-South Vietnamese border talks.  The Prince charged that U.S. was largely responsible for violations of Cambodian territory and warned if the U.S., Britain and other interested countries did not agree by March 30 to attend an international conference on Cambodian neutrality, he would go to Beijing to discuss our problems with our good Chinese friends. State Dept. informs the US Embassy in UK about the scheduled phone conversation between Secretary Rusk and his Brit. counterpart over Cambodia issues.
March 23, 1964
Cambodia and South Vietnam formally ended their border talks, and Prince Sihanouk reiterated his demand for an international conference. The British government rejected a Soviet request that their two countries, as co-chairmen of the 1954 Geneva conference on Indochina, call an international conference on Cambodian neutrality. In a letter to Prince Sihanouk, President de Gaulle of France promised to use his influence with the U.S. and Britain to affect the calling of an international conference.
March 26, 1964
Amb. Spivack advises the State Dept. to study Prince Sihanouk's position. [Telegram]
April 2, 1964
US Pres. Johnson meets with his National Security Council to discuss US policy towards a number of countries, including Cambodia: Sihanouk has made a turn-around, and, therefore, the critical situation in Cambodia is improved.  Developments will slow down because Sihanouk is taking a vacation and visiting France.  Amb. Bohlen is seeing de Gaulle today in an effort to persuade the General to issue a statement clarifying French policy in SEA.  The hope is that de Gaulle would issue a statement that his support of neutralization applies in the future and the immediate present. [21]
April 6, 1964
Bundy sends memo to Secretary Rusk concerning the possibility of inviting Prince Sihanouk to visit the US.
April 12, 1964
US and France officials meet in the US Embassy in Manila to discuss Cambodia issue. [Memo of Conversation]
April 13, 1964
SEATO holds its Ninth Council Meeting in Manila from 04/13-15, 1964. [21]
April 16, 1964
Thomas Hughes, Director of Intelligence and Research, sends memo to Marshall Green, Dep. Assistant Secretary of State concerning the use of Cambodian territory by Viet Cong.
May 15, 1964
Harlan Cleveland, Assistant Secretary of State, informs Secretary Rusk about the UN Security Council action on Cambodian complaint.
May 21, 1964
US State Dept. telegram Embassy in Cambodia concerning the possibilities of UN peacekeeping along Cambodian-Vietnamese border.
May 25, 1964
US State Dept. instructs its Mission to the UN of action to be taken at the world body regarding to Cambodia.
May 30, 1964
Cleveland sends memo to George W Ball, Acting Secretary of State regarding the UN Security Council resolution on Cambodian complaint.
June 1, 1964
Prince Sihanouk departs Cambodia for a 6-week stay in France. [21]
June 3, 1964
US Embassy in Phnom Penh telegram the State Dept. of Sihanouk's departure which provides occasion for broad survey of Cambodia's present situation and relations with the US.
June 4, 1964
Joseph Sisco, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, sends memo to Rusk regarding Cambodia complaint in the UN Security Council.
June 12, 1964
US State Dept. instructs its Mission to the UN of action to be taken with the world body concerning Cambodia.
June 16, 1964
In a protest note to the UN Security Council, Cambodia charged that some 30 aircraft and helicopters of South Vietnam's forces had attacked the Cambodian village of Tralouk Bek on June 11 about 1200 feet from the Cambodian-Vietnamese border.
June 26, 1964
UN headquarters in New York announced that the 3-member UN commission to investigate the Cambodian-South Vietnamese border dispute had arrived in Cambodia. The South Vietnam Liberation Front, the political arm of Vietcong, strongly opposed to the commission.
June 29, 1964
In an address to students of the Institute of Political Sciences in Paris, Prince Sihanouk said Cambodia is fighting efforts by American imperialism to force her to abandon neutralism and align with the U.S. as a satellite. The Prince charged that since 1955 the U.S. had employed every method to dissuade Cambodia from its neutralist path.
June 30, 1964
Bundy sends note to William Trueheart, Director of the Office of SEA Affairs, regarding a proposed message to convey to Prince Sihanouk. Secretary of State Rusk sends letter to John McCone, CIA Director, regarding their conversation about Prince Sihanouk.
July 2, 1964
US State Dept. suggests Amb. Bohlen to use the transmission of a greeting from Pres. Johnson thanking Prince Sihanouk for a similar message to discuss prospects for US-Cambodian relations. [21]
July 4, 1964
US Amb. To France Bohlen telegrams the State Dept. regarding his meeting with Prince Sihanouk a day earlier.
July 9, 1964
Randolp Kidder is appointed Ambassador to Cambodia.  Prince Sihanouk refuses to accept his credentials. [21]
July 29, 1964
US Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Bundy) sends memo to Secretary of State Rusk, ..state that  it would be worthwhile to follow up on the channel to Sihanouk which has developed and therefore suggested that he call upon you, Governor Harriman or me and that he be authorized to report on such a meeting in a letter to Sihanouk. Mr. McCone suggested further that in his letter to Sihanouk could convey his impressions as being views derived from this meeting and other contacts since his return to Washington. Although we agree that might provide a useful second channel of communication, we should avoid developing what might turn into an alternative channel of communication outside the normal diplomatic framework. If Ambassador Kidder's mission is to be a success, the Prince should be convicted that his contacts with Ambassador Kidder provide the best means of contact with the US Government. Although we see considerable merit in providing Sihanouk with an occasional channel of communication through we do not favor the development of an alternative channel to Ambassador Kidder. Recommendation: 1. That I see and that his contacts in the Department be confined within the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs. 2. If you approve, that you sign the attached letter to Mr. McCone. [21]
July 30, 1964
Director Trueheart memo to Assistant Secretary Bundy about Pres. Jonhson's sending of Amb. Kidder to Cambodia in the hope of establishing a channel of communication with Sihanouk. US State Dept telegram to its Embassy in Vietnam regarding UNSC Mission Report on Cambodian-South VN border.
August 12, 1964
Bundy, Charlotte Peters and unnamed participants discuss about ? correspondence with Prince Sihanouk.
August 24, 1964
Dep. Assistant Sisco sends memo to Secretary of State Rusk concerning the possibility of UNSC meeting on Cambodia-Vietnam.
August 30, 1964
Prince Sihanouk and the National Assembly jointly and formally reject the finding of the report of the UNSC Mission. [21]
September 18, 1964
Amb. Kidder leaves Phnom Penh.  He is appointed Ambassador to Cambodia on July 9, but Prince Sihanouk refuses to accept his credentials. [21]
September 28, 1964
Prince Sihanouk meets with PRC leader Mao Zedong in Beijing. [Conversation]
October 20, 1964
Cambodia charges that 3 South Vietnamese planes had bombed the village of Angong Kres, killing 8 and wounding 8 people.
October 22, 1964
A South VN unit with two US advisers clash with Vietcong across the Cambodian border near the village of Banteay Chakrey. Three South VN soldiers and a US adviser are killed.[21]  Cambodia files a protest with the UN accusing the US of having participated in the attack.
October 24, 1964
US say Cambodia shot down one of three US C-123 aircraft that strayed into Cambodian territory, killing eight US crewmen. [21] Prince Sihanouk, Chief of State, protests the attacks in a note to Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and British Foreign Secretary Patrick Gordon Walker.
October 27, 1964
Prince Sihanouk warns that Cambodia would sever diplomatic relations with the U.S. and recognizes North Vietnam and the NLF (Vietcong's political arm) if there are further U.S.-supported South Vietnamese attacks on Cambodian territory. South Vietnam accuses Cambodia of violating its territory, claiming that on October 25, 2 Cambodian planes had attacked its outpost 50 miles west of Saigon. And October 26, 3 Cambodian planes and 100 boatloads of troops had crossed the border in the Kienfi Phong Province area and bombed and strafed the sector.
October 31, 1964
The People's Republic of China pledges to help Cambodia in her dispute with the U.S. and South Vietnam. The pledge was made by Chinese Premier Chou En-lai and Head of State Liu Shao-chi in response to a plea for assistance by Prince Sihanouk on October 26.
November 3, 1964
Prince Sihanouk accepts a shipment of Soviet military assistance at Pochentong Airport. The shipment included 2 MIG-17 fighter planes, 1276 artillery pieces, 8 anti-aircraft guns and other military supplies.
November 10, 1964
UN Secretary General, U Thant, announces the failure of a 2-years UN peace mission to Cambodia and Thailand.
November 15, 1964
US Department of State sends telegram to the Embassy in Cambodia and France concerning US-Cambodian relation.
December 3, 1964
US State Dept. circulates telegram regarding to the forthcoming talks at New Delhi between Cambodian and US representatives.
December 17, 1964
US State Dept. sends telegram to its Embassy in Cambodia concerning the outcome of Delhi talks between Cambodian and US.
December 27, 1964
Prince Sihanouk discloses that Communist China had agreed to supply Cambodia with heavy artillery and other equipment for 22,000 troops.
December 28, 1964
Jame Thomson, National Security Council Staff, sends memo to Pres. Johnson concerning Cambodia-US relation.
January 6, 1965
Bundy informs Pres. Johnson about Prince Sihanouk's letter to the editor, in which the Prince claimed that Cambodia's stability and neutrality was in spite of US, Thai, and South VN attempts to subvert it.
January 14, 1965
US Amb. Bowles and Cambodian Amb. to India, Nong Kimny, meet to discuss US-Cambodia relations. [21]
January 27, 1965
US State Dept. telegram to US Embassy in India about report of Amb. Bowles conversation with Nong Kimny.
March 1, 1965
Prince Sihanouk hosted the Indochina People's Conference to condemn United States activities in Southeast Asia.
March 8, 1965
The first U.S. Marine Infantry landed in South Vietnam.
1965
The Pentagon approves U.S. self-defense penetration of Cambodia.
April 15, 1965
US and UK officials meet to discuss Cambodia at the White House. [Memo of Conversation]
April 18, 1965
Secretary Rusk asks Amb. Taylor by telegram to raise with South VN FM Pham Hut Quat the question of a Cambodian conference as a possible means of initiating a settlement between North and South VN. [21]
April 21, 1965
Bundy sends memo to Secretary Rusk concerning the handling of Cambodian Conference Proposal.
April 28, 1965
Demonstrators again attacked U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh.
April 30, 1965
US Pres. Johnson talks on the phone with Bundy concerning the bombing of a Cambodian village. [Transcript]
May 1, 1965
US airplanes bomb villages in the area known as Parrot Beak along Cambodia-South Vietnam border.
May 3, 1965
Prince Sihanouk, Chief of State, announces the severance of diplomatic relations with the United States. US President's Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) sends memo to President Johnson concerning Prince Sihanouk's announcement, You may have seen in the morning news that the Cambodians have broken diplomatic relations with us. Our people are not surprised. The initial recommendation for a prompt apology on the accidental air attack was based on a hope that it might marginally affect this Cambodian decision, but my own judgment is that relations were about to break anyway. Moreover, it is good that the Cambodians have put the burden equally on Newsweek and on the air attacks. This Cambodian decision makes a proposed apology irrelevant. We will deal with the air matter by saying that it is still under investigation. We will further say that this break of relations does not affect our position on a Cambodian conference (we have no relations at all with North Vietnam and China, who would also be in such a conference). Finally, we will say that we are still reviewing the question whether we wish to keep a consulate in Phnom Penh, which the Cambodians have apparently suggested. More generally, if we get any flak on this air accident, now or later, we will point out in reply that Cambodia has provided a variety of facilities for the Viet Cong over a long period of time and is therefore in a poor position to criticize a single Air Force error, however tragic it is for those who were hit. [21]
1965
Pol Pot, secretary general of the Workers Party of Kampuchea, arrives in Hanoi.25 Prince Sihanouk visits the People's Republic of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - North Korea.
August 12, 1965
Cambodia, Laos, South Vietnam, and Thailand signed a power-exchange agreement as part of Lower Mekong Basin development project.
August 16, 1965
James C. Thomson, Jr., National Security Council Staff, sends memo to Bundy, the President's Special Assistant for National Security Affairs concerning the uncovering of Son Ngoc Thanh in Saigon,  has accidentally uncovered anti-Sihanouk Khmer Serei leader Son Ngoc Thanh somewhere in Saigon, now wants to establish a dialogue. State is properly skittish as this guy has the political future of Harold Stassen but drives Sihanouk crazy. We are permitting one or two more contacts with him--but we may be risking a further Cambodia blow-up (our relations with Sihanouk are currently euphoric relative to the recent past). [21]
August 31, 1965
Cambodia deposited with UN her accession relating to (1) Optional Protocol Concerning Acquisition of Nationality [7311] and (2) Optional Protocol Concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes [7312].
September 23, 1965
Bundy sends memo to President Johnson, The departure of Sihanouk from Cambodia for three months will likely mean a lull in Cambodian diplomatic initiatives. However, he will probably continue his soundings in various capitals, notably Moscow and Peiking, regarding international guarantees of Cambodia's territory. He is currently undergoing medical treatment in France. The French report some Cambodian annoyance with the Chinese for frequently ignoring their position and making them feel their small power status. Paris warns, however, that this doesn't imply any willingness on the part of the Cambodians to move closer to the West. They still see in the Chinese their only friend in a hostile regional sea. [21]
October 1, 1965
Cambodia announced that she would boycott all the main committees of the UN General Assembly in protest against the alleged ineffectiveness of the organization.
October 9, 1965
Chinese PM Zhou and Pham Van Dong meet in Beijing to discuss the war in Vietnam and possible expansion to Cambodia and Laos.
November 12, 1965
Joint Chiefs of Staff sends memo to Secretary of Defense McNamara regarding the studies that conclude the Vietcong use Cambodia for a source of supply, sanctuary and temporary military facilities.
November 20, 1965
US Pres. Johnson talks by phone with Secretary McNamara concerning the North VN and Vietcong's use of Cambodian territory. On the same day, State Dept. telegram to its Embassy in Vietnam concerning the authorization for operations in Laos and Cambodia.
November 21, 1965
Pentagon approves hot pursuit penetration of Cambodia. Assistant Secretary Bundy sends note to US Permanent Rep. to the UN Goldberg concerning the approaching of US and South VN military operations to Cambodian border.
December 1, 1965
The US Office of Current Intelligence issues a memo concerning Cambodia's foreign policy.
December 3, 1965
Bundy informs Secretary of State Rusk about the US/South VN action against VC/PAVN forces in Cambodia.
December 9, 1965
US Commander in Vietnam, Westmoreland, telegram the Commander-in-Chief - Pacific, Sharp, regarding the cross border military operations.
December 11, 1965
US State Dept. telegram to the Embassy in Vietnam regarding the authorization for operations involving Cambodia.
December 14, 1965
US State Dept. telegram to inform Secretary Rush at Paris about possible ICC role in Cambodia.
December 18, 1965
US Sen. Mike Mansfield sends memo to Pres. Johnson concerning his 16 countries and territories visit including Cambodian.
December 23, 1965
Memo of conversation between USSR Ambassador Anatoliy F. Dobrynin and US Dept. of State Ambassador-at-Large Llewellyn E. Thompson on Hot Pursuit, I gave the Ambassador a copy of our press release on the question of actions our troops were authorized to take in self-defense along the Cambodian border. I said that I thought the American press had great exaggerated and distorted the significance of this development. Dobrynin said, from the statement in the press release, what did this really mean, that our troops would be making deep incursions into Cambodia or bombing Cambodian targets? I replied in the negative and said that this was actually confined to situations in which there was a real need to shoot back in self-defense in order to preserve the lives of our troops involved. Dobrynin asked how he should report this. Was this an official statement? I replied that it was purely an informal explanation of our policy but that I could tell him, for his own information that it was done at the suggestion of the Secretary. He expressed his appreciation and said that he had been confused, and he thought that the diplomats in Washington with whom he had discussed the matter, had also misunderstood what was involved. [21]
December 27, 1965
Washington informs Bangkok and Saigon of US concern about both countries support of the Khmer Serei. [21]
December 28, 1965
US issue an intelligence memo concerning Cambodia's relationship with the Vietcong, The problem of Cambodia's relationship with the Viet Cong centers on two broad but related aspects. One is Sihanouk's foreign policy and how it has been influenced by the growth of the Communist movement in South Vietnam. The other is the use by the Viet Cong of Cambodian territory as a source of supply, sanctuary, and political comfort. A thorough review of intelligence from all sources confirms that the Viet Cong have procured supplies in and through Cambodia but shows that the volume of such supplies has been small in comparison with Viet Cong requirements and in comparison with what they have received through Laos, by direct sea infiltration, and from within South Vietnam. It is clear that with the complicity of local Cambodian officials the Viet Cong have found safe haven in many areas along the Cambodian border. The Communists have also established small but useful clandestine facilities on Cambodian territory. From all indications these facilities have played only a small part in the over-all Communist effort in South Vietnam. A substantial body of evidence indicates, however, that the Cambodian Government is not a witting or willing accomplice in Viet Cong operations in Cambodia. Intelligence reports confirm that Sihanouk is increasingly concerned over charges that Cambodia is being used by the Viet Cong. These reports reveal that although Phnom Penh has tried to take measures to curb such use, its ability to police the 600-mile border with South Vietnam is extremely limited. [21]
December 29, 1965
McNamara sends letter to Rusk regarding the problem of Vietcong's supplies through Cambodia.
December 30, 1965
US President Johnson talks by phone with Under Secretary of State Ball about Cambodian situation; memo of the conversation, Pres said he had been worried about the Cambodian situation for some time--our harassing their border. Pres said Ball in talking to Mansfield should ask him to tell Sihanouk that he had reported to the President and the President reciprocated Sihanouk's good wishes. He is to tell Sihanouk that we are very anxious to have no border disturbances and we wish he would make a study of these raids that are being initiated within his borders so that our people would not pursue them. Ball said he would see what we could get back to Sihanouk. Pres said we should put it on Sihanouk that he should stop these raids from being initiated and that we don't want to go across his borders. Pres said Mansfield is Sihanouk's biggest sponsor and he is a hero to Mansfield. Pres [said] Mansfield should tell Sihanouk that he gave a full three-hour report to the President and told him how great Sihanouk is. We should try in this way to get a little closer to Sihanouk. [21]
January 4, 1966
US and Australian officials meet to discuss situation in Cambodia.
January 5, 1966
James C. Thomson sends memo to Bundy concerning Cambodia Conference, Although I understand that State as a whole remains very leery of resurrecting any Cambodia conference proposal, Allen Whiting suggests that we over here might want to consider such a move. The circumstances have altered considerably since Sihanouk's turn down of the previous conference proposal. Cambodia is more gravely threatened than ever before--by a pincer movement with MACV on Cambodia's eastern frontier and the Thai/GVN-supported Khmer Serei on the western frontier. Sihanouk is properly scared. It would be far less likely for him to shoot down the proposal under the present circumstances. Our interests here are two-fold and clear: first and more narrowly, to get the Thai and GVN to call off their dogs--an effort in which we have been so far markedly unsuccessful; but second and more important, to get the right people to a conference where the long-sought corridor conversations can finally take place. In short, there is more reason than ever for a Cambodia conference, both in terms of the heightened threat to Cambodia's security and in terms of our intensified quest for negotiations. So why not add this item to our current push? (Get the British and Soviets to take the initiative summoning such a conference.) [21]
January 17, 1966
George Ball, Acting Secretary of State, sends letter to McNamara concerning the Vietcong use of Cambodian to support its force in South VN.
January 20, 1966
Cambodia places with UN her ratification concerning Amendments to Articles 23, 27 and 61 of the Charter of the United Nations.
January 30, 1966
Sihanouk, in a speech, charges that the Thai statements of widespread Khmer Serei popularity in Cambodia was a view held by the US and asks the US Congress to send some of its members to conduct an on-the-spot investigation.  On the same day, Senator Hayden receives an invitation from the Cambodian National Assembly to send a delegation to investigate Khmer Serei versus Sihanouk popularity and charges of Cambodian sanctuary for the Vietcong. [21]
March 3, 1966
US Joint Chiefs of Staff sends memo to McNamara regarding measures to decrease infiltration into South VN from Cambodian via waterways.
March 11, 1966
R.W. Komer, President's Deputy Special Assistant for National Security Affairs, sends memo to President Johnson,  On delving further into this, I have discovered a royal snafu. First, Hayden, Fulbright and Aiken all referred this matter to the Vice President, as the titular presiding officer of the Senate. The Vice President was about to sign letters to Fulbright, Aiken and Mansfield pointing out that the Cambodians had withdrawn the invite. We have held this up. Second, while Washington, Bangkok, Saigon, and even Peiking all interpreted the Cambodian radio broadcast of 24 February (an attack on Symington's criticism of VC use of Cambodia) as stating that the Cambodian government withdrew the invitation addressed by its Parliament to three U.S. Senators, a red-faced State Department, checking the French text yesterday, found out that the French word used also means reminds. They then went back this morning to the Cambodian original and found that the verb is in fact reminds. Thus the invite still stands. Third, FE in State still feels strongly that we should not pick up the invitation because (a) the Thais and GVN would be sore as hops; (b) it would give Sihanouk another propaganda victory; (c) Fulbright says his committee is too busy to travel; and (d) the Mansfield expedition to Cambodia demonstrates how little can be accomplished through such contacts. Others, including Harriman (I am told), believe that it might be better simply to defer this matter and play for time, perhaps returning an interim answer that the Congress is too busy at this moment. They see merit in keeping open at least a tenuous channel to the Prince. Queries: Should we leave this to the Vice President, or do a letter on your behalf? On the merits, would you prefer a soft deferral or a polite turndown? [21]
March 12, 1966
R.W. Komer sends memo to President Johnson concerning the congressmen to Cambodia, I won't bother you any further on this; it can be easily handled in the following way if you approve. 1. I've called Senator Aiken. He was most understanding when I explained how State and I had misinformed you. In fact, he was so pleasant that I told him how I was recommending we handle the matter. He completely agreed, and feels it makes great good sense not to slam the door on Sihanouk. 2. I've cleared with State a soft reply which neither rejects the Cambodian invite of three Congressmen nor accepts it--but simply pleads the press of Hill business at this time. This leaves us maximum flexibility and offends nobody. 3. It seems to me better if the Vice President formally answers the Hill inquiries and, as President of the Senate, signs the letter to his Cambodian counterpart. This leaves you above the play. If you agree, I will so recommend to the Vice President. [21]
April 2, 1966
Bundy sends memo to Rostow regarding presidential inquiry about emissary to Cambodia.
April 18, 1966
Director Trueheart informs Bundy of some possible effects of Cambodian recognition of North VN political representation.
May 16, 1966
Thai PM charges that Cambodian guerrilla had planted land mines in Thailand, killing at least 20 people.
May 19, 1966
Cambodian representative to the UN, Huot Sambath, files a complaint with the UN Security Council, charging that Thai forces had shelled and attacked Cambodian positions around Preah Vihear from Apr. 14 to 22. The most serious attack was on Apr. 19 when Cambodian defenders repulsed more than 1000 attackers, inflicting more than 300 casualties.
May 28, 1966
R.W. Komer sends memo to President Johnson concerning Cambodia, Your comment to the NSC staff that you were not entirely satisfied with our current hard line toward Cambodia crystallized some of my thinking too. Requests from our embattled field commanders that we bomb Cambodia or at least drop leaflets leave me cold--they would have far too little effect to outweigh the political uproar they would cause. Hence State is quite right in turning off these gung ho suggestions. On the other hand, there ought to be imaginative ways of putting a quiet squeeze on Sihanouk via economic means and psywar. Intelligence reports suggest economic distress in Cambodia, growing disaffection with Sihanouk's policies--including his diversion of rice from Cambodian mouths to those of the VC and Hanoi. Meanwhile much Delta rice from the supposedly best-pacified area of Vietnam is rumored to be flowing to Cambodia. I am working on a rice strategy to cut back this flow, as well as eventually reduce the amount of rice we have to ship in. We are also taking a look at preclusive buying of Cambodian rice through third parties, so as to reduce the flow to our enemies. Surely we can out-buy Hanoi and Peking. I'm also pressing for quick study of other means of quiet economic warfare against Cambodia, as probably more effective and less politically risky than the warlike gestures proposed from Saigon. The above will take time but we'll keep the needle in. [21]
May 27, 1966
Commander of US forces in South VN Maj. Gen. Stanley Larsen claims about 10,000 North VN troops are massing in Cambodia for a possible drive into South VN. U.S. State and Defense Department denies any knowledge of the build-up.
May 28, 1966
Special Assistant Komer sends memo to Pres. Johnson regarding Cambodia.
May 29, 1966
Cambodian government issues a statement denying any foreign troops stationing on Cambodian territory and charges that the US is using the claim to cover-up it operations against Cambodia. The statement issue in response to the allegation by US military commander on May 27.
June 12, 1966
Vietcong representatives in Phnom Penh is reportedly told Cambodian Government that its support is required to fight and win decisively the war in 1966.  Prince Sihanouk agrees to sell needed rice to the Vietcong. [21]
June 13, 1966
Pentagon approve the recommendation by Joint Chief to organize, train, and equip an indigenous force of intelligence agents, reconnaissance teams, and reaction teams for possible future employment in cross-border operation into Cambodia. [21]
June 21, 1966
Assistant Rostow sends memo to Rusk concerning possible approaches to the Cambodia problem.
June 25, 1966
Rostow sends note to Pres. Johnson about the visit of Italian Abm. To Cambodia.
June 29, 1966
Acting Secretary Ball sends memo to Pres. Johnson regarding action being taken on Cambodia.
July 1, 1966
Acting Secretary Ball sends memo to Pres. Johnson regarding possible visit by Eugene Black to Cambodia.
July 8, 1966
Rostow sends memo to President Johnson concerning US next moves on and Eugene Black Mission to Cambodia
August 3, 1966
The official Cambodian news agency announces the U.S. air attacks against Cambodian border villages of Anglong Trach and Thlok Trach on July 31 and Aug 2, killing at least 3 persons and wounding 9.  The August 2nd incident was witnessed by representatives of the 3-nation International Control Commission (Poland, Canada and India) and the press, who were on their way to the area to inspect damage inflicted in previous alleged attacks.
August 4, 1966
US Embassy in India telegram to the State Dept concerning US-Cambodian relations.
August 6, 1966
Polish government confirmed the U.S. air attacks on Thlok Trach on August 6 and claimed the attack endangers the safety of the members of the International Control Commission. It also insisted the village was inside Cambodia. On August 8 Canadian observers partially support the Polish's claim but said none of the commission members had been endangered by the attack.
August 12, 1966
A spokesman at the U.S. embassy in Saigon acknowledged the attacks had occurred as charges but claims that all maps available to us show that the 2 targets are in South Vietnam. The following day, Prince Sihanouk - Cambodian head of state - attacked the U.S. claim that Thlok Trach was in South Vietnam. He complained that U.S. maps also falsely placed other Cambodian border villages and islands inside South Vietnam. As a result of the border incidents, Prince Sihanouk announced he would not meet with U.S. Ambassador-at-Large W. Averell Harriman, which was scheduled for September Mr. Harriman was to come to Phnom Penh to confer with Prince Sihanouk on U.S.-Cambodian diplomatic relations, which was severed by Cambodia in May 1965.
August 19, 1966
South Vietnamese government said it regretted the attack on Thlok Track but claimed that a 1964 Cambodian map supported South Vietnam's claim to the village.
August 23, 1966
PRC PM Zhou Enlai advises Pham Van Dong, in their meeting in Beijing, to make full use of the road via Cambodia as well as the sea route.  The Chinese also agree to Vietnamese request for reinforcement of forces for air defense, defense of railways, land roads, and aid to build roads. [25]
1966
Khmer Communists under Sarloth Sar (Pol Pot) renames their organization once again from Workers' Party of Kampuchea (WPK) to Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK).
September 2, 1966
French Pres. Charles de Gaulle and Prince Sihanouk sign a joint communiqué in Phnom Penh, calling on world powers to join in a pledge of nonintervention in the internal affairs of Vietnam.
September 11, 1966
General election is held. It is the first election in which Sangkum Reash Niyum does not pre-select its candidates.
September 12, 1966
Harriman and French Amb. Charles Lucet meets to discuss Cambodia.
September 20, 1966
William Jorden, National Security Council Staff, sends memo to Rostow, Pres.'s Johnson Special Assistant, concerning Cambodia.
September 24, 1966
US Joint Chiefs of Staff sends memo to McNamara concerning Cross-Border Operation.
September 30, 1966
Cambodia joins the Asia Development Bank. John Roche, US President's Special Assistant, sends memo to President Johnson, The Baguio Conference might offer a fresh opportunity for reconciliation with Prince Sihanouk. --Sihanouk, caught between Thai and Vietnamese ambitions, thought that he could get guarantees from the Chicoms. --It now appears that he feels he took out insurance with a bankrupt firm, and might be willing to shift his account. --Sihanouk is more reliable than a canary in a coal-mine when it comes to indicating changes in the power atmosphere in Southeast Asia. He is in motion away from the Chicoms. But, he has to have guarantees. And the State Department does not want to create ripples in Bangkok by raising the question. Might it not be possible at Baguio to formulate a multilateral statement that the powers there convened will respect the sovereignty of their neighbors, whether present or not, whether Communist, neutralist, or free world in alignment? This would do much to establish the broad, principled goals of the pacific powers. --It would provide a formula fully in accord with your Vietnamese policy, namely, a stabilization of frontiers in Asia with no wars of liberation launched from either side. --It would undermine the inevitable attack on the Baguio Conference as a council of war. --It would supply a basis for reopening our direct contacts with Sihanouk from which might come a strengthening of the I.C.C. and a Cambodia neutral against the VC and PAVN. [21]
October 2, 1966
US Commander in VN, Westmoreland, send telegram to Commander in Chief - Pacific, Sharp, concerning the increase use of Cambodia by North VN and Vietcong.
October 6, 1966
US intelligence services issues a report of estimation of the internal political prospects and the international orientation of Cambodia over the next year or so.
October 22, 1966
Gen. Lon Nol is confirmed as Prime Minister by the new National Assembly dominates by the rightist. Philippine and US officials meet to discuss US relations with Cambodia.
October 31, 1966
US Embassy in the Philippines sends telegram to the Department of State,  1. I spoke to President Marcos today about his aide-memoire on Cambodia addressed to President Johnson and he confirmed that he had received a verbal message from Prince Sihanouk through Phil Ambassador in Phnom Penh stating Sihanouk's desire to normalize relations with U.S. message asked Marcos to discuss matter with President Johnson but said that if anything leaked out he, Sihanouk, would deny making any overtures.  2. Marcos says he believes that U.S. should convey to Sihanouk through Marcos its regret over alleged mistake bombings and offer to send them team to investigate. Repeat this is Marcos's idea and not Sihanouk's. Marcos further suggested that investigating team once in Cambodia would be able to check on North Vietnamese and Viet Cong hostile establishments for actions inside Cambodian territory. 3. All this seems rather far fetched to us and I conveyed to Marcos Secretary's comments on Sihanouk. However, Marcos told me he hopes to serve as intermediary between U.S. and Cambodia just as he claims he did between Malaysia and Indonesia. Once Marcos receives message from us to Sihanouk that we regret the bombings he will transmit it through his Ambassador in Phnom Penh and will then await Sihanouk's reaction to our further expression of willingness to send investigating team. If Sihanouk agrees, Marcos would then announce here our regrets and Sihanouk's willingness to accept investigating team. 4. I understand Cambodian Charge to Manila was called back suddenly to Phnom Penh on October 27th, the day of President Johnson's departure. 5. Will respond to your query on Johnson-Marcos communiqué U.S. state visit in septel. [21]
December 19, 1966
Joint Chiefs of Staff sends memo to McNamara concerning actions to deal with Vietcong and North VN use of Cambodian territory.
December 21, 1966
Cambodia breaks off diplomatic relations with South Korea.
January 26, 1967
US intelligence services release a special national intelligence estimate Significance of Cambodia to the Vietnamese Communist War Effort.
March 24, 1967
US State Dept. sends telegram to its embassy in Australia concerning the forthcoming visit by Australian PM Holt to Phnom Penh.
1967
Samlaut uprising begin.
Cambodia establishes relations with Vietnamese Communist National Liberation Front (NLF), the political arm of Vietcong.
April 4, 1967
National Assembly holds an urgent session and after heated debates passes a resolution giving Sihanouk special powers. 25
April 10, 1967
Chinese PM Zhou Enlai and Pham Van Dong meet in Beijing to discuss issues related to the war in Vietnam. [Conversation relate to Cambodia]
April 11, 1967
Chinese and Vietnamese communist meet again; Samlaut uprising is discussed. [Conversation]
April 14, 1967
Bundy sends a briefing memo to Secretary Rusk regarding his discussion of Cambodia with Australian FM Hasluck.
April 21, 1967
US, New Zealnd, and Australia official meet to discuss Cambodia.
April 30, 1967
Lon Nol resigns his premiership, citing injuries from a car accident.
May 1, 1967
Chairman of the Cambodian Study Group, Unger, sends an action memo to Under-Secretary of State, Katzenbach, regarding to initial report by the joint State-Defense-CIA Study Group for Cambodia.
May 3, 1967
Penn Nouth is appointed Prime Minister to head an emergency government.
May 22, 1967
Pentagon authorizes limited cross-border operations into the northeast corner of Cambodia, using US-South VN Special Forces, code-named Daniel Boone.
June 1, 1967
Operation Daniel Boone begins.
June 6, 1967
Nguyen Huu Tho, NLF president, respond favorably by letter to Prince Sihanouk's appeal for the recognition and respect of Cambodia's territorial integrity.
June 8, 1967
North VN PM Pham Van Dong makes a declaration of recognizing Cambodian independence, neutrality, sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The declaration makes in response to Prince Sihanouk's appeal for the recognition and respect of Cambodia's territorial integrity.
June 15, 1967
Country Director for Burma and Cambodia, Ewing, sends memo to Bundy concerning statement of respect for Cambodia's present frontiers.
June 19, 1967
William Jorden sends memo to Read, Executive Secretary of the State Dept., regarding Cambodia's territorial integrity.
August 11, 1967
Cambodia accepts the Protocol for the Further extension of the Period of Validity of the Convention on the Declaration of Death of Missing Persons.
August 27, 1967
Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) opens its embassy in Phnom Penh.
September 11, 1967
Aldrich, Assistant Legal Adviser, sends memo to Bundy concerning proposals to inhibit NVA/VC exploitation of Cambodian territory.
September 14, 1967
Habib, Dep. Assistant Sec. of State for East Asian Affair, sends an action memo to Katzenbach regarding Cambodian policy and JCS proposal to extend Daniel Boone Operations.
October 5, 1967
Warnke, Assistant Sec. of Defense for international Security Affairs, sends memo to McNamara regarding Daniel Boone Operation.
November 2, 1967
Jacqueline Kennedy, widow of assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy, visits Cambodia.
November 29, 1967
US State Dept. telegram to its embassy in Australia regarding transmission to Cambodian Government note and evidence concerning VC/NVA use of Cambodian territory.
December 4, 1967
US deliver note to the Cambodian Foreign Ministry expressing its deep concern over VC/NVA use of Cambodian territory and offer US support for a more effective ICC monitoring of border activity.  [21]
December 5, 1967
US Commander in Vietnam, Westmoreland, telegram to JCS regarding his discussion with Admiral Sharp about enemy situation and recommendation for actions to be taken.  On the same day, at a cabinet meeting, Cambodia issue is discussed.
December 6, 1967
US Chairman of JCS, Wheeler, telegram to Westmoreland regarding decision of the cabinet meeting.
December 8, 1967
US State Dept. telegram to its embassy in Australia regarding military operation into northeast tip of Cambodia.
December 12, 1967
Marshall Wright, National Security Council Staff, sends memo to Rostow asking What to do about Cambodia.
December 14, 1967
US intelligence services issue a special national intelligence estimate Significance of Cambodia to the Vietnamese Communist War Effort.
December 15, 1967
US Amb. at Large Harriman sends memo to Pres. Johnson concerning that violation of Cambodian borders.
December 20, 1967
Cambodian Gove. flatly reject US contention that VC and NVA make extensive use of Cambodian territory. The rejection is in response to US December 4 note. [21]
December 26, 1967
Gen. Westmoreland telegram to Chairman of JCS, Wheeler, regarding military operations in the Tri-border area of Cambodia.
December 27, 1967
Rostow informs Pres. Johnson, who is in Texas, about situation in Cambodia. [Telegram]
December 29, 1967
Pres. Johnson is informed by Rostow of his message dispatched to Amb. Bowles to ask Indian Gove. to make a maximum effort through the ICC to end Communist use of Cambodian territory and Secretary Rusk's recommendations on follow-up actions to the Sihanouk interview with Washington Post.
January 3, 1968
US Pres. Johnson is informed of Amb. Bowles' mission to Cambodia. [Telegram]
January 4, 1968
Cambodia receives major shipment of PRC military equipment.
January 7, 1968
Bowles telegram to the State Dept. regarding a course of action to be taken on Cambodia.
January 8, 1968
US Amb. India, Chester Bowles visits Cambodia to explore restoration of relations between Cambodia and the United States and ways to limit Communist use of the border area. US Embassy in India inform State Dept. concerning Amb. Bowles's mission to Cambodia.
January 10, 1968
Legal Adviser Meeker sends a memo to Secretary Rusk regarding possible US statement on territorial integrity of Cambodia.
January 17, 1968
Communist Party's new Revolutionary Army of Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge) begins its guerrilla warfare against the Phnom Penh government.
January 30, 1968
Vietnamese Communists launches their Tet offensive in South Vietnam.
January 31, 1968
Penn Nouth becomes Prime Minister (01/31/68-08/14/69).
1968
Formal Khmer-Soviet arms agreement signed.
February 27, 1968
Executive Secretary of the State Dept., Read, sends memo to Rostow concerning Australian declaration on Cambodia's border and its implication for the US.
May 1, 1968
Gen. Lon Nol, who resigned from his premier post a few months earlier, re-enters the cabinet as third vice-chairman of the council of ministers and defense minister.
March 7, 1968
CIA issues an intelligence report indicating the Vietnamese Communists continue to use Cambodian territory for tactical sanctuary, for base areas, for the infiltration of personnel, and as a source of rice, medicines, and sundry supplies. [21]
March 19, 1968
US Embassy in Vietnam telegram to the State Dept. concerning SEA Coordinating Committee recommendations.
April 1, 1968
A US Navy P-3 Orion patrol aircraft is shot down by two Cambodian patrol boats in the Gulf of Siam, killing all crew members. [21]
May 25, 1968
Cambodian Navy captures a Philippine tugboat 1 mile inside Cambodian territory on the Mekong River and detains 8 Filipino and 2 US Army crewmembers. [21]
May 27, 1968
Assistant Secretary Bundy sends an action memo to Secretary Rusk regarding special fire authority against VC/NVA in Cambodia.
May 28, 1968
US Pres. Johnson and Australian PM meet to discuss situation with respect to NVA in Cambodia and the problem that the two countries face. [21]
June 8, 1968
The eight Filipinos, tugboat crew detained by Cambodian Navy on May 25, are released. [21]
June 10, 1968
The two US Army tugboat crew, who were detained by Cambodian Navy on May 25, are released. [21]
June 19, 1968
Chinese PM Zhou Enlai and PLAF Dep. Commander Pham Hung meet in Beijing to discuss varieties of issues including weapons to Khmer communist. [Memo of conversation]
July 8, 1968
State Dept. telegram to its Embassy in Vietnam regarding Cambodia.
July 17, 1968
Cambodian Navy seizes a US Army utility landing craft, which strayed into Cambodian waters on Mekong River, and detains 11 Americans and one RVN policeman.  US express regrets and ask for return of vessel and personnel on board.  Prince Sihanouk threatens to try the men under Cambodian law. [21]
July 22, 1968
Cambodia rejects US explanation of inadvertent intrusion and characterizes the penetration as deliberate act of provocation.  Cambodia also indicates an intention to try the detained crew and confiscate the vessel. [21]
July 25, 1968
Prince Sihanouk, in a speech to National Congress, says the men detained on July 17 would be interned till end of hostilities and their craft confiscated. [21]
July 26, 1968
The State Dept. telegram to its Embassy in India regarding Cambodian detention of US soldiers.  On the same day, Cambodia grants access by the Australians to visit the detained.
July 29, 1968
Dep. Assis. Secretary Brown sends an action memo to Secretary Rusk regarding problem of release seized craft and crew in Cambodia.
July 30, 1968
At a regular Pres. Johnson's cabinet meeting, course of actions are considered against Cambodia. [Memo of meeting]
August 1, 1968
US Senator Mike Mansfield write letter to Secretary of State Rusk regarding his view on Cambodia.
September 4, 1968
US Pres. Johnson is informed about Eugene Black's visit to Cambodia from September11-13.
September 5, 1968
Secretary Rusk sends Pres. Johnson his instructions to Eugene Black.
September 6, 1968
US Joint Chief of Staff, in an attempt to pressure Cambodia to release US soldiers, propose plans for harassment of commercial traffic to and from Cambodian on the Mekong and Bassc Rivers.  The JCS also suggest using Market Time ships to capture Cambodian naval craft that are violating South VN territorial waters in the Gulf of Siam. [21]
September 16, 1968
Rostow sends memo to Pres. Johnson regarding result of Eugene Black visit to Cambodia.
September 24, 1968
CIA prepares a memo on the subject of Cambodian border problem.
September 23, 1968
Agreement on administrative arrangements for the PREK THNOT power and irrigation development project is opened for signature at UN headquarters in New York.  Cambodia signs on November13, 1968.
September 30, 1968
Assistant Secretary of Defense Warnke sends memo to Dep. Sec. Of Defense Nitze concerning the treat pose ny VC/VNA use of Cambodian territory as a sanctuary and source of supply.
October 10, 1968
Rusk sends letter to Secretary of Defense Clifford sharing his view that it would premature to resort now to military or other direct pressures on Cambodia for the release of 11 US soldiers. [21]
October 15, 1968
Marshall Wright sends memo to Rostow pertaining to Cambodia.
October 28, 1968
Rostow informs Pres. Johnson with regard to Prince Sihanouk's appointment of Thay Sok as custodian of the Cambodian Embassy building in Washington.
November 5, 1968
Richard Nixon is elected President of the United States.
November 7, 1968
Chairman of the JCS telegram to Commander in Chief - Pacific, McCain, regarding actions against Cambodian.
November 17, 1968
Mao Zedong and Pham Van Dong meet in Beijing to discuss war and Chinese aid to the war effort in Vietnam. [Conversation related to Cambodia]
November 19, 1968
Cambodian FM Norodom Phurissia, in a conversation with French Amb. Dauge, indicates that Cambodians would release US detainees if Sihanouk received personal message addressed to him from Pres. Johnson and that Sihanouk sincerely desire to improve relations with US. [21]
November 26, 1968
US Embassy in France telegram to the State Dept. informing it of French Amb.'s conversation with Prince Sihanouk in regard to US-Cambodia relations.
December 3, 1968
US Chairman of JCS sends memo to Dep. Under Sect. Of Defense Nitze concerning Daniel Boone Operations.
December 5, 1968
US Embassy in Moscow telegram to the State Dept. in regard to possible reestablishment of US-Cambodian relations.
December 12, 1968
Bundy, Assistant Sec. Of State, sends action memo to Katzenback, Under Sec. Of State, concerning Defense Department request for new Daniel Boone Operational authority.
December 17, 1968
Secretary Rusk instructs Amb. Bowles not to take further actions in regard to US-Cambodian differences. On the same day, Rusk also telegrams to US Embassy in France with Pres. Johnson's message to Prince Sihanouk.
December 18, 1968
C-in-C Pacific McCain telegram to the Chairman of JCS in regarding to co-relation among South VN, Cambodia and Laos.
December 21, 1968
State Dept. telegram to its Embassy in Vietnam concerning military operations in South VN near Cambodian border.
December 23, 1968
Prince Sihanouk announces the release of 11 US soldiers and 1 South VN detained since July 17 when their landing craft entered Cambodian waters and was captured by the Cambodian Navy. [21]
December 29, 1968
McCain telegram to Wheeler concerning the effects of neutralization of Cambodia.
1969
US diplomatic mission arrive in Phnom Penh. Deputy PM Sirik Matak takes over as acting Prime Minister.
January 27, 1969
Cambodia accepts the Plant Protection Agreement for the Southeast Asia and Pacific Region.
February 9, 1969
Gen. Creighton Abrams, Commander of U.S. forces, Vietnam, requests B-52 bombing attack on a Communist base camp inside Cambodia.
February 24, 1969
Cambodia deposits with UN her instruments of ratification relating to (1) Convention concerning the employment of woman during the night [587], Convention concerning the night work of young persons employed in industry [589], Convention concerning the use of white lead in painting [596], and Convention concerning forced or compulsory labor [612].
March 17, 1969
Pres. Richard Nixon approves Gen. Adram's request for B-52 bombing attack on a Communist base camp inside Cambodia.
March 18, 1969
US B-52s begin secret bombing raids on Vietnamese communist bases inside Cambodia.
March 21, 1969
Cambodia and Japan signs an agreement concerning a donation towards the execution of the Prek Thnot power and irrigation development project.
April 15, 1969
US recognize the sovereignty, independence, neutrality, and territorial integrity of Cambodia, two years after Prince Sihanouk made an appeal.
April 20, 1969
Zhou Enlai and Pham Van Dong meet in Beijing to discuss various issues; regarding to Cambodia, Zhou Enlai says: New developments have been seen in Indochina. We have to acknowledge that Nixon is more intelligent than Johnson. He established diplomatic relations with Cambodia and recognized Cambodia's borders with the neighboring countries. As far as the situation in Cambodia is concerned, we are not as optimistic as you are. Even though [Sihanouk] carries out a policy of double-dealing, he is tilting to the right. The US also knows that China is supplying materiel to forces in South Vietnam via Cambodia and that the NLF armed forces are using part of Cambodian territory for their operations.25
May 8, 1969
NLF/Vietcong representation in Phnom Penh is raised to embassy level. On the same day, Cambodia agrees to diplomatic relations with the communist East Germany.
May 9, 1969
West Germany Foreign Minister Willy Brandt recalls Bonn's ambassador to Cambodia in response to Cambodia's recognition of East Germany. West Germany closes its embassy in Phnom Penh on June 4.
May 24, 1969
PM Lon Nol meet officially with North VN's representative, Nguyen Thuong, and the NLF delegate, Nguyen Van Hieu in an unsuccessful attempt to deal with the NVA/VC problem.
June 11, 1969
Prince Sihanouk announces state of war in eastern Cambodia between Khmer army and Vietnamese Communists. Cambodia & US announce resumption of diplomatic relations. The US State Dept. announces the appointment of Lloyd M. Rives as charge d'affaires to Cambodia. Meanwhile, the Cambodia appoints Thai Sok, who is already in Washington, as her charge d'affaires.
July 24, 1969
International Health Regulations is adopted by the 22nd World Health Assembly at Boston, USA; it come into force for Cambodia on January 1, 1971. [10921]
June 29, 1969
Nguyen Tan Phat, prime minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government (PRG) of South Vietnam, pays a 6-days official visit to Phnom Penh.
June 30, 1969
Cambodia and Netherlands exchanges letters constituting an agreement concerning the Netherlands contribution to the Prek Thnot Power and Irrigation Development Project.
July 9, 1969
Cambodia and Great Britain exchanges notes of an agreement concerning an interest free loan for the Prek Thnot Power and Irrigation Development Project. Great Britain loaned Cambodia 420,000 pound for the Prek Thnot Project.
July 31, 1969
Prince Sihanouk threatens to resign as Head of State if he does not get the full cooperation from his ruling Sangkum party in coping with the country's severe economic and political problems. He voices his threat in a speech to the Sangkum congress in which he attributed the country's financial crisis to a severe drought, defoliation by the US, smuggling, and insecurity created by the Khmer Rouge.
August 1, 1969
Penn Nouth resigns his premiership for health reason.
August 11, 1969
Cambodia deposits with UN her instruments of ratification relating to agreement concerning subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals [8853]; postal money orders and postal travelers' cheques [8848]; cash-on-delivery items [8850]; and collection of bills, drafts, etc. [8851].
August 13, 1969
Gen. Lon Nol is elected Prime Minister. The General replaced Samdech Penn Nouth, who retired because of ill health. Lon Nol, elected by a 72-0 parliamentary vote, had been deputy Prime Minister and defense minister in the outgoing cabinet.
September 3, 1969
Ho Chi Minh died; Prince Sihanouk departs for Hanoi to attend his funeral.
September 25, 1969
Cambodia and People's Republic China sign an agreement concerning trade and payment.
October 2, 1969
Prince Sihanouk, citing financial difficulties and inactivity, terminates the mandate of the International Control Commission (ICC); its members are asked to depart Cambodia by the end of the year.
November 20, 1969
Cambodia and Denmark sign an agreement concerning a loan for the economic development of Cambodia.
November 25, 1969
Cambodia and Singapore sign an agreement concerning Trade and Economic Co-operation.
December 27, 1969
Sangkum Reash Niyum hold its National Congress, which supports Prince Sihanouk's rejection of government measures to de-nationalize the bank and the import and export sector.
December 31, 1969
Cambodia joins the International Monetary Fund.
January 7, 1970
Prince Norodom Sihanouk and Princess Monique, accompany by Penn Nouth and his wife, departs Phnom Penh for French Riviera for rest cure.
March 8, 1970
Lon Nol's govt. stages anti-Vietnamese Communist demonstration in the provinces of Svay Rieng and Prey Veng.
March 11, 1970
An estimated 20,000 Cambodians demonstrate against Vietnamese Communist presence in Cambodia and sack the North Vietnamese and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam (Vietcong political arm) embassies in Phnom Penh.
March 12, 1970
Cambodian govt. cancels the trade agreement with Vietnamese Communists and orders them to vacate all their sanctuaries on Cambodian territory within three days. The trade agreement allows the Communists to use Cambodia's seaport, Kompong Som, and purchase supplies in Cambodia.
March 13, 1970
Prince Sihanouk departs Paris for Moscow.
March 14, 1970
US ship Columbia Eagle is hijacked.
March 15, 1970
Gen. Lon Nol launches an offensive against the Vietnamese Communists in Cambodia after his ultimatum was ignored. The operation is supported by the South Vietnamese artilleries from across the border at the request of Cambodian govt.
March 16, 1970
Cambodian, Vietcong, and North Vietnamese officials meet in Phnom Penh to discuss Lon Nol's demands, which was issued on March 12.  The meeting was unsuccessful in deal with Lon Nol's demand for NVA/VC withdrawal from Cambodian territory.
March 17, 1970
Two cabinet members, loyal to Prince Sihanouk attempted to have Lon Nol arrested, were detained along with many other Prince Sihanouk's supporters. On the same day, Gen. Lon Nol placed army on alert, closed the airport, stationed troops and armored cars around the ministries building, radio stations, and the Assembly.
March 18, 1970
Both houses of the Cambodian legislature met in special session, at the govt. request, and voted unanimously to withdraw its confidence from Prince Sihanouk as Chief of State.  In the debate, legislators accused Prince Sihanouk, among other thing, of having authorized North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops to illegally occupy and establish sanctuaries on Cambodia territory, which violate the neutrally as provided by the Geneva Accords of 1954.
March 19, 1970
Prince Sihanouk made popular appeals for return to power. He called for united political front and liberation army. US govt. stated that Prince Sihanouk has been legally deposed; the question of recognition of the new govt. does not arise. The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant full power to Prime Minister Lon Nol, declares a state of emergency, suspends four articles of the constitution, permits arbitrary arrest and bans public assembly.
March 20, 1970
US-Khmer-South Vietnamese launched a first coordinated military action in response to Communist attack. The National Assembly voted to arrest Prince Sihanouk and pressed charges of treason against him if he returns to Cambodia. On the same day, an order was issued to the Cambodian armed forces ...to crush by means of arms all actions that Prince Norodom Sihanouk may be planning..  It also specified that Prince Sihanouk had ceased to be commander-in-chief of the armed forces and that these duties had been taken over by Cheng Heng, acting Head of State.
March 21, 1970
Cheng Heng made chief of state. He promised to expel the Communists from the country. US Pres. Richard Nixon called for respect of Cambodian neutrality. Zhou Enlai and Pham Van Done meet in Beijing; Zhou thinks the Lon Nol's coup was approved by the French and American. [Conversation]
March 22, 1970
Prince Sihanouk meets with Zhou Enlai in Beijing and is told: The speech Your Highness has given to the Cambodian people is of great appealing power. I believe that the Cambodian people, after listening to Your Highness's voice, will be greatly inspired and will respond to it. China is determined to support Your Highness until Your Highness returns to his own country in victory. So long as Your Highness is determined to fight to the end, it is for certain that we will provide Your Highness with our support.  Prince Sihanouk: With China's support, I will persist in the struggle. No matter how long the struggle will last and how many difficulties it will endure, I will never yield. [25]   On the same day, the Prince also discloses that the Soviet Union and China had granted his request to live in exile alternately in Moscow and Beijing.  In Hanoi, Vietnam voices its support of Prince Sihanouk and Cambodians in a just struggle against Lon Nol govt. And in Moscow, the Soviet Communist Party newspaper Pravda attributed the crisis in Cambodia to military fever born of American aggression.
March 23, 1970
Prince Sihanouk, in Beijing, announces the formation of a National United Front of Kampuchea or FUNK with his former enemies, the Khmer Rouge, to struggle against the Lon Nol govt.
March 24, 1970
South Vietnam expressed its support of Lon Nol govt. in a note from Vice Pres. Nguyen Cao Ky to Cambodian Head of State Cheng Heng.
March 25, 1970
Cambodia for the second time invited the North Vietnamese to discuss the problem of the evacuation of their forces from Cambodian territory.  The meeting was set for March 27.  However, Poland, on behalf of the Vietnamese, advised Cambodia officially of the planned departure on March 27 from Phnom Penh of the Embassy of North Vietnam and Viet Cong.
March 26, 1970
Pro-Prince Sihanouk demonstrations broke out in Kompong Cham Province. Two deputies who tried to calm the demonstrators were knifed to death and the office of the governor was burned.
March 27, 1970
North Vietnamese and PRG embassy staffs departed Phnom Penh by ICC aircraft for Hanoi.
March 29, 1970
North Vietnam and Viet Cong unilaterally announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Cambodia and refuse to resume discussion regarding the withdrawal of their forces.  They instead began offensive into Cambodia; quickly occupies most of eastern part of the country.
March 31, 1970
Cambodian Govt., in a memorandum to the ambassadors of the Soviet Union and Great Britain, expressed her deep concern about increasingly flagrant and repeated violations of the 1954 Geneva Accords by the Vietnamese communist.  Cambodia demanded the re-installment of the International Control Commission on an urgent basis.
April 1, 1970
Prince Sihanouk meets with PRC PM Zhou Enlai, who informs the Prince:  The people in Cambodia have been extremely excited after hearing Your Highness's speech to the people and the five-point statement. The people in many places have been mobilized. In the provinces in northeastern Cambodia and close to Phnom Penh there are protest demonstrations. The slogan of the masses is to request that Your Highness return to Cambodia. Lon Nol originally planned to organize a demonstration supporting the reactionary regime, but this plan has failed. [25]
April 6, 1970
The U.N. announced that Secretary General U Thant had decided, to deal with the authorities who effectively controlled the situation in Cambodia; in effect, with the Phnom Penh govt. not with Prince Sihanouk.
April 11, 1970
Popular manifestation called The March of National Concord at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh as a sign of support for the govt. of Gen. Lon Nol; the manifestation also demanded the establishment of a Republican regime for the country.
April 14, 1970
Lon Nol made international appeals for aid to fight against Vietnamese communist.
April 20, 1970
Pres. Nixon announced the withdrawal of 150,000 troops from Vietnam, and warned that the communists would be taking grave risks if they attempted to use American withdrawals to jeopardize remaining US forces in Vietnam by increasing military action in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos.
April 23, 1970
Rifles were transferred from South Vietnam to Cambodia as the US directed aid.
April 24, 1970
US forces began Operation Patio, tactical complement to Operation Menu.
April 25, 1970
The PRC sponsors Summit Conference of the Peoples of Indochina. The Conference is participated by Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia, Prince Souphanouvong of Pathet Lao, Pres. Nguyen Huu Tho of the NLF (Viet Cong), and PM Pham Van Dong of North Vietnam.
April 27, 1970
The North Vietnamese govt. proclaimed its support of Prince Sihanouk. Communist forces began to press their advance deeper into Cambodia and threatened Phnom Penh.
April 29, 1970
South Vietnam lands its support to Lon Nol govt. after massive uprisings in support of Prince Sihanouk.
April 30, 1970
US Pres. Nixon addresses to Americans explaining US military invasion of Cambodia; US troops join with South Vietnamese forces would invade Cambodia to destroy important North Vietnamese and Vietcong supply bases and concentration. This news caused a furor in the United States, where opinion ran strong against any escalation of the war.
May 1, 1970
Prime Minister Lon Nol claims that the United States-South Vietnamese operation had been mounted without his knowledge or approval.
May 5, 1970
Prince Sihanouk, in Peking, announced the formation of a govt.-in-exile, the Royal National Union Government of Kampuchea (RNUGK), with Prince Sihanouk as Head of State and Penn Nouth as Prime Minister.  The RNUGK is immediately recognized by China and North Vietnam. US Pres. Nixon promises that US troops would not advance further than 21 miles inside Cambodia. [Map]
May 6, 1970
China, North Vietnam and North Korea broke off their diplomatic relations with Lon Nol's govt.
May 8, 1970
Pres. Nixon said all US troops would be withdrawn from Cambodia by June 30.
May 11, 1970
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves an amendment introduced by Senator Sherman Cooper and Senator Frank Church to prevent any future US military operation in Cambodia. Le Duan, in a meeting with Mao Zedong in Beijing, says the situation in Vietnam and in Indochina is complicated and asks for instructions, We are very much in need of getting Chairman Mao's instructions.  If our Central Committee and Politburo learn that Chairman Mao had given instructions about how we should do our job, they will certainly be very happy.  In relating to Cambodia, Mao says,  Now there is another person, Prince Sihanouk.  He is not an easy person to deal with either.  When you offend his, he will come out to scold you. [25]
May 13, 1970
Phnom Penh govt. restored diplomatic relations with Thailand, which had been broken in 1961.
May 16, 1970
Indonesia brought ten nations together at a conference in Jakarta aim at finding a way of restoring peace in Cambodia.
May 19, 1970
Phnom Penh govt. restored diplomatic relations with South Korea, which had been broken in 1966.
May 25, 1970
US announced that it would supply arms to Cambodia for defending her territory.
May 26, 1970
Operation Menu ended; it replaced by Arc Light.
May 27, 1970
Phnom Penh govt. restored diplomatic ties with South Vietnam, which had been broken in 1963, and military assistance agreement concluded between the two governments.
June 4, 1970
Communist forces were reported to be within ten miles of Phnom Penh.
June 17, 1970
Chinese PM Zhou Enlai, in a conversation with Nguyen Thi Binh in Beijing, blames the US for war in Indochina:  Now the war has expanded to Cambodia and the entire Indochina. It is not you, nor Prince Sihanouk, nor China, who planned the expansion. It is the United States which did it. Fine, let the war expand. In the past, only areas on the east bank of the Mekong River were the shelter. Now the whole Cambodia becomes the shelter, and the whole Indochina becomes the shelter, not to mention that there exists the big shelter—China. [25]
June 25, 1970
Phnom Penh govt. announced General Mobilization in order to deal with the communist invasion.
June 29, 1970
US end its incursion into Cambodia.
June 30, 1970
Operation Patio ended; it replaces by Freedom Deal. In a report to the nation, Pres. Nixon praised the successful completion of the Cambodian incursion, citing the amount of enemy supplies captured. The US Senate passed the Cooper-Church Amendment, barring the use of US troops in Cambodia. At the same time Pres. Nixon announced the end of combat operation in Cambodia.
July 5, 1970
A Cambodian military court, after three days of trial, sentences Prince Sihanouk in absentia to death on grounds of treason and corruption.
July 24, 1970
US Presidential Determination provided $7.9 million for military aid; supplemented by $40 million in Military Assistance Program (MAP) funds.
August 20, 1970
Fighting continued on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Cambodia and United States exchanged notes constituting an agreement concerning military assistance to Cambodia.
August 28, 1970
US Vice Pres., Spiro Agnew, made an official visit to Cambodia.
August 30, 1970
Supporters of Prince Sihanouk left the Cambodian embassy in Prague, Czechoslovak, after holding it for two weeks.
September 7, 1970
Cambodia military launched an offensive OPERATION CHENLA I against the communist.  The objective of CHENLA I was to clear Route 7 connecting Skoun and Kompong Cham.  Skoun had been repeatedly attacked by the communists.  Some ten to twelve of the FANK infantry battalions, with artillery and armor support, were committed to the operation; it was placed under the command of Brigadier General Um Savuth.
September 12, 1970
US ambassador, Emory C. Swank, arrived in Phnom Penh as the first to Cambodia in five years.
September 13, 1970
CHENLA I forces was blocked at Tang Kauk.
September 15, 1970
US ambassador, Emory C. Swank, presented his credentials to Cambodia Head of State Chang Heng.
September 24, 1970
Pham Van Dong, in a meeting with Chinese Amb. Wang Youping in Beijing, is told,  Premier Zhou would like to know as soon as possible Vietnam's position on the following points: 1. Will North Vietnam recognize Lon Nol's Government if it continues to negotiate with both North and South Vietnam? 2. Will North Vietnam support Sihanouk or Lon Nol if war breaks out in Cambodia? 3. Right now, based on the whole context, [how will Vietnam think if] China supports Sihanouk?  In response, Pham Van Dong says: Vietnam cannot recognize Lon Nol. We recognize Sihanouk. China and Vietnam are determined to support Sihanouk and support the struggle by the patriotic forces against Lon Nol. Yes, we support Sihanouk. China supports him, so does Vietnam. I think that it is the time to persuade the Soviet Union and other socialist countries and others to support Sihanouk, to isolate and condemn Lon Nol and Sirik Matak. [25]
September 25, 1970
CHENLA I forces captured Tang Kauk.  A strong resistance from the units of the 9th NVA Division located in the rubber plantation prevented the advancement of CHENLA I beyond Tang Kauk for the rest of the year.
October 5, 1970
Both Houses of Cambodian parliament unanimously approved to replace the country's more than one thousand year-old MONARCH with REPUBLIC.
October 9, 1970
Cheng Heng, the National Assembly Pres. and acting head of state, proclaimed the Khmer Republic. The proclamation marked the official end of the country's more than one thousand year-old monarchies.
October 26, 1970
National Security Decision Memorandum #89 defined the administration's Cambodia Strategy as to capitalize on Cambodian nationalism.
November 12, 1970
US air supply flights to Phnom Penh began.
November 24, 1970
Cambodia places with the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization, her acceptance of International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
December 1, 1970
Terrorist bombed new US embassy in Phnom Penh.
December 14, 1970
First directly war-related cargo via Mekong River reached Phnom Penh.
December 22, 1970
The Cooper-Church amendment became law, prohibiting the use of authorized funds for sending American troops into Cambodia or for attaching American advisers to Cambodian forces. It proclaimed that any assistance given by the United States did not constitute a commitment by the United States to the defense of Cambodia.
January 5, 1971
US Congress approved $255 million for military-economic aid to Cambodia.
January 13, 1971
Khmer-South Vietnamese joint operation was launched to reopen Highway 4.
January 16, 1971
A joint commission of both Houses of Cambodian Parliament was set up to draft a new constitution.
January 17, 1971
First Mekong River convoy arrived at Phnom Penh.
January 18, 1971
US announced its intention to employ full range of air power in Cambodia.
January 22, 1971
Communist assaulted on Pochentong Airport; the Khmer Air Force (KAF) was almost completely destroyed.
January 30, 1971
The Military Equipment Delivery Team, Cambodia (MEDTC) was established to take over US military aid program.
February 8, 1971
Gen. Lon Nol suffered stroke.
February 13, 1971
Lon Nol departed for Hawaii for treatment of a stroke.
February 18, 1971
Prince Sihanouk's Sangkum Reastr Niyum is dissolved.
March 2, 1971
Communist attack and damage Kompong Som oil refinery. Khmer Republic and United States sign, in Phnom Penh, an agreement for sales of agricultural commodities.
April 12, 1971
Gen. Lon Nol returns to Phnom Penh.
April 21, 1971
Gen. Lon Nol is promoted to Field Marshal.
May 6, 1971
Prince Sisowath Sirik Matak becomes Prime Minister (05/06/1971-03/18/1972).
May 28, 1971
Month long battle for control of east bank of Mekong across from Phnom Penh began.
May 31, 1971
Khmer Republic and United States exchanged notes, in Phnom Penh, constituting an agreement relating to economic assistance.
June 6, 1971
Khieu Samphan selection as PNLAFK (People's National Liberation Armed Forces of Kampuchea) commander was announced.
August 20, 1971
Lon Nol launched another offensive OPERATION CHENLA II to reopen Route 6, the highway connecting Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Province. The main objective of CHENLA II was to break the yearlong siege of Kompong Thom Province; to cut enemy infiltration routes; and to reclaim part of the country rich in rice and fish. The operation was launched with some 16000 troops commanded by Gen. Hou Hang Sin.
September 7, 1971
Assassination attempted on US Amb. Swank in Phnom Penh. Ieng Sary meets with Le Duc Tho, who reminds Sary of the mistakes of the 1954 Geneva Accord,  We will always remember the experience in 1954. Comrade Zhou Enlai admitted his mistakes in the Geneva Conference of 1954. Two or three years ago, comrade Mao also did so. In 1954, because both the Soviet Union and China exerted pressure, the outcome became what it became. We have proposed that the Chinese comrades admit their mistakes and now I am telling you, the Cambodian comrades, about this problem of history.  We should be independent in thoughts, promote international solidarity and solidarity with the Soviet Union and with China. We have to fight a big imperialist country. If we take sides in the Sino-Soviet dispute, the situation will become more complicated. At present, China considers that it has two enemies, namely the Soviet Union and the US. It therefore will not be beneficial if we take sides. [25]
September 20, 1971
Communist attacked on Phnom Penh fuel storage area.
September 26, 1971
Terrorist attacked on US Embassy softball game, killing two Americans, one Cambodian child and wounding many others.
October 5, 1971
CHENLA II forces linked up with defenders of Kompong Thom, making successful completion of Phase I of the offensive operation.
October 20, 1971
Lon Nol declares a state of emergency, saying he will no longer play the game of democracy and freedom, because it stands in the way of victory.
October 27, 1971
Vietnamese Communist (PAVN) counterattack began against CHENLA II forces only hours after the start of its Phase II operation, striking the center of the CHENLA column between Tang Kauk and Rumlong.
November 30, 1971
Marshall Lon Nol, with the officers of the general staff, visits CHENLA II forces at the front line.
December 1, 1971
The CHENLA II forces abandoned all their major position and fell back in disorder with heavy losses.
December 3, 1971
CHENLA II Operation officially terminated.
December 8, 1971
Khmer Republic, United States, Australia, and Republic of Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on Australia participation in the training of FANK personnel in South Vietnam.
December 17, 1971
Lon Nol issues decrees, banning political meetings, anti-govt. demonstrations and suspending all constitutional civic rights.
January 10, 1972
A combined FANK/ARVN launched an operation PREK TA involving 11 battalions south of Route 1 between the Mekong and the South Vietnamese border.
January 13, 1972
Khmer Republic and United States signed, in Phnom Penh, an agreement for sales of agricultural commodities.
January 29, 1972
Lon Nol launched an offensive OPERATION ANGKOR CHEY in Siem Reap Province with an objective of encircling Angkor complex and interdicting the flow of supplies to enemy in the area, which the communists had been use as sanctuary.
February 5, 1972
The US Senate Refugee Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee reported that two million Cambodians have been made homeless by the war.
February 7, 1972
Symington-Case Amendment enacted to limit number of US govt. personnel in Cambodia.
February 12, 1972
Khmer Republic, United States, New Zealand, and Republic of Vietnam signed, in Saigon, a memorandum of understanding on New Zealand participation in FANK training in the South Vietnam.
February 21, 1972
OPERATION ANGKOR CHEY units ran into stiff resistance as they tried to route the communists from fortified position along the southern periphery of the temple complex.
March 10, 1972
Chief of State Cheng Heng resigns, transferring his powers to Marshall Lon Nol, who dissolved the National Assembly, and declares himself President of Cambodia, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Pres. of the Council of Ministers - Prime Minister.
March 18, 1972
Lon Nol becomes Pres. of the Khmer Republic; and Son Ngoc Thanh Prime Minister (03/18/72-03/21/72).
March 20, 1972
Communists launched direct attacks on Prey Veng City and Neak Luong.
March 21, 1972
Lon Nol becomes Prime Minister (03/21/72-10/15/72).
March 23, 1972
Communists sunk a cargo vessel and damaged another on the Mekong near Chruoy Chang War Naval Base.
March 24, 1972
Lon Nol created a new committee to the different draft of constitutions prepared up to this time. A span of Chruoy Chang War Bridge was damaged when a vehicle containing an estimated 200 kilos of explosives was detonated.  Four people were killed and seven wounded.
March 27, 1972
Chruoy Chang War Bridge was reopen to traffic after it was repaired.
April 5, 1972
A draft of constitution was agreed.
April 30, 1972
The draft of constitution was overwhelmingly approved by a popular referendum.
May 6, 1972
Communists launched its second major attack on Phnom Penh area killing 28 people and wounded 96 others.  The city was lightly shelled again on the 9, 10 and 11.
May 10, 1972
New constitution (Cambodia second since independent in 1953) is promulgated.
May 17, 1972
OPERATION ANGKOR CHEY resume, with limited success.
June 4, 1972
Marshal Lon Nol is declared winner in Cambodia's first presidential election. He won 54.92 percent of 1,059,000 votes cast by beating In Tam who grabs 24.44 percent and Keo An - dean of the Phnom Penh University law school - who grabs the rest.
June 19, 1972
First US Air Force supply airdrop to Khmer army occurred during the siege of Svay Rieng province. Prince Sihanouk began his international trip on behalf of National United Front of Kampuchea (NUFK).
June 25, 1972
Two battalions of the 48th Khmer Krom Brigade were ambushed by the communists Southeast of Neak Luong along Route 1, only 13 soldiers returned to friendly lines while approximately 600 others were officially unaccounted for.
July 4, 1972
FANK launched OPERATION SORYA, a joint Cambodia-South Vietnamese operation, to retake Kompong Trabek and Route 1.  The objective was accomplished on the 24th.
August 6, 1972
PAVN launched a counterattack against SORYA I forces on Route 1, capturing a 7-km section of the Route which isolate five battalions of the FANK 11th Brigade group west of Kompong Trabek.  The attack supported by armor; this was the first time that communists use armor in Cambodia.
August 8, 1972
A FANK helicopter carrying refugees was shot down by a SA-7 missile, killing 14 people.
August 11, 1972
OPERATION SORYA II was launched to relieve surrounded SORYA I units and clear Route 1.  After ten days of artillery and air strikes on communist strongholds along the Route, allied forces (ARVN from Neak Luong and South Vietnam) succeeded in linking up with FANK 11th Brigade units.
August 12, 1972
Khmer Republic and Unites States signed, in Phnom Penh, a Memo of Understanding concerning airfield upgrading.
August 21, 1972
Assassination attempted on Prime Minister Son Ngoc Thanh.
September 7, 1972
Rice shortages and rising prices led to food riots in Phnom Penh.
September 17, 1972
Sosthene Fernandez became FANK (Forces Armees Nationales Khmeres or Royal Khmer Armed Forces) chief of general staff.
September 21, 1972
Operation Angkor Chey terminated after failure.
September 27, 1972
Terrorists attempted to assassinate US Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Enders.  Approximately 15 kilos of plastic explosive were exploded near his car as he exited Independence Monument circle on the way to the US Embassy.  Mr. Enders escaped unharmed, although his car was destroyed by the explosion and subsequent fire.  A security outrider and a passing cyclist were killed.
October 7, 1972
PAVN sappers made severest raid on Phnom Penh, damaging Chruoy Chang War Bridge and destroying seven of FANK M-113 APCs.
October 15, 1972
Hang Thun Hak becomes Prime Minister (10/15/72-05/06/73).
October 22, 1972
Henry Kissinger visited Cambodia.
October 30, 1972
PAVN made another raid against sensitive installations in Phnom Penh area.  Ammunition in a storage facility near Pochentong airport was destroyed, and the Komboul radio station was heavily damaged by enemy indirect fire.
December 3, 1972
Lon Nol launched Neo-Khmerism theory.
December 7, 1972
Communists launched a major offensive directed against Kompong Thom.  A mixed PNLAFK-PAVN of an estimated 4000-7000 troops attacked and inflicted heavy casualties on the 3000-man FANK defenders in the first two days of fighting.  USAF tactical air strikes helped to slow the communists offensive.  To relief the enemy pressure, FANK began to reinforce Kompong Thom on December 19 with 12th Brigade troops from Siem Reap.  The communists made another drive on December 23-24 but the attack was driven off by a strong defense with major assistance from USAF strikes.  And on December 27, FANK shifted to the counterattack that succeeded in expanding Kompong Thom perimeter.
January 3, 1973
US Rep. Kock introduces H.R.713
January 18, 1973
US Rep. Gude introduces H.R. 2325
January 6, 1973
PNLAFK conducted its first significant action without direct Vietnamese Communist participation.
January 24, 1973
Prince Sihanouk meets with Chinese PM Zhou Enlai in Beijing.  The Prince is told:  According to what the Vietnamese side told our ambassador in Hanoi, the armistice in Vietnam does not cover Cambodia and Laos. This was Point 7 in the original nine-point agreement. But this time the agreement makes it clear that the problems of the three Indochina countries should be solved by the three countries themselves. This point was not included in the previous drafts, and is added this time. If this is true, the agreement is better than the previous one. This means that other countries cannot interfere with the affairs of the three countries. [25]
January 27, 1973
Paris Agreement signed to bring peace to Southeast Asia. Article 20 of the Agreement deals with the withdrawal of foreign troops from Cambodia.
January 29, 1973
Phnom Penh govt. declared unilateral cease-fire.  In his radio message, Lon Nol asked that the VC/NVA lay down their arms and the Khmer communist forces to rejoin their national community with a guarantee of general amnesty.  FANK suspended offensive operations against the communists.
February 1, 1973
US vice pres., Spiro Agnew, visited Cambodia. Penn Nouth meets with Zhou Enlai in Beijing; Nouth is told Chairman Mao said: It is good that the Vietnamese-American agreement lets the American troops leave Vietnam. This agreement is a success. After the withdrawal of American troops, including American naval, air, and land forces, and after the withdrawal of American military bases, it is easy to deal with Nguyen Van Thieu. The troops of the allies [of the Saigon regime] will all leave. For example, the troops of South Korea have begun to leave. Why does the United States do this? For the purpose of getting out. It has dispatched so many troops to Indochina, and spent so much money there, and the problem has not been solved. And new problems emerge continuously. Finally the agreement has been reached. While the American troops will leave, the agreement does not formally and openly ask the North Vietnamese troops to leave. Nguyen Van Thieu made a really loud noise against the United States. It was because of Nguyen Van Thieu's opposition that the agreement was not signed last October. Of course, the rightists in the United States do not favor the agreement either. In addition, the Pentagon wants to ship ammunition and weapons to South Vietnam, and, with the signing of the agreement, the shipping will become impossible. Therefore, the signing of the agreement was delayed, and a large amount of ammunition was transported to South Vietnam. But Nguyen Van Thieu was not in a position to know how to use it. [North] Vietnam does not recognize its troops to be foreign troops. At this point, the United States made concessions. If there had not been victories on the battlefield, there would not have been gains at the negotiation table. [25]
February 7, 1973
US air action recommenced after 11-day halt. North Vietnam and Prince Sihanouk's govt. issued a joint communiqué, insisting that the war would be continued in Cambodia.
February 27, 1973
Khmer Republic and World Health Organization signed a basic agreement for the provision of technical assistance.
March 17, 1973
Grenade was thrown into meeting of striking teachers and their students in Phnom Penh. Assassination attempted against Lon Nol: a Khmer air force Captain So Potra hijacked a T-28D fighter-bomber from Pochentong and dropped two 250-pound bombs on Chamcar Mon Palace in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Khmer Republic pres..
March 25, 1973
Assassination attempt against leading Lon Nol opponent Tep Khunnah.
April 4, 1973
US Rep McCloskey introduces H.J.RES. 486 a joint resolution to terminate American military activities in Cambodian and Laos.
April 5, 1973
US Senate investigators arrived in Phnom Penh.
April 11, 1973
Prince Sihanouk returned to Beijing after Hanoi stopover following Cambodia tour.
April 24, 1973
Lon Nol created High Political Council. The council consisted of Lon Nol, Sirik Matak, In Tam, and Cheng Heng. In Tam was selected as Prime Minister.
April 25, 1973
Khmer Rouge advance across Mekong River from Phnom Penh began month-long fight; US Embassy evacuation alert.
May 6, 1973
In Tam becomes Prime Minister of the Khmer Republic (05/06/73-12/09/73).
May 10, 1973
Prince Sihanouk began his 56-day tour of Africa and East Europe. US House of Representative voted, 219-188, to block the use of funds for continue bombing of Cambodia. This was the first time in the war that the House had voted to undercut a military action on which the Pres. insists.
May 30, 1973
Mass release of royal family members arrested after March 17 assassination attempt.
June 3, 1973
European news agencies reported that Prince Sihanouk has attempted to make contact with Pres. Nixon through third countries, but that his overtures had been rejected. The State Department confirmed these accounts.
June 5, 1973
Zhou Enlai meets with Vietnamese communist delegation; the PRC Premier is informed that the Khmer communist is making much progress against Lon Nol. [Conversation]
June 13, 1973
Sosthene Fernandez became FANK commander-in-chief.
June 14, 1973
Le Duc Tho, Hanoi's negotiator, told the press that no tacit agreement exists between him and Henry Kissinger on Cambodia.
June 25, 1973
US Rep. Mahon introduces H.J.RES. 636 a joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1974 for Cambodia, among others.
June 30, 1973
US Pres. Richard Nixon signed PL 93-52, setting August 15 cutoff of all US military action in Indochina.
July 16, 1973
Khmer Republic govt. instituted compulsory military service.
July 17, 1973
Defense Dept. sources acknowledged that US B-52 bombers had carried out at least 3500 secret bombing raids over Cambodia in a 14-month period beginning in March 1969.
July 19, 1973
A National Congress of the Cambodian resistance movement, held in the liberated zone, decided that there will be no peace until all US military activities in Cambodia are ended and Lon Nol was replaced by leaders from Prince Sihanouk's govt..
July 25, 1973
The US State Dept. claimed that Prince Sihanouk had authorized the bombing in 1969 to expel North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces from Cambodia. Khmer Republic and United States signed, in Phnom Penh, an agreement for sales of agricultural commodities. US Congressman Harrington introduced resolution H.RES.508 directing the Secretary of Defense to furnish the House of Representatives with data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969 through April 30, 1970.
August 7, 1973
US Air Force accidentally bombed Neak Luong killing 137 and wounding 268, mostly Cambodian soldiers and their families. An US Air Force officer blamed the incident on an error by the plane's radar-navigator.
August 15, 1973
US announced officially the end of all its aerial operations in support of Cambodian army (FANK) against the communists.
August 16, 1973
Battle for Kompong Cham province, Cambodia's third largest city, begins. Pham Van Dong, in a meeting with Zhou Enlai in Beijing, is told: The Americans told comrade Huang Chen that they want to solve the Cambodian question and that they were ready to talk with Sihanouk or with his representative. At the same time, they want representatives of the United National Front in Cambodia to hold talks with Lon Nol's faction.  What we are concerned about is that Sihanouk will change his position. We cannot change the joint position adopted by the Indochinese countries' summit. As long as the US continues its bombing operation, talks cannot be held. But at this moment, the US wishes to withdraw from Cambodia. If we can win the sympathy of some people in Lon Nol's faction, we will be in an advantageous position. It is therefore unwise if these chances are not exploited. [25]
September 4, 1973
US Ambassador Swank gave farewell press conference.
October 4, 1973
Kompong Cham battle ended in FANK victory.
October 8, 1973
Zhou Enlai meets with Le Thanh Nghi who is advised to be consistent in negotiation with the US that communist system will not be imposed in South Vietnam after the US withdrawal; however, the neocolonial system will not be maintained there.  On Cambodia, Zhou says: Negotiations in Cambodia are not suitable for the time being. Sihanouk is against negotiations.  So is the internal faction of FUNK.  They want to prolong the fighting for some more time.  Therefore, if you see any possibility for talks, please tell them.  We are not in a position to do so because we have talked with them a lot about fighting and encouraged them to fight.  We suggest that the Vietnamese Workers' Party find a suitable more to tell them. [25]
October 25, 1973
Operation Thunder Strike launched, first major Khmer air offensive.
November 3, 1973
Royal family members left Phnom Penh for Beijing.
November 5, 1973
US Senate passes a resolution H.CON.RES.373 authorizing the Clerk of the House of Representative to make correction in the enrollment of the bill (H.R. 9286)    by adding the following provision: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon enactment of this Act, no funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated may be obligated or expended to finance the involvement of United States military forces in hostilities in or over or from off the shores of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia unless specifically authorized hereafter by the Congress.
November 9, 1973
Prince Sihanouk announced transfer of RGNUK (Royal Government of National Union of Kampuchea) from Beijing, China, to Cambodia.
November 19, 1973
A Khmer air force lieutenant, Pech Lim Kuon, dropped four bombs on a govt. building, where Lon Nol about to chair a meeting, in a second unsuccessful aerial assassination attempts against the Khmer Republic pres.. Lon Nol escaped unhurt.
December 11, 1973
US House of Representatives passes resolution H.RES.742 considering the emergency security assistance authorizations for Israel and Cambodia.
December 23, 1973
PNLAFK began its two-month assaults on Phnom Penh with intensive bombardment.
December 26, 1973
Long Boret becomes Prime Minister of the Khmer Republic (12/26/73-04/17/75).
December 30, 1973
Lon Nol visited his troops along Route 4.
January 5, 1974
Khmer Rouge opened 1974 dry-season offensive with attack on the northwest perimeter of Phnom Penh.  An estimated two communist regiments attacked northwest sector, approximately 5-6 km from Phnom Penh, with 105-mm artillery bombardment.  FANK reacted on the morning of January 6 by committing the 28th Brigade support by two M-113 squadrons.  Heavy fighting ensued on January 6-7; 100 communists were killed. Assassination attempted against Gen. Sosthene Fernandez on January6.
January 9, 1974
Former Prime Minister Son Sann (a centralist) formally asked Pres. Lon Nol to step down, as the war was moving closer to the capital.
January 19, 1974
Khmer Rouge attacked southwestern defense sector, causing the FANK 334th Battalion to withdraw in disarray without any orders.
February 11, 1974
Khmer Rouge shelled Phnom Penh area with 105-mm howitzer, causing civilian casualties of over 200 killed and wounded with some 10,000 became homeless.
February 26, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) began assault on Kompot.
March 3, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) began assault on Oudong.
March 6, 1974
New Khmer army draft drive began.
March 8, 1974
Mass pro-Sihanouk, anti-Pol Pot Khmer Rouge defected to govt. side.
March 28, 1974
GRUNK Deputy Prime Minister and PNLAFK Commander Khieu Samphan began his 77-days Asia-East Europe-Africa tour. PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) captured Oudong, killing previously wounded FANK soldiers.  Several FANK soldiers killed their families and themselves to avoid being captured.
March 31, 1974
New US ambassador, John G. Dean, arrived in Phnom Penh. Lon Nol dissolved High Political Council upon resumption of two-chamber parliament.
April 1, 1974
The High Political Council that dissolved a day earlier was replaced by a four-man executive council, which conspired of Lon Nol, Sirik Matak, Long Boret and Gen. Fernandez.
April 3, 1974
John Dean presented his letters of credential as American ambassador to Cambodia.
April 21, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) overrun key FANK positions along the Tonle Sap River bank, encircling Kompong Luong garrison which was abandoned a week later.  The garrison approximately 15000 civilians and 2000 military personnel moved into Lonvaek garrison.
April 10, 1974
The Western Kampot defense perimeter collapsed, making the PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) within 1.5 kms from the heart of the city.
April 29, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) shelled Takhmau killing 9 and wounding 37 civilians.
April 30, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) began siege of Lonvaek garrison. FANK counterattack was able to push the west perimeter out 2.5 km from Kampot city center and re-captured Kbal Romeas.
May 14, 1974
Khmer Republic and United States of America exchanged notes, in Phnom Penh, constituting an agreement relating to military assistance. [Notes 13800]
May 20, 1974
PNLAFK attacked Kompong Seila, beginning war's longest sustained siege.
May 26, 1974
People's Republic of China announced its open-end military agreement with Khmer Rouge.
May 28, 1974
Khmer navy reopened Tonle Sap River.
June 5, 1974
Minister of National Education Keo Sangkim and his deputy, Thach Chea, were kidnapped from their offices by protesting students. Both officials are killed.
June 12, 1974
Lonvaek garrison broke the Khmer Rouge's siege.
June 13, 1974
Khieu Samphan received head of state treatment from PRC at the end of his three-continent tour.
June 29, 1974
FANK recaptured Oudong.
June 30, 1974
US supply of materiel to Khmer air force ended.
July 2, 1974
US notified UN of its objection to, among others, the Khmer Republic reservations concerning Vienna Convention On Diplomatic Relations. [7310]
July 9, 1974
Lon Nol govt. made another appeal to the Khmer communist to commence peace talks without pre-conditions.
July 30, 1974
The Judiciary Committee approved Article III, which charges the Pres. with contempt of Congress; it voted down Article IV, which accused the Pres. of waging secret illegal war in Cambodia.
August 9, 1974
US Pres. Richard Nixon resigned.
August 10, 1974
Khmer Republic and United States signed an agreement for sales of agricultural commodities. [Subsequent agreement]
August 15, 1974
The Khmer Republic celebrated for the first and last time the Armed Forces Day.  Lon Nol made another appeal for the Khmer communist to enter peace talk.
August 21, 1974
FANK initiated offensive for control of Bassac River southeast of Phnom Penh.
September 17, 1974
Khmer Republic and United States exchanges notes amending the agreement of August 10, 1974 relating to the sales of agricultural commodities. [Notes 14504]
October 7, 1974
Regular US military non-combat air activity in Cambodia ceased.
October 9, 1974
The 4th anniversary of the Khmer Republic.  Lon Nol made another appeal for the Khmer communist to enter peace talk.
October 25, 1974
Khmer Republic and United States exchanges notes amending the agreement of August 10, 1974 relating to the sales of agricultural commodities. [Note 14504]
November 10, 1974
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) launched two weeks of major attacks against Phnom Penh's northern defenses.
November 30, 1974
U.N. General Assembly voted in favor of the Khmer Republic to maintain the seat in the world body and asked various parties in the Cambodia conflict to enter into negotiations.  Lon Nol made another appeal for the Khmer communist to enter peace talk; the Khmer communist never respond favorable to previous appeals.
December 16, 1974
Pres. Ford met with French Pres. Giscard d'Estaing in Martinique; the final communiqué stated regarding Cambodia, they expressed the hope that the contending parties would enter into negotiations in the near future rather than continuing the military struggle.
December 18, 1974
US Foreign Assistance Act limits aid to Cambodia.
December 27, 1974
Khmer Republic, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland exchanged notes constituting an agreement concerning an interest-free loan by the Govt. of Great Britain to the Govt. of the Khmer Republic towards the cost of the Prek Thnot power and irrigation Development Project. [Original agreement 14300]
December 24, 1974
FANK launched BASSAC RIVER OPERATION to clear the west bank of the Bassac River.
December 31, 1974
FANK terminated BASSAC RIVER OPERATION.
1975
Vietnamese embassy was reopened in Phnom Penh; Mr. Pham Van Bar was ambassador.
January 1, 1975
Khmer Rouge launched final offensive against the capital, Phnom Penh.
January 14, 1975
Khmer Republic and the US exchanged notes amending the Agreement of August 10, 1974 relating to the sale of agricultural commodities.
January 26, 1975
Last Mekong convoy reached the besieged Phnom Penh, leaving city dependent on massive airlift.
January 29, 1975
US Pres. Ford, in a cabinet meeting, stressed that the Cabinet and Administration must pledge its total support to this bill. The Administration submits to Congress a supplemental aid bill of $300 million for Vietnam and $222 for Cambodia. It is vital and it is right; and we will stand behind it 100%. [Minute of the meeting]
February 5, 1975
The Communists closed the Mekong River, preventing any convoys of food, fuel or ammunition from reaching besieged Phnom Penh.
February 6, 1975
US Members of Congress for Peace through law wrote a letter to Pres. Gerald R. Ford concerning the extent and direction of the continuing US involvement in Indochina. Ambassador John Dean's cable to the Department of State concerning the Cambodia settlement.
February 15, 1975
Some 500 govt. troops launched an amphibious landing at several points along the Mekong in an attempt to break the rebel blockade; 20 govt. troops were killed, 60 wounded and 40 missing in the operation. Heavy fighting continues until February 17, when govt. troops retreat from all their post under strong rebel fire.
February 20, 1975
Cambodia's last land link to the outside world was severed when the Khmer Rouge ambushes a govt. train near the Thai border, killing 31 soldiers and civilians and wounding some 40 others.
February 21, 1975
Student anti-Chinese protesters rioted in Phnom Penh and Battambang City.
February 22, 1975
Khmer Rouge attacked a refugee camp in Kompong Chhnang Province, killing 20 civilians and abducting 40 others.
February 23, 1975
US Secretary of Defense Schlesinger, in an interview with ABC television program ‘Issues and Answers', warned that Cambodia would fall without the assistance, and that the fall of Cambodia would be a US foreign policy disaster.
February 24, 1975
An eight-members of US congressional fact-finding team visited South Vietnam and Cambodia at the request of Pres. Ford in order to assess his request of $522 million of supplemental economic and military aid for the two countries.
February 25, 1975
Pres. Ford and senior Cabinet members warned Congress of the eminent collapse of Lon Nol's govt. if the Administration's request for $222 million in supplemental aid is not approved. In a letter to House Speaker Carl Albert, Pres. Ford said that an independent Cambodia would not survive unless Congress acted very soon to provide supplemental military and economic assistance.  The Cambodians, who had less than a month supply of ammunition, would have to surrender to the Khmer Rouge unless aid were forthcoming.
February 26, 1975
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) recaptured Oudong. US Sec. Of Def. Schlesinger, in testimony before the House Appropriation Committee, said the probability was extremely high that Cambodia could survive if more aid were forthcoming but added there was no such thing as guarantee.
February 27, 1975
The US launched a 30-day emergency airlift of 17,500 tons of rice and kerosene from Saigon to Phnom Penh, a move to relieve the capital, which was under a tightening Khmer Rouge siege.
March 3, 1975
The congressional fact-finding delegation, which just returned from a weeklong assessment trip to South Vietnam and Cambodia, recommended congressional approval of $75 million in emergency economic assistance to Cambodia and a still undetermined amount for medical aid.  The delegation, however, were divided on the granting of military assistance to Cambodia, with the majority endorsing a 75-days emergency supply of arm and ammunition to Phnom Penh.
March 5, 1975
PNLAFK advance brought Pochentong Airport into artillery range.
March 10, 1975
US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.94 relating to food assistance for Cambodia.
March 12, 1975
Gen. Sak Sutsakhan replaced Gen. Fernandez as FANK commander. US Pres. Ford, in a cabinet meeting, asked Secretary Schlesinger for an update on the Southeast Asia situation. [Minute of the meeting]
March 28, 1975
US National Security Council met to discuss the Middle East and Southeast Asia. [Minute of the meeting]
April 1, 1975
Lon Nol departed Cambodia; Saukham Khoy, the Senate Pres., became acting pres. of the Khmer Republic. PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) captured Neak Luong.
April 4, 1975
Fixed-wing aircraft began evacuation of US Embassy personnel from Pochentong airport.
April 8, 1975
PM Long Boret held an unsuccessful peace talks with Khmer Rouge representatives in Bangkok.
April 9, 1975
US National Security Council meeting concerning Indochina. [Minute of the meeting]
April 12, 1975
Operation Eagle Pull evacuated the last US Embassy personnel and Acting Khmer Republic Pres. Saukham Khoy. The Council of Ministers met at 8:30 am which decided to convoked a sort of general assembly that consist of the highest functionaries and military leaders, members of the Cabinet, the Pres. of the Senate par interim (Mr. Tep Hun), the Pres. of the National Assembly (Ung Bun Hor), the representative of the Republican Party (Op Kim Ang).  The Assembly voted unanimously at 11:00 pm to create a Supreme Committee to run the country.  The committee consist of (1) Lt. Gen. Sak Sutsakhan, (2) Maj. Gen. Thong Van Fanmuong, (3) Rear Adm. Vong Sarendy, (4) Brig. Gen. Ea Chhong, (5) Prime Minister Long Boret, (6) Vice-Premier Hang Thun Hak, and (6) Representative of the Republican Party Op Kim Ang.
April 13, 1975
Gen. Sak Sutsakhan was named Supreme Committee president; peace offer was made to Prince Sihanouk.
April 14, 1975
US airlift into Pochentong ended. Aerial assassination attempt against Khmer cabinet; a T-28 flew over FANK headquarters and dropped four 250-pound bombs. Two detonated about sixty feet from the office where Gen. Sak Sutsakhan was chairing a cabinet meeting. Seven soldiers were killed and twenty others were injured; the intended target was untouched.
April 15, 1975
PNLAFK (Khmer Rouge) overran Phnom Penh's last major defense lines, the town of Takhmau, the air base at Pochentong, and the dike running east/west to the north of Phnom Penh.
April 16, 1975
Khmer Republic govt. made final peace offer and prepared to move the govt. seat to northwestern Cambodia. Secretary Jim Schlesinger reported to Pres. Ford, in a Cabinet meeting, that Operation Eagle Pull was very successful. However, the Operation had met some delay because of some last minute alterations in the plan and that many Cambodians decided at the last minute to stay behind even though they have been marked on the death list. [Minute of the Meeting]
April 17, 1975
Khmer Rouge captured the capital Phnom Penh and began the evacuation of its inhabitants.
April 29, 1975
French govt. reported that all foreigners, who had taken refuge in its embassy in Phnom Penh after the fall of the capital, had been ordered expelled.  There was a shortage of food, water and medical supplies at the embassy and many were ill.  Paris had insisted that a plane it held in Vientiane, Laos, for evacuation of the sick be allowed to land in Phnom Penh.  The Khmer Rouge ignored the request despite a French govt. protest sent to Prince Sihanouk, Chief of State, who still remained in Beijing.
April 30, 1975
North Vietnamese capture Saigon. Overland evacuation of French Embassy occupants to Thailand begin.  The first group of 585 people, including 515 French citizens, left Phnom Penh in 25 open trucks and arrive at the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet three days later. Former Prime Minister Son Ngoc Thanh is arrested in Vietnamese.
May 1, 1975
Chau Seng, Prince Sihanouk's Paris representative, accused France of harboring hundred of ‘war criminals' including former Premier Siri Matak at its embassy in Phnom Penh.  In response, the French Foreign Ministry said that no Cambodians remained in its embassy when radio contact was broken the previous weekend.
May 4, 1975
Khmer Rouge attacked Vietnamese islands.
May 5, 1975
US State Dept. spokesman said it was believed the Phnom Penh's entire two million residents had been forcibly moved out and that at least two other cities, Kompong Chhang and Siem Reap, were virtually emptied.  The Dept. also said it had reliable information that orders were issued by the Khmer Rouge to their out lying commanders to kill top political and military leaders around the country who had served in the previous govt..
May 6, 1975
The second group of French Embassy occupants left Phnom Penh in a convoy of 28 trucks, carrying about 550 people, including 230 French citizens and some 220 Pakistanis.
May 12, 1975
Mayaguez incident. Khmer Rough captured US freighter Mayaguez on May 12 in the Gulf of Thailand with 39 crewmen. US Marines launched a rescue operation May 14 with planes from aircraft carriers sinking three Khmer Rouge gunboats. Three US helicopters were lost when Marines landed on Tang Island and came under heavy small-arms fire from a small group of Khmer Rouge stationed on the island. | Chronology of the event | Khmer Rouge communiqué | Pres. Ford's letter to US Congress | Japanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement in support of US military action to rescue the Mayaguez as a just action for the rescue of Americans from piracy. Opposition political parties and newspapers, however, are critical of the US action. US National Security meeting concerning the seizure of Mayaguez. | May 12 minute of the meeting | May 13 minute (in the morning) | May 13 minute (in the evening) | May 14 minute | May 15 minute | US House of Representatives, on May 14, 1975, passed a resolution H.RES.462 considering bill H.R.6894 making appropriations for special assistance to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975. Japanese Dep. Foreign Minister Fumihiko Togo, in a statement on May 15 regarding to the Mayaguez incident, said the US operation was ‘a just action for the rescue of Americans from piracy.'  Opposition political parties and medias, however, were critical of the US action. Great Britain reacted favorably to the US operation, but some officials had privately expressed disquiet over what they characterized as a precipitate use of force. The Soviet Union withheld comment on the incident, which was reported in the Soviet press on May 15 without criticism.  Tass, the official press agency, however, noted complaints by a number of US senators about the US handling of the operation. A West German Foreign Ministry official noted May 15 that Bonn had a certain interest in seeing the American trend to dejection and discouragement in foreign affairs come to an end.
May 16, 1975
Communist China accused the US of piracy in retaking the Mayaguez, which had been seized in Cambodian territorial waters. The Indian govt. did not comment on the US action, but Indian newspapers attacked the operation and condemned the US firing on Cambodian ships.
May 19, 1975
Henry Kissinger sent Pres. Ford a memo concerning the debriefing of the Mayaguez captain and crew.
May 23, 1975
James M Frey, Assistant Director for Legislative Reference in the Office of Management and Budget wrote a memo to Pres. Ford concerning House of Representative bill 6755 - Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975.
June 11, 1975
US Rep. Harrington introduces H.RES.529
June 12, 1975
Vietnamese occupied Cambodian islands; Pol Pot was in Hanoi on an unpublicized visit.
June 20, 1975
James T. Lynn's memo to Pres. Ford concerning a status reports on the Indochina Refugee Resettlement Program.
June 21, 1975
Mao Zedong and Pol Pot meet in Peking.  Pol Pot is told,  You should not completely copy China's experience, and should think for yourself.  According to Marx, his theory is a guideline for action but not a doctrine. [25]
July 11, 1975
Julia V. Taft, Director of the Interagency Task Force for Indochina, sends memo to Pres. Ford concerning the Status Report on the Indochina Refugee Resettlement Program.
July 21, 1975
Letter from Robert W. Straus, Governor of the State of Oregon, to Pres. Ford concerning the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975.
July 31, 1975
Letter from George Wallace, Governor of the State of Alabama, to Pres. Ford concerning the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975.
August 18, 1975
China pledged massive economic aid to a visiting Cambodian delegation.
September 9, 1975
Prince Sihanouk and his wife returned to Phnom Penh after a five-year absence.
September 13, 1975
Letter from Edwin Edwards, Governor of the State of Louisiana, to Pres. Ford concerning the Indochina refugee resettlement program.
September 22, 1975
Khmer Rouge revealed its policy for strengthening the revolutionary party: no classes - all should be farmer, no religion, bring all party members abroad home, gather as many as possible those intellectuals and former govt. servants from western Europe and America. [Document in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8]
November 2, 1975
The Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met to discuss the visit to Thailand, border problems and many other issues. Cambodia sent a delegation to Thailand in seeking for security, recognition of the border, and to show the world community of the new Phnom Penh regime's openness. The Committee also discusses Cambodian eastern border problem.  Many Vietnamese had come to live or station on the Cambodian side of the border, in which many complaints were issued to both the north and south Vietnam. [Document in Cambodian Page 1 - 9]
November 11, 1975
Chhun (Zone 23) sent telegram to Pol Pot, reporting on the eastern border situation; Vietnamese violations were reported and measure to protect it was taken. [Text in Cambodian Page 1 2 3 4 5]
December 16, 1975
US Rep. Matsunaga introduces H.RES.934
January 4, 1976
Serious fighting erupts on Tral Island or Phu Quoc (according to a month report by Khmer Rouge soldier on Seh Island to Son Sen - Dep. PM and Defense Minister alias Brother 89 or Khieu).  Plans, helicopters and cannons are used.  Ships carried red flags with pictures of Angkor Wat temple and white flags are shot at by people on Tral Island. [26]
January 5, 1976
New constitution (the country's third since independent in 1953) was promulgated. The country was officially renamed Democratic Kampuchea (DK). The DK constitution provided a 250-seat Assembly to be called the People's Representative Assembly. 150 members represent the peasants, 50 the laborers and other working people, and 50 the revolutionary army.
January 9, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee convened a meeting (attendees: comrade Secretary, comrade Deputy-Secretary, comrade Doeun, comrade Art, comrade Pheas and comrade Tuch) to discuss the party propaganda and educational plan for 1976 and the future. [Minute of the meeting in Cambodian page 1-9]
January 23, 1976
Khmer Rouge soldier reports to Son Sen that on the night of January 22, the Vietnamese attacked their force.  The Khmer Rouges who were one Kilometer from Pou Nhek mountain were ordered to withdraw by the Vietnamese, who claim that it is their land. [26]
February 6, 1976
Khmer Rouge soldier seize Thai boat (s) and brought to Rung Island but later release. [26]
February 6, 1976
China sign secret military aid agreement with Cambodia.
February 8, 1976
Khmer Rouge soldier reports to Son Sen about the border problem with Vietnam and seeks the minister's advise:  I'd like to report to Brother about the border problem in which the Vietnamese established their base (s) in our territory: Our soldiers met with Teu Dic who is in charge of the planting section.  They camped along the Huch Stream in Pou Trakk Village.  The info that the Region's soldier gave is that they move 1 Kilometer into our territory.  We went to inspect all together.  The Vietnamese did not recognize this borderline.  They said that our map is not correct.  Our Soldiers ordered them to withdraw from that place completely by they did not withdraw Does Brother have any comment on the above issues? [26]
February 22, 1976
Chhin, Khmer Rouge commander, reports to Son Sen about situation with Vietnamese and requests more ammunition. Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met (attendees: comrade Secretary, comrade Dep.-Secretary, comrade Van, comrade Von, comrade Khieu, comrade Nuch, comrade Hem, comrade Doeun) to discuss the country defense issues, including the Vietnamese's activities on Cambodia eastern border, Chinese aid, delivery of ammunition from Vietnam, and military hospital. [Minute of the meeting in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4]  On the same day, the Committee, without Nuch but replaced by comrade Thun and Tuch, also discussed the economic issues.
February 25, 1976
Three unidentified planes were reported to have bombed the town of Siem Reap, causing a number of casualties. The report blames American for the bombing. [Report in Cambodian page 1 2]
February 28, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met to discuss the aid from Sweden and Yugoslavia. Swedish govt. planned to provide around $5 million in unconditional aid to Cambodia and Yugoslavia would provide $4 million. [Minute of the meeting in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4]
February 29, 1976
Commander Chhin sends report of border situation to Brother 89.
March 8, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met to discuss announcement of the election due to be held on March 20, 1976 and the monitoring of news. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4]
March 9, 1976
Report of the situation at the Cambodia-Vietnam border is sent to Son Sen.
March 11, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met (attendees: comrade Secretary, comrade Dep.-Secretary, comrade Von, Comrade Khieu, comrade Hem, comrade Douen, comrade Toum and comrade Tuch) to discuss Prince Norodom Sihanouk's resignation request. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4 5]  On the same day, the Committee also discussed the eastern border situation. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4]
March 20, 1976
Election was held for the People's Representative Assembly.
April 2, 1976
Govt. of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge) issued a statement regarding Prince Sihanouk's resignation as Cambodia Head of State. [Statement in Cambodian page 1 2]
April 4, 1976
Khieu Samphan becomes Prime Minister (04/04/76-05/13/76).
April 22, 1976
Govt. of Democratic Kampuchea held its first cabinet meeting, chaired by Comrade Secretary (Pol Pot).
May 7, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met to discuss trade issues. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2]
May 10, 1976
Brent Scowcroft, US National Security Adviser, sent a memo to Pres. Ford concerning a comprehensive report on ‘the life inside Cambodia' prepared by the US Embassy in Bangkok.
May 13, 1976
Pol Pot becomes Prime Minister (05/13/76-01/07/79).
May 15, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met (attendees: comrade Secretary, comrade Deputy, comrade Khieu, comrade Hem, comrade Douen and comrade Tuch) to discuss defense issues, factory, and airport. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2]
May 18, 1976
Vietnam Deputy FM Phan Nguyen and delegation visited Cambodia.
May 19, 1976
DK Deputy Prime Minister Ieng Sary met with visiting Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Phan Nuyeng and his delegation.
May 30, 1976
Khmer Rouge Standing Committee met (attendees: comrade Secretary, comrade Deputy, comrade Von, comrade Khieu, comrade Hem and comrade Tuch) to discuss duties of the armed forces. [Minute in Cambodian page 1 2 3 4 5]
June 11, 1976
Telegram is sent to Brother 89 to report about the interception of a letter hat has  significant meaning.  [Read more]
June 12, 1976
Son Sen is informed about an expected shipment of Chinese military equipment to Cambodia.
June 16, 1976
A working session was convened, attending by comrade Secretary, comrade Deputy, comrade Hem, comrade Phea, comrade Su, comrade Si and Social and Health administrators, to discuss social and health issues.
July 20, 1976
Pol Pot received a Vietnamese journalist delegation in Phnom Penh.
August 12, 1976
Khmer Rouge and Thai fishing fleet, protected by Thai navy, crash near Koh Kong for nearly 4 hours; one Thai fishing boat is captured. [26]
August 24, 1976
Brother 89 is informed about the Chinese Embassy's request. [Read more]
1977
Heavy fighting had raged along the Cambodia-Vietnam border in May, forcing the Vietnamese to temporarily evacuate two of their southern border towns. The fighting erupted when Khmer Rouge troops crossed into Vietnam and burned villages, forcing most of the inhabitants to flee to Chau Doc, a provincial capital, which was evacuated on May 17 after it was struck by gunfire that caused 40 casualties.
January 28, 1977
A force of about 200-400 Khmer Rouge soldiers crossed the Thai border and attacked four Thai villages, killing 30 civilians. Two policemen and five Khmer Rouge soldiers were killed in the fighting that continued through January 29.
January 30, 1977
Thailand closed its border with Cambodia and delivered protest to the Phnom Penh govt. for the cross-border attack. Thai armed forces were put on alert.
April 30, 1977
Khmer Rouge launched attacks on Vietnamese villages.
May 16, 1977
Ha Tien, Vietnamese province, was evacuated after a shelling and a ground attack launched by the Khmer Rouge.  And a number of villages northwest of Ha Tien was said to have been captured by the Khmer Rouge and was still in the hands of the invaders when the refugees left.
May 17, 1977
Chau Doc, Vietnamese province, was also evacuated after it was struck by gunfire that caused some 40 casualties.
June 14, 1977
US Rep. Fish introduces H.R.7769
June 30, 1977
SEATO terminated.
July 8, 1977
Former Prime Minister Son Ngoc Thanh died.
July 23, 1977
About 50 Khmer Rouge soldiers raided a Thai outpost in northeast of the country, killing 4 Thai policemen.
July 28, 1977
A large Khmer Rouge force crossed into Thailand but withdrew after clashing with Thai police and military forces.
September 24, 1977
Khmer Rouge forces launch attacks against a number of Vietnamese villages.
September 25, 1977
DK govt. announced for the first time that PM Pol Pot had been named to the additional post of secretary general of the Communist Party, apparently making him Cambodia's top leader, and that he would lead a party and govt. delegation to China for official visit.
September 27, 1977
US House of Representatives passed a resolution H.RES.724 expressing concern over human rights violation in Cambodia.
September 28, 1977
Pol Pot began his state visit to China; he was greeted at Peking's airport by Communist Party Chairman and PM Hua Guofeng and other top Chinese leaders. A crowd of 100,000 cheered Pol Pot and his delegation as they were driven through the city's main square.  At a banquet given in his honor later of the day, Pol Pot said conditions in his country excellent and he made references to his country's recent border clashes with Vietnam and Thailand.
September 29, 1977
Pol Pot meets with PRC PM Hua Guofen.  Pol Pot tells the Chinese PM that the Soviet, Vietnam and Cuba are cooperating to attack Cambodia.  [Memo of conversation]
October 2, 1977
At a news conference in Beijing, Pol Pot said that the evacuation of millions of Cambodian from the cities to the countryside was to break up an enemy spy organization. He said the evacuation decision had been made three months before the end of the war.
November 11, 1977
DK Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming the country stand on the border issues. [Statement in Cambodian page 1 2 3]
December 3, 1977
Chinese Vice-Premier Chen Yonggui visited Cambodia.
December 21, 1977
The fighting erupted again along the Cambodia-Thai border.
December 22, 1977
Thai premier Kriangsak Chamanand, who touring the region that Khmer Rouge attack, warned of heavy military retaliation unless Cambodia halted its attacks.
December 25, 1977
Vietnam, using warplanes and artillery, launched a major retaliatory attack on Cambodia, capturing the Parrot's Beak area of Svay Rieng Province.
December 31, 1977
Cambodia severed diplomatic relations with Vietnam and ordered Vietnamese diplomats in Phnom Penh to leave before January 7, 1978. Hanoi earlier had withdrawn its ambassador from Phnom Penh, an action described by the DK Foreign Ministry as unfriendly.
1978
Phnom Penh reached an agreement in May with Singapore to resume economic and trade links after a three-year break.
January 3, 1978
The Khmer Rouge again refused to negotiate peace with Vietnam until all Vietnamese troops had withdrawn from Cambodian territory. About 60,000 Vietnamese troops were in Cambodia at the time.
January 18, 1978
Madame Deng Yingchao visited Cambodia.
February 5, 1978
Hanoi proposed cease-fire and negotiation with Cambodia.
March 7, 1978
Poland registered with UN its objection to the reservation made by the Democratic Kampuchea concerning Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
March 16, 1978
Canada registered with UN its objection to the reservation made by the Democratic Kampuchea concerning Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
April 22, 1978
First Khmer resistant brigade formed in Vietnam.
April 24, 1978
US. Rep. Zablocki introduces H.Con.Res.573 denouncing the govt. of Cambodia for its disregard of basic human rights.
May 24, 1978
Pol Pot launched a purge of his cadres in the Eastern Zone.
May 24, 1978
US Senator Byrd (W.Va) introduces S.RES.469 concerning the inhuman acts of the govt. of Cambodian against the people of Cambodia.
September 7, 1978
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.CON.RES.706.
December 2, 1978
The establishment of Kampuchea United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS) was announced by Hanoi. The KUFNS dedicated to overthrow Pol Pot's regime.
December 25, 1978
Invasion of Cambodia. Some 100,000 Vietnamese with 20,000 KUFNS troops, under the direction of Gen. Van Tien Dung, launch an invasion of Cambodia.
1979
Former Prime Minister Son Sann formed a resistant force, Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF), to fight against Vietnamese's occupation of Cambodia.
January 3, 1979
Vietnamese and KUFNS troops moved rapidly toward the capital Phnom Penh and the vital seaport of Kompong Som.  Khmer Rouge officials conceded that the invading forces had already gained control of a fourth of the country.
January 7, 1979
Vietnamese and KUFNS troops capture Phnom Penh, ending the murderous regime of Pol Pot in which more than one million Cambodians perished.
January 8, 1979
The Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Council (KPRC), head by Heng Samrin was set up as a provisional govt. to run the country.
January 10, 1979
The People's Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) was established to replace the Khmer Rouge's Democratic Kampuchea.
January 11, 1979
The UN Security Council agreed, over the objections of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, to let Prince Norodom Sihanouk present a demand for the withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Cambodia.
January 15, 1979
The Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia voted against a resolution calling for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Cambodia. The other 13 members of the Security Council vote in favor.
January 14, 1979
Thai and Chinese held a secret meeting to support a guerrilla war against the Vietnamese's occupation of Cambodia.
February 17, 1979
Teaching a lesson. Some 170,000 Chinese troops with 700 warplanes, and 250-300 tanks launched an invasion of Vietnam to punish it for invading of Cambodia.
February 18, 1979
The PRK and Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) signed in Phnom Penh a 25 years friendship treaty.  Heng Samrin, Pres. of the People's Revolutionary Council, signed for Cambodia and Pham Van Dong, Premier of the SRV, for Vietnam.
April 24, 1979
Cambodians poured into Thailand. About 80,000 Cambodian civilians and soldiers were reported to have crossed the border into Thailand.
July 15, 1979
KPRC issued a decree (Kret) condemning Pol Pot and Ieng Sary for crime of genocide, which was committed during their reign of terror from 1975-1979, and that a court would be established to try the two.
August 19, 1979
The People Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced Pol Pot and Ieng Sary, in absentia, to death for the crime of genocide and to confiscate all of their properties. [Accusation and judgment in Cambodian]
September 19, 1979
Khmer Rouge kept UN seat. The nine members of the UN Credentials Committee refused to replace the Cambodian delegate representing the ousted Khmer Rouge govt. with the one representing the PRK (Phnom Penh govt.). Belgium, China, Ecuador, Pakistan, Senegal, and the US voted against the replacement, which was urged by Vietnam; voting for the replacement were Congo, Panama, and the Soviet Union.
September 21, 1979
The UN General Assembly endorsed the decision of the Credentials Committee by a vote of 71-35 with 34 abstentions and 12 absentees, allowing the Khmer Rouge delegate represent Cambodia in the UN.
September 27, 1979
US House of Representatives passed a resolution H.RES.431 expressing the sense of the House that the Pres. should direct US United Nations Ambassador to seek an emergency agenda item concerning an emergency food and medical relief program for the people of Cambodia.
October 24, 1979
US Pres. Jimmy Carter participated in a meeting to discuss private and public efforts to aid refugees fleeing from Kampuchea to Thailand.
November 14, 1979
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/34/22 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia. The vote is 91-21 with 29 abstentions.
November 8, 1979
US Senator Javits introduces S.RES.277 a resolution relating to the commitment to ease the human suffering in Cambodia.
November 16, 1979
US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.277 expressing the sense of the Senate that (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the US and the U.N. should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.
December 5, 1979
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.CON.RES.219 a concurrent resolution calling for an international conference on Cambodia.
December 13, 1979
US Rep. Leach, J. introduces H.RES.507 a resolution condemning the use of chemical agents in Indochina.
December 17, 1979
US Sen. Glenn introduces S.RES.316 an original resolution concerning Thailand's assistance to Kampuchean refugees.
December 18, 1979
US House of Representatives passes a resolution H.RES.509 commenting Thailand for assist Indochinese refugees and declaring that the US should seek to insure the survival of the Cambodian people.
December 19, 1979
US Senate passes a resolution H.CON.RES.219 requesting the Pres. to work with the Secretary General of the UN and with other nations to convene an international conference on Cambodia.
December 20, 1979
US House of Representatives pass a resolution H.RES.512 (by roll call#754 - 378-1) condemning the use of lethal chemical agents against the Hmong tribe-people in Laos and any such use in Cambodia. US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.316 (by roll call#505 - 90-0) commanding Thai govt. for assisting Indochinese refugees, pledging continued US support for Thailand in its effort to assist such refugees, and declaring that the US seek to insure the survival of the Cambodian people.
1980
Foreign ministers of the three Indochina countries, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, met in Phnom Penh to announce a unified stand on Cambodian problems and other international issues.
January 2, 1980
The UN World Food Program announced that it would not ship more food to Cambodia during January citing a backlog of undistributed food that had built up at the port of Kompong Som and Phnom Penh.
January 4, 1980
Khmer Rouge fighters took control of a large refugee camp near the Thai border after three days of fighting. The camp that houses an estimated 200,000 refugees was controlled by the Khmer Serei rebel.
January 20, 1980
International emergency aid shipments to Cambodian refugees in eastern Thailand were resumed following their suspension on January 10. Trucks carrying rice and other supplies had been halted after Thai civilians and Cambodian guerrillas looted food convoys.
January 31, 1980
US Sen. Levin introduces S.CON.RES.72
February 5, 1980
The PRK and the USSR signed in Moscow a Protocol on the establishment of the Soviet Trade Mission in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French Khmer]
February 6, 1980
About 150 celebrities, politicians, and charity workers from Europe and North America gathered at Thai border town of Aranyaprathet for March for Survival of Cambodia. Organizers said the March aim at drawing attention to conditions in Cambodia, and it would be proceed although it has been condemned by the Phnom Penh govt. as interference in Cambodia's internal affairs.
February 10, 1980
James Grant, executive director of UNICEF who made a weeklong visit to Cambodia, announced that an international relief effort had prevented a disaster in Cambodia at least for the next few months. He said thousands of tons of food and medicine piled up in warehouses were finally reaching the countryside.
February 16, 1980
The PRK and Czechoslovakia signed in Phnom Penh an agreement on co-operation in the field of public health and medical science. [Agreement in English French]
February 22, 1980
In a news conference in Washington, Prince Sihanouk said he came to America to seek support for a new armed insurgency in Cambodia, and said neither the ousted Pol Pot's nor the current Phnom Penh's govt. can legitimately represent Cambodia since Pol Pot's had been completely rejected by the people, who are the victim of their genocide, and Phnom Penh's govt. just a puppet of Vietnam.
February 26, 1980
US House of Rep. pass a resolution S.CON.RES.72 expressing the sense of Congress that the US Pres. should request the UN to establish an international presence in the Cambodian refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border to promote security and oversee the distribution of food.
March 18, 1980
A 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation was signed in Berlin between the PRK and German Democratic Republic (East German). [Agreement in English French Khmer]
March 27, 1980
US Rep. Heckler introduces H.CON.RES.310
May 7, 1980
US Rep. Wolf introduces H.CON.RES.329
June 10, 1980
A rebel group attacked a crowded passenger train, killing at least 150 people and wounding more than 200 others.
June 23, 1980
Vietnamese troops in Cambodia crossed the border in Thailand and clashed with Thai troops, killing more than 30 Thai soldiers and wounding some 100 others. Vietnamese was reported to stay in Thai territory for about 10 hours.
June 25, 1980
China warned Vietnam to halt its raids into Thailand. A Foreign Ministry statement said Peking would resolutely support Thailand's efforts to defend its sovereignty. US Secretary of State Edmund Muskie denounced Vietnam's actions, saying Hanoi threatened the peace, security and stability of the entire region.
July 5, 1980
The US began airlifting arms to Thailand in an effort to enhance Thai military stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border. The airlift began soon following repeated incursions into Thailand by Vietnamese forces in Cambodia. The Soviet Union denounced the airlift, saying it would only aggravate tensions in Southeast Asia.
October 13, 1980
Khmer Rouge kept UN seat. The UN General Assembly voted, 74 to 35 with 32 abstentions, to defeat a motion to remove the Khmer Rouge's representative from the UN. The Assembly had defeated a similar move in 1979.
October 22, 1980
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/35/6 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.
November 5, 1980
The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objections to the signatures by DK on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, The Govt. of the Mongolian People's Republic considers that only the People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea as the sole authentic and lawful representative of the Kampuchean people has the right to assume international obligation on behalf of the Kampuchean people. [14531/14668]
November 19, 1980
The People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea and Czechoslovakia signed in Prague the Agreement on Cultural Co-operation between the two countries.
November 25, 1980
The PRK and Bulgaria singed in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, a 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation. [Agreement in English Khmer]
December 11, 1980
The Govt. of German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the signature by DK govt. on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, The signing of the above-said convention on behalf of the so-called Govt. of DK, a criminal clique of stooges which was overthrown by the people of Kampuchea, in the opinion of the German Democratic Republic is unlawful and, therefore, null and void.  The GDR also, on same day, registered its objection to the DK's signature on International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [14531] [14668]
1981
India announced its recognition of the PRK.
January 19, 1981
The Govt. of Hungary registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by the DK on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, The Hungarian People's Republic recognizes the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Council as the sole legitimate representative of Kampuchean people therefore refuse to acknowledge the right of the former genocidal Pol Pot regime to assume any international obligations on behalf of the Kampuchean people. [14531] [14668]
January 29, 1981
The Govt. of Bulgaria registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DK on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, The Govt. of the PRB, as a party to the above-mentioned instruments, cannot recognize as legally valid the signatures of the representative of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK'. [14531] [14668]
February 13, 1981
USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DK on International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Signature of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK' - the bloodthirsty Pol Pot-Ieng Sary clique, which has been overthrown by the Kampuchea people - is completely unlawful and has no legal force. [14531/14668]
February 18, 1981
Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Signature of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK' - which is none other than the Pol Pot-Ieng Sary band of cutthroats that has been overthrown by the Kampuchean people - is completely unlawful and has no legal force. [14531]
March 10, 1981
The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DKon International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, As a party to the above-mentioned instruments, the Govt. of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic cannot recognize the legal validity of the signatures of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK', since that infamous regime of Pol Pot and Ieng Sary had been overthrown by the Kampuchean people and no longer exists. [14531] [14668]
March 21, 1981
Prince Sihanouk found FUNCINPEC (Front Uni National pour un Cambodge Independent, Neutre, Pacifique, et Cooperatif or National United Front for an Independent Neutral Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia), and its military arm ANS (Armee Nationale Sihanoukist or Sihanouk National Army).
May 1, 1981
General Election. PRK held elections for a 117-seat National Assembly.
June 27, 1981
New constitution (the country's fourth since independent since 1953) was approved by the newly elected National Assembly to replace 1976 DK's constitution. The Assembly also elected Council of State, with Heng Samrin as its Chairman (a post equivalent to the Head of State) and a Council of Ministers to replace the KPRC. Pen Sovan, the KPRP general secretary and Defense Minister, was appointed Prime Minister (06/27/81-12/05/81). Chan Sy replaced Sovan as Defense Minister.
July 13, 1981
International Conference on Cambodia was held at UN Headquarters in New York.
July 28, 1981
The Govt. of DKdeposited its instrument of accession of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, which would go into effect from 27 August 1981. [14861]
September 4, 1981
Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan issued a joint statement in Singapore concerning their agreement, in principle to form a coalition to fight against Vietnamese's occupation of Cambodia.
September 10, 1981
The Govt. of Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, The accession to the above-mentioned international Convention on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of Kampuchea' by the genocidal clique of Pol Pot-Ieng Sary-Khieu Samphan, which was overthrown on 7 January 1979 by the Kampuchean people, is completely illegal and has no legal value. [14861]
September 14, 1981
German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, The accession by the so-called ‘Govt. of DK' to the international Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid is in the view of the GDR absolutely illegal and thus null and void. [14861]
October 21, 1981
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/36/5 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.
November 9, 1981
DK registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by Viet Nam of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, The Govt. of DK, as a party to the Convention.., considers that the signing of that Convention by the Govt. of the SRV has no legal force, because it is no more than a cynical, macabre masquerade intended to camouflage the foul crimes of genocide committed by the 250,000 soldiers of the Vietnamese invasion army in Kampuchea. [1021]
November 12, 1981
USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, The sole authorized representative of the Kampuchean people in the international arena is the Govt. of the PRK.  The accession to the above-mentioned Convention by the genocidal regime the Soviet side considers to be illegal, and regards its accession as being devoid of legal force. [14861]
November 19, 1981
Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK of the International Convention of the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861]
December 3, 1981
The Govt. of Hungary registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861]
December 5, 1981
PRK PM Pen Sovan is removed from office; Defense Minister Chan Sy becomes acting PM to February 9, 82.
December 11, 1981
The PRK and Mongolia singed in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, a 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation. [Agreement in English French Khmer]
January 1, 1982
PRK sent Thailand a protest note regarding the sinking of Cambodian trawler off Koh Kong province a few days earlier.
January 5, 1982
Khmer Rouge announced restructuring of its army, establishing formal military ranks. The Govt. of Bulgaria registered, with the UN, its objections to the accession by the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861]
January 7, 1982
Thai govt. turned down the proposed visit by Prince Norodom Sihanouk as not timely. PRK observed third anniversary of National Day, the day that Pol Pot was toppled in 1979, with parades, musical entertainment, speeches by PRKAF Chief of Staff Soy Keo and PRK Pres. Heng Samrin.
January 9, 1982
KPRP issued directive on Party organization building including five points program to recruit more members, train cadres, develop effective Party structure and insure adherence to Party policy.
January 11, 1982
East German defense minister, Heinz Hoffman, and delegates arrived Phnom Penh.  Military cooperation agreement was signed in which East German would undertake to build up PRKAF by training officers and developing air defense system.
January 12, 1982
Son Sann called for stepping up of guerrilla warfare in Cambodia citing failures in pressuring Vietnam to withdraw from Cambodia economically and politically.
January 13, 1982
The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objections to the accession by the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861]
January 16, 1982
PRK Deputy PM, Hun Sen, said his govt. would not negotiate with the Khmer Rouge or third part under any circumstances.
January 30, 1982
PRK and USSR signed two agreements: (1) under the agricultural agreement, Soviet technicians would assist Cambodia with water conservancy projects, help increase cotton and rubber production and develop the fishing industry; (2) under the scientific cooperation protocol, the USSR would assist Cambodia in developing her education system, including training Cambodian students in the USSR.
February 2, 1982
Sweden Democratic Kampuchean Friendship Association delivered $100,000 worth of medicine to DK.  Other aid in this period included medical supplies from a private French group, clothing for orphans from Syrian govt..
February 3, 1982
PRK FM Hun Sen led a KPRP delegation to French Communist Party 24th Congress.
February 5, 1982
PRK FM Hun Sen said his govt. wants large-scale economic aid from all, but with no strings attached.  On the same day, PRK National Assembly met for a six day session to (1) establish basic governmental organization under new constitution; (2) establish judicial system; (3) organize to National Assembly with three major committees - (a) Legislative Affairs chaired by Vandy Kaon; (b) Economic and Budgetary Affairs chaired by Men Chhan; (c) Education, Public Health, Social and Cultural Affairs chaired by Nu Beng; (4) approve the appointment of Chan Sy as Chairman of the Council of Minister (Prime Minister) and Bou Thang as Minister of National Defense.
February 6, 1982
Soviet Chief of Staff, Marshal Nikolay Vasilyevich Ogarkov, arrived Phnom Penh for a two-days visit.
February 9, 1982
Chan Sy becomes PRK Prime Minister (02/09/82-01/14/85).  Sy has served as acting PM following the removal of Pen Sovan on December 5, 1981.
February 11, 1982
The tripartite meeting, concerning the establishment of a coalition govt., in Beijing failed without the participation of Son Sann, who said he was willing to meet with either Prince Sihanouk or Khieu Samphan separately but not in tripartite session.  Prince Sihanouk and Khieu Samphan met twice and issued vague three-point statement of the agreement reached for further collaboration.  Prince Sihanouk, at press conferences, said China was arming his force in Cambodia, had shipped enough small arms to equip 3,000 men.  Hanoi denounced the meeting as a farce by reactionary bandits who could not agree on anything. A Vietnamese military plane carrying 13 people crashed in Thailand after it was intercepted by Thai fighters near the sensitive border with Cambodia. The plan was believed to have strayed across the border west of the Cambodian town of Pailin while on a reconnaissance mission over territory held by Khmer Rouge in western Cambodia.
February 12, 1982
Cambodia was in the midst of a baby boom, with birth rate at 5.5 percent, death rate at 0.26 percent yielding population growth rate of 5.24 per cent, one of the highest in the world according to a study. Three Soviet freighters arrived at Kompong Som carrying 63 tractors, 37 trucks, construction equipment and other economic aid.  Moscow said volume of goods ships to Cambodia in past year has doubled, and rate continues to increase.
February 16, 1982
The fifth annual Indochinese foreign ministers conference was held in Vientiane, Laos.  The participants were Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam, Hun Sen of Cambodia, and Kamphai Boupha of Laos.  The conference communiqué issued on February 17 said all Vietnamese troops would leave Cambodia as soon as the threat of Chinese hegemonistic expansionism is removed.  The ministers expressed their interest in contact with Thailand on the Cambodian issue.  In response, Thai foreign ministry said Cambodia was an international, not a Thai-Vietnam problem and that the proper forum was the UN
February 19, 1982
Vietnam denied that Pen Sovann, ousted PRK's prime minister, was in Hanoi, claiming that he remains in a Phnom Penh hospital for health reasons.
February 27, 1982
UN Commission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva adopted a resolution condemning Vietnam's occupation of Cambodia as a violation of Cambodian human rights.  The vote was 28 in favor, 8 against, and 5 abstentions.
March 19, 1982
The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, the Agreement on cultural co-operation between the Govt. of the CSR and the People's Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea signed at Prague on November 19, 1980.
April 1, 1982
Prince Sihanouk said that his outlook for the third force in Cambodia was dismal, citing Son Sann's demand as a major difficulty.
April 2, 1982
Thai govt. announced that it had granted an entry visa to Son San, who earlier said he would return to his guerrilla force based on the Thai-Cambodian border if Thai authority permits him.
April 6, 1982
DK Ministry of Information issued a statement criticizing France's decision to resume economic aid to Vietnam, saying the decision was tantamount to recognizing aggression.
April 11, 1982
KPNLF leader, Son Sann, in Paris proposed a Cambodian anti-communist meeting between himself, Prince Sihanouk and a Khmer Rouge representative.  In Beijing, Prince Sihanouk reportedly agreed to the proposal.
April 26, 1982
A high level Czechoslovakia military delegation, led by Defense Minister Gen. Martin Dzur, arrived Phnom Penh for a two-days visit.
April 30, 1982
PRK and USSR sign a long-term agreement under which the USSR would assist Cambodia in developing radio and television broadcasting facilities.  Signing for the PRK was Van Sun Heng, acting general director of the Voice of the People of Kampuchea, and Yuriy Viktorovich Orlow, Deputy Chief of the USSR Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting.
May 4, 1982
PRK's Ministry of Agricultures announced plans of extending Kampuchean agriculture.  Initial goal was to restore prewar production, some 2.8 million hectares of which 2.5 million was in rice.  At the time, it was estimated that only about haft of that amount was being tilled.
May 7, 1982
Relief official of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, Jean Clavaud, was ordered to leave Cambodia by the PRK govt., citing activities affecting public security and order.
May 8, 1982
PRK FM, Hun Sen, arrived in Moscow on an eight-days official visit, accompany by the new PRK ambassador to Moscow, Hor Namhong.  Hun Sen met with his Soviet counterpart, Andrey Gromyko, on May 10.
May 12, 1982
The Soviet Committee for Defense of Peace arrived Phnom Penh for an eight-day goodwill visit.  The delegate was welcomed by Yit Kimseng, Chairman of the Kampuchean Committee for Defense of Peace.
May 16, 1982
PRK endorsed the Vietnamese empty chair proposal at the UN, in which Cambodia's seat would be awarded to neither the Khmer Rouge nor the Phnom Penh govt..
May 17, 1982
The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession of the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861 no page]
May 18, 1982
Soviet trade delegation, led by official of the USSR Ministry of Trade, arrived Phnom Penh.  It was welcomed by PRK Deputy Minister of Trade, Thong Chan.
May 27, 1982
Kampuchea donors meeting at the UN in New York expressed skepticism over continue Kampuchea assistance program in its present form.  Fiscal year 1982 program was budgeted at $87.6 million, of which $42.6 had been pledged.  One purpose of the meeting was to secure pledges for the $45 millions shortfall, but only $6.7 millions was received in pledges.  Donor countries were divided over whether aid should be mainly emergency type such as food or developmental.
May 29, 1982
The first national congress of Buddhist monks convened in Phnom Penh and was addressed by Heng Samrin, who stressed the role of patriotic monks in striking a big blow to the barbarian hegemonists and that each monk should clearly grasp the political line of the United Front each must make a clear distinction between friend and foe of the revolution.
June 9, 1982
Chan Sy addressed a class of governmental trainees and outlines the State's plan for development of state structure at the rice roots.  The three-months course would stress details of the new PRK legal system, governmental organization, and Party policies.
June 22, 1982
Three Cambodian resistance leaders, Prince Sihanouk of FUNCINPEC/ANS, Khieu Samphan of the Khmer Rouge and Son Sann of KPNLF met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reached an agreement to create a govt.-in-exile known as the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK).  The purpose of the coalition govt. was twofold: (1) to mobilize all efforts in the common struggle to liberate Kampuchea from the Vietnamese aggressors with the view to restoring the motherland as a sovereign and independent country; and (2) to bring about the implementation of the Declaration of the International Conference on Kampuchea and other relevant UN general assembly resolutions.
July 5, 1982
PRK FM, Hun Sen, in an interview in Phnom Penh described the newly formed coalition govt. as a gross interference by Bangkok in the internal affairs of Cambodia and a Beijing hegemonist-expansionist collaborate with US imperialism.
July 7, 1982
Moscow denounced the newly formed coalition govt. as an additional confrontation factor in Southeast Asia politics, which would only raises anxieties among the Asean countries and move the region away from its dream of becoming a zone of non-aligned country. Vietnam FM, Nguyen Co Thach, announced that his country would pull out a significant number of its troops from Cambodia during July.  He made the announcement following the conclusion of the Indochinese foreign ministers conference in Ho Chi Minh City. Prince Sihanouk returned to Cambodia for the first time since 1978, attending ceremonies inside the border with hundreds of his guerrillas and civilians.
July 9, 1982
PRK FM, Hun Sen, described the partial withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia as evidence of growing stability in the country, proof of Vietnam sincerity that it did not mean to occupy Cambodia, and as a good-will gesture to Thailand, and that additional withdrawals would depend on Thai and Chinese behavior.  He also urged Thailand to accept the safety zone proposal made at the Indochinese foreign ministers conference.
July 11, 1982
Phnom Penh press hailed the signing of the PRK-Vietnam historical waters agreement as evidence of the equality that exists between Cambodia and Vietnam.
July 16, 1982
PRK Ministry of Defense staged a national military conference in Phnom Penh, co-chaired by Defense Minister Bou Thang and PM Chan Sy.  A five-point program was outlined for the development of the armed forces (KPRAF), designed to permit it to take full control of the defense of the country.
July 17, 1982
Chinese PM, Zhao Ziyang, hosted Prince Sihanouk at a state banquet in Beijing and offered assurance of Chinese's full supports of the Prince efforts in liberating Cambodia.  Zhao also called for the creation of a neutral and non-aligned Cambodia. Farewell ceremonies were staged in Phnom Penh and other towns for the departing Vietnamese troops.  Flags and medals of appreciation were presented. CGDK Defense Coordinator, In Tam, denounced the partial withdrawal of Vietnamese troops as a farce, a sham and a lie.
July 20, 1982
CGDK PM, Son Sann, recounted horror stories of alleged Vietnamese brutality in Cambodia, including wanton murder and rape of young girls.  He told journalists he obtained the account from eyewitnesses from the Battambang region.
July 21, 1982
Prince Sihanouk addressed the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress national committee in Beijing. PRK Chief of Staff, Gen. Soy Keo, told an interviewer that there could be no improvement in regional relations until Thailand solves the problem of bandit sanctuary.
July 22, 1982
Five Vietnamese soldiers deserted to Thailand.  At the press conference in Bangkok, they doubted that Vietnam would significantly reduce its troops in Cambodia as claimed.  One of them said it was the common belief among Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia that the occupation would last 20 years.
July 26, 1982
UN Secretary General, Javier Perez de Cuella, told Cambodian aid donors meeting in New York that any sudden cut off of humanitarian assistance would undo all that had been accomplished in Cambodia and returned the country to its previous condition.
July 30, 1982
CGDK PM, Son Sann, in an interview in Paris explained his decision to ally himself with the Khmer Rouge, citing the small number of his force comparing to ten of thousands of the Khmer Rouge.
August 9, 1982
CGDK official Ieng Sary arrived in Cairo, Egypt, for an official visit.
September 3, 1982
A Paris-based organization called Association to Aid the Cambodian People arrived in Phnom Penh for a two-week fact finding visit.
September 10, 1982
PRK Special Envoy, Kong Korm, returned to Phnom Penh after a six-weeks trip to Mozambique, Cape Verde, the Seychelles, Benin and Madagascar.  He was there to seek support for the Phnom Penh govt. at the UN
September 12, 1982
CGDK Vice Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting, which would also debate the Cambodian seating at the world body.
September 13, 1982
PRK Minister of Justice, Uk Bun Chheun, departed Phnom Penh for a three-days international law conference in New Delhi, India, and later for Ulaan Baatar for conference of socialist lawyers.
September 18, 1982
PRK FM, Hun Sen, said that Cambodia's security and social order achieved great improvement during the last dry season offensive. CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, arrived in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting. He would join with his Vice Pres., Khieu Samphan, who arrived on September 12 and Prime Minister, Son Sann, who arrived a day earlier.
September 21, 1982
PRK officials, at a new conference in Moscow, said their govt. eventually would extend amnesty to all former Khmer Rouge.
September 23, 1982
A conference of political commissars of the Vietnamese and Cambodian armies opened in Phnom Penh host by KPRAF Political Commissar, Than Chan.  Leading the Vietnamese delegation was PAVN's General Political Directorate deputy, Maj. Gen. Mai Dinh Hai.
September 25, 1982
PRK Pres., Heng Samrin, signed two new laws concerning with protection of state property and the investigation and settlement of citizen's complaints and denunciations.
September 28, 1982
PRK officials claimed, in the week ending September 23, Thai warships made 219 incursions into Cambodia waters, in the vicinity of Koh Kong and Koh Tang islands, and Thai Air Force planes made 46 air strikes on Cambodian targets.
September 30, 1982
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk addressed to the 37th UN General Assembly. [Text of the address]
October 8, 1982
CGDK PM, Son Sann, acknowledged that if forced Cambodian people would choose the Heng Samrin regime over the return of Khmer Rouge, however, he added that most Cambodians saw CGDK, which containing Khmer Rouge, as genuine nationalist alternative.
October 13, 1982
FUNCINPEC signed an agreement with Thai company to sell one million cubic meters of timber.  Other CGDK members expressed surprise at the unilateral decision.
October 18, 1982
Princess Sisowath Sawetwong Monivong, Prince Sihanouk's sister and a member of the KPRP Central Committee member in an interview with Thai journalist, defended Vietnamese's occupation of Cambodia as necessary defense against Pol Pot-Ieng Sary forces, and said Prince Sihanouk could return to power if he returns like a Cambodian who is for the Cambodian people.
October 28, 1982
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/37/6 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.  The world body again awarded the seat to the coalition govt. of Prince Sihanouk.  PRK foreign ministry in Phnom Penh issued statement denouncing the decision as a farce .and an insult to the three million Cambodians who died at the hand of the Pol Pot murderers. Vietnam Finances Minister, Chu Tam Thuc, visited Cambodia; he met with his PRK counterpart, Chan Phin, to discuss reinforcement of special friendship and cooperation in financial matter between the two countries.
October 30, 1982
Indian ambassador to Bangkok was summoned to Thai Foreign Ministry and told of Thailand's and ASEAN countries' dissatisfaction with Indian govt. position at UN with respect to Cambodia.  India abstained in final vote at the UN General Assembly on October 28; earlier India voted to unseat CGDK.
November 4, 1982
PRK Pres. Heng Samrin, in an interview with Hungarian reporters in Phnom Penh, said Phnom Penh still need the presence of Vietnamese troops and the partial withdrawal in the summer was only a diplomatic gesture. CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, arrived in Beijing from New York; he was received and congratulated by Chinese PM, Zhao Ziyang, on the Prince's success at the UN.
November 6, 1982
CGDK Vice-Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in Beijing for visit at invitation of Chinese govt.
November 10, 1982
CGDK Secretary General of Foreign Affair, Mrs. Ieng Thirith, led delegation to Colombo Plan conference in Tokyo where she met with several Japanese officials.
November 12, 1982
PRK sent condolences on the death of USSR leader Leonid Brezhnev and decreed three days of morning.
November 13, 1982
PRK Pres., Heng Samrin, led a delegation to Brezhnev funeral.
November 15, 1982
AFP reported a shipment of assault rifles from Singapore was sent to KPNLF; the same amount of weapon was promised for FUNCINPEC.
November 24, 1982
PRK Foreign Ministry denounced Singapore's shipment of weapons to resistance fighter as unfriendly and dangerous.
November 26, 1982
KPRP Central Committee Secretariat issued a circular announcing celebration program to mark the fourth anniversary of creation of the KUFNCD to be held on December 2.
November 28, 1982
Cambodia ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
December 23, 1982
PRK Defense Minister, Bou Thang, and Vietnamese Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Van Tien Dung, signed an agreement of cooperation between the countries armed forces.
January 5, 1983
CGDK PM, Son Sann, met with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.  At the press conference following the meeting, Son Sann said his forces would continue to fight the Vietnamese and would grant them no truce.
January 10, 1983
Vietnamese troops launched an offensive against anticommunist guerrilla forces concentrated in western Cambodia near the Thai border. The offensive was directed primarily against the KPNLF led by former PM Son Sann.
January 12, 1983
Prince Sihanouk told journalists that he planed to extend his leave of absence until May, citing health problems.
January 14, 1983
A Vietnamese soldier intruded across Thai border and was captured.  He told his captors that gas masks were being issued to all Vietnamese soldiers serving in Thai border region, and that a major offensive was planned for the area later in the winter.
January 27, 1983
Prince Sihanouk arrived in Khmer Rouge Liberated Zone of Phnom Malai for inspection tour of his resistance force, meeting with his CGDK Council of Ministers and press conference.
January 31, 1983
Vietnamese forces captured Nong Chan - a Cambodian refugee camp - driving some 30,000 residents into Thailand. Thai military authorities say that the refugees would be sent back to Cambodia as soon as fighting ceased.
February 4, 1983
Chairman of Soviet Committee for Support of Kampuchean People, Maj. Gen. Nikolay Lychenko, arrived in Phnom Penh on a good-will visit and for consultations with PRK Ministry of Defense officials.
February 5, 1983
PRK National Assembly held its 4th session in Phnom Penh chaired by Chea Sim, Assembly and KUFNCD National Council chairman.
February 10, 1983
The Center for International Policy delegation departed Phnom Penh following an 8-days visit.  The delegate toured countryside and met several govt. officials.
February 25, 1983
A two-days conference, called the International Forum for Peace in Southeast Asia, convened in Phnom Penh attended by delegates from 37 countries and six international organizations. Westerners working in Phnom Penh told journalist that the number of Vietnamese advisors in PRK ministries had decreased.  A Vietnamese diplomat said number was 2 to 10 per ministry and 15-20 per provinces. CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, sent message to Non-Aligned countries conference to be held in New Delhi next month, saying unless trend of events in Southeast Asia was halted now, region-wide war would be eventual result.  The Prince also sent an open letter to the people of India regarding Indian govt. open seat position in the UN and the denial of invitation to him, saying it was not a way to treat an old friend.
February 26, 1983
PRK Ministry of Agriculture reported 1982 rice harvest in Cambodia totaled 250,000 tons, double the 1981 harvest.
March 3, 1983
Soviet Deputy FM Kapitsa told Japanese ambassador to Moscow that his country cannot accept the Chinese proposals for settlement in Cambodia.  Kapitsa was quoted as saying, Heng Samrin effectively rules the whole land .it is impossible to change this fact.
March 6, 1983
Prince Sihanouk issued a strong statement condemning the Non-Aligned countries conference decision to keep empty seat at the UN.
March 15, 1983
Democratic Kampuchea acceded the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare with the following reservation,   the CGDK reserves the right to consider that the said Protocol has ipso facto ceased to be binding in regard to any enemy whose armed forces or whose allies no longer respect the prohibitions laid down in the Protocol. [2138]
March 22, 1983
PRK News Agency (SPK) charged Thai army of shelling Pailin region with mortar shells, which contain toxic chemicals in February and early March, affecting many civilians, several of whom died.  Bangkok denied the charge.  The charge came at the same time that Cambodian resistances claimed that Vietnamese forces using toxic chemicals against their forces.
March 30, 1983
Vietnamese forces launched their second offensive of dry season in Cambodian-Thai border region with a massive military forces armed at destroying all major guerilla camps in the area.
March 31, 1983
Some 25,000 Cambodian refugees fled across border into Thailand as Vietnamese troops mount major guerrilla clearing operation in vicinity of Phnom Chat.
April 1, 1983
CGDK Vice-Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in Buenos Aires, Brazil, for the 5th ministerial meeting of economic organization known as Group of 77.
April 2, 1983
CGDK PM, Son Sann, arrived in Singapore on his regional tour to discuss Cambodian problems with govt. officials.  At a news conference, he criticized France's decision to resume economic aid to Vietnam.
April 9, 1983
Vietnamese forces, using SAM-7 missiles, shot down a Thai Air Force jet spotter plane which crashed inside Thailand, killing the pilot and co-pilot.
April 11, 1983
PRK National Assembly Chairman, Chea Sim, arrived in Berlin to attend the conference on Karl Marx.
April 12, 1983
Indochinese foreign ministers, Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam, Poun Sipaseut of Laos and Hun Sen of Cambodia, met for one day in Phnom Penh for what was called as an extraordinary conference.
April 21, 1983
US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.112 expressing the sense of the Senate that armed forces on the Thai-Cambodian border should refrain from actions that may endanger the refugees, and declaring the Vietnam should halt armed attacks on civilians.
May 1, 1983
Prince Sihanouk met with his coalition's premier, Son Sann, and its vice pres., Khieu Samphan, in western Cambodia near Thai border. The three leaders accepted the credential of the first foreign ambassadors accredited to the resistant govt. The ambassadors were from China, Malaysia, Mauritania, North Korea and Bangladesh. PRK FM, Hun Sen, said that if Thailand stops supporting the resistance coalition, more Vietnamese troops would be withdrawn from Cambodia. He also said the withdrawal was made possible by the growing strength of the People's Armed Forces (PAF) and general progress in the nation since the liberation in 1979.
May 2, 1983
Some 1500 Vietnamese troops accompanied by tanks and artillery left Phnom Penh in what the Hanoi govt. said was the first stage in a larger withdrawal that would involve 10,000 troops.
May 4, 1983
PRK Defense Minister, Bou Thang, departed Phnom Penh for Moscow on official visit at the invitation of USSR Defense Minister, Marshal D.E. UstiNovember  Later, he was to visit East German, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Hungary.
May 6, 1983
CGDK PM, Son Sann, left for Australia and New Zealand to seek support of both governments to ASEAN initiative in UN on Cambodian settlement and to ask Australian govt. to postpone aid to Vietnam.  In an interview with reporter in Canberra, Son Sann said, choosing between the Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge is like choosing between the plague and cholera.
May 12, 1983
Mrs. Ieng Thirith, Secretary General of CGDK Foreign Ministry, met with Japanese Deputy FM, Toshijiro Nakajima, in Tokyo and was told that Japan would continue freezing aid to Vietnam until all its troops were out of Cambodia.
May 13, 1983
US issue a directive concerning its policy and processing refugees from Indochina. Hun Sen told French correspondent Francois Nivolan of proposals for preliminary negotiations with ASEAN on Cambodia; it could be a two-sides arrangement, in which Vietnam and Laos on one side and three ASEAN representatives on the other, or a general conference with all parties present.
May 26, 1983
Former PRK PM, Pen Sovan, who was removed in late 1981, was reported living in Moscow.
June 8, 1983
PRK Deputy FM, Kong Korm, told a Japanese reporter that neither Phnom Penh nor Hanoi would deal with Prince Sihanouk on the future of Cambodia.  He said this includes Sihanouk's participation in the so-called reconciliation govt.
June 13, 1983
CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, sent telegram to his vice-pres., Khieu Samphan, offering his resignation.
June 19, 1983
The PRKAF celebrates its tradition day in Phnom Penh with special ceremonies.  Editorials noted PRKAF was formed as the Issarak Army on June 19, 1951 by People's Revolutionary Party.
June 20, 1983
PRK Deputy FM, Kong Korm, received delegation of US Committee in Solidarity with Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos led by its pres., Abe Weissburd, who promised to demand the end to all support for CGDK and its expulsion from UN. Pol Pot again reported to be very ill and under treatment in field hospital in Phnom Malai.
June 27, 1983
US Secretary of State, George Shultz, attended a 2-days meeting of ASEAN and allied foreign ministers in Bangkok where he met separately with Thai F.M. Siddhi Savetsila.  The two discussed Thai's proposal for Vietnamese troops to pull back 18 miles from Thai-Cambodian border and Siddhi to go to Hanoi to prepare for overall Cambodian peace talks.
July 1, 1983
SPK criticized 16th ASEAN foreign minister's conference communiqué as an obstacle to good-will and cooperation by ignoring Vietnam's good-will in reducing its troops in Cambodia twice.  It also denounced the communiqué for suggesting Vietnam had a 5-year plan to Vietnamize Cambodia.
July 6, 1983
PRK FM Hun Sen, in a press interview, criticized 16th ASEAN foreign ministers conference communiqué, particularly Thai's position that Vietnamese troops withdraws 30 km from Thai-Cambodian border as precondition for talks.  He also claimed story of Vietnamese settlement in Cambodia was fabricated.
July 11, 1983
Delegation led by Chey Saphon, vice chairman of State Organization Commission, and Kong Korm, Deputy FM, departed Phnom Penh for visit to Nicaragua and Cuba.
July 12, 1983
FUNCINPEC was preparing to open an information office in Bangkok.
July 19, 1983
The seventh semi-annual Indochinese foreign ministers conference was held in Phnom Penh attending by Hun Sen of Cambodia, Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam and Phoun Sipaseut of Laos.
July 27, 1983
Phnom Penh observed Vietnamese War Invalids Day; the day marked for honoring Vietnamese soldiers wounded or killed in Cambodia.
August 2, 1983
CGDK PM Son Sann returned to Bangkok after two-months international tour, which brought him to Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, West Germany and France.
August 5, 1983
SPK, Phnom Penh official news agency, strongly criticized Chinese FM Wu Xuegian's remarks during Bangkok visit, saying he made it clear without actually saying so that China was against peace and stability, that it did not want to see dialogue between Indochina and ASEAN, that it was determined to teach Vietnam a second lesson.
August 7, 1983
Indonesian FM Mochtar ruled out new ASEAN initiatives on Cambodia following Vietnam's rejection of Thai proposal last May that Vietnam withdraw its troops 30 km from Thai-Cambodia border as precondition for talks.
August 9, 1983
PRK Minister of Trade Tang Saroem and Hungarian Ambassador Alfred Almasi signed agreement on economic aid.
August 11, 1983
Philippine FM Carlos Romulo said Cambodia situation was basic cause of instability in Southeast Asia, and that priority should be given to its political solution. KPNLF officials began to use DK diplomatic passports of the Khmer Rouge, signed by Khieu Samphan, CGDK vice-pres. in charge of foreign affairs.
August 16, 1983
Yos Pro, Secretary General of KUFNCD National Council presented a report to the National Assembly stating that more than 2.7 million Cambodians perished under the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975-1979.  The figure included 1,927,061 peasants, 25,168 monks, 488,359 ethnic minorities and 305,417 workers and professionals.
August 18, 1983
KPNLF accused Vietnam of matching provinces in Cambodia and Vietnam in order to establish greater control over Cambodia.  KPNLF leader Son Sann estimated that 700,000 Vietnamese settlers have been moved into Cambodia.
August 25, 1983
KPNLF leader Son Sann said China was sending enough infantry weapons to arm 1000 soldiers plus some heavier equipment, still leaving about 4000 trained men in a 9000-man force without weapons.
August 31, 1983
CGDK army claimed its guerrillas ambushed a Vietnamese truck convoy August 23 on Rout 7 in Kompong Cham province, killing 8 Soviet advisers.
September 4, 1983
PRK and Vietnam signed agreement on cooperation in meteorology and hydrology in Hanoi; similar agreement on robber production was signed earlier.
September 8, 1983
PRK and USSR signed economic and technical cooperation agreement in Moscow.  Ambassador Hor Namhong signed for Cambodia.
September 11, 1983
Samdech Penn Nouth med with Chinese officials in Beijing, including Deng Xiaoping.
September 14, 1983
PRK and East German (GDR) signed trade protocol in Berlin, anticipating export of rubber, tobacco, and timber by Cambodia and import of chemical products, insecticides, trucks, and other goods.
September 16, 1983
CGDK Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan arrived in New York to attend 38th session of UN General Assembly. A five-day meeting of PRK Ministry of Planning officials, chaired by Heng Samrin, convenes in Phnom Penh to prepare the 1984 State Plan.
September 18, 1983
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk arrived in New York to head CGDK delegation to the 38th UN General Assembly session, which Cambodia's seat again would be decided.  He was greeted at the airport by Khieu Samphan and hundred of Cambodian people who lived in the US
September 22, 1983
PRK FM Hun Sen met in Moscow with his Soviet counterpart, Andrei Gromyko.
September 26, 1983
US. Rep. Wright introduces H.CON.RES.176
October 4, 1983
Prince Sihanouk, addressing the 38th annual UN General Assembly meeting, charged that Hanoi had sent 600,000 Vietnamese to settle in Cambodia as part of its Vietnamization of Cambodia.
October 5, 1983
Albania granted diplomatic recognition to PRK.  Tirana special envoy arrived in Phnom Penh was received by Pres. Heng Samrin who called the recognition a landmark.
October 11, 1983
ASEAN countries decided to postpone their meeting with Australian officials scheduled for late October in Canberra.  In respond, Australia said it was reviewing its annual educational aid program for Southeast Asian students.  ASEAN and Australia crashed over Cambodian issue following Canberra's decision not to co-sponsor the ASEAN resolution on Cambodia at the UN as it had in the past.
October 20, 1983
PRK officials in Phnom Penh said Cambodian fishermen, in 1983 to date, have caught 63,750 tons of fish, almost all of it freshwater. The 38th UN General Assembly accepted without recording vote or challenging its credentials committee report giving CGDK the Cambodian seat for another year.
October 27, 1983
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/38/3 (by vote of 105 to 23 with 19 abstentions, calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.
October 24, 1983
Mongolian People's Republic military delegation, led by Defense Minister Gen. Jamsrangiyn Yondon, arrived in Phnom Penh for a 3-days visit.  On the same day, a Cuban National Assembly delegation, touring Indochina, arrived for a 2-days visit.
November 1, 1983
Japan announced its $12.5 million grant for aid to be provided through World Food Program to refugee living along Thai-Cambodian border.
November 15, 1983
US Senate passed a resolution H.CON.RES.176 expressing the sense of congress that the US should continue to: (1) give support to ASEAN to secure a political resolution of the Cambodian problem and ensure the withdrawal of foreign forces and the restoration of Cambodian self-determination; (2) urge other nations to support the ASEAN efforts in the UN; (3) urge other nations to cooperate with ASEAN in maintaining economic and diplomatic pressure on Vietnam to accept a peaceful settlement; (4) support international effort through the UN Border Relief Operation to relieve the suffering of the Cambodian refugees along the Thai border; and (5) give humanitarian and political support to the non-communist Khmer nationalist forces.
November 18, 1983
PRK and Vietnam signed national bank agreement, involving exchange rates and non-commercial payments.
November 20, 1983
Poland FM Stefan Olszowski, who was in Phnom Penh for a 3-days visit, met with PRK Pres. Heng Samrin. Australian PM Hawke told news reporters that he reacts favorably to idea of Australian participation in a Cambodian peacekeeping force, as suggested by Malaysia, but added he could not fully commit his govt. to such a role.
November 28, 1983
The Govt. of DK ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [9464]
December 7, 1983
The first congress of Kampuchean Federation of Trade Unions convened in Phnom Penh attended by 302 delegates and 160 observers from PRK agencies.
December 8, 1983
PRK officials in Phnom Penh announced the trial, conviction, and sentencing of 10 traitors who carried out anti-revolutionary activities.  All ten confessed.
December 13, 1983
Senegal established diplomatic relations with CGDK; its ambassador to China Mamadou Seyni Mbengue took the post concurrently.
December 24, 1983
CGDK leadership, Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann who were in Beijing for a 12-days consultations among themselves and Chinese leaders, met with Chairman Deng Xiaoping.
December 25, 1983
Prince Sihanouk, in a press conference, said China had promised to provide more military aid to Cambodian resistance.
December 28, 1983
USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the DK, The ratification of the above-mentioned International Convention by the so-called ‘Govt. of DK' .is completely unlawful and had no legal force. [9464]
December 29, 1983
Byelorussian registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the DK. [9464]
1984
Haing Ngor won an Oscar-award for Best Supporting Actor in The Killing Fields.
January 7, 1984
PRK Pres. Heng Samrin told foreign journalists that he welcomed Kampuchean peace initiatives but rejected idea of ASEAN peacekeeping force.  Meanwhile, FM Hun Sen, at press conference, rejected any sort of reconciliation with Prince Sihanouk or Son Sann; and said there were 61,000 ethnic Chinese living in Kampuchea and 56,000 Vietnamese compared to 500,000 Vietnamese before 1975.
January 9, 1984
CGDK issued statement listing four instances of Vietnamese use of chemical weapons in Kampuchea, which killed seven people.
January 15, 1984
Prince Sihanouk arrived in Beijing from Pyongyang told journalists that he was prepared to talk with Soviet officials about Kampuchean problem.
January 17, 1984
Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [9464]
January 20, 1984
Prince Sihanouk arrived in Bangkok from Beijing; he was received by his Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan, PM Son Sann, Thai FM Siddhi Savetsila, ASEAN Ambassadors to Thailand, China, Pakistan, Brunei and North Korea. Speaking to reporters, the Prince said he was ready to pay visits to all the liberated zones inside Kampuchea under the control of the different movement, and that there are no differences, no disputes among the three patriotic movements.  (FAB #3-4)
January 22, 1984
Prince Sihanouk met with Thai FM Siddhi Savetsila and senior officials of the Thai Foreign Ministry. (FAB #3-4) Australian FM Hayden told journalists that FUNCINPEC and KPNLF would be allowed to open an office in Australia but would have neither diplomatic nor official status nor allowed to advocate violence.
January 23, 1984
Prince Sihanouk met and held meeting with his FUNCINPEC/ANS military leaders, cadres and oversea representatives.  [Press Release] (FAB #3-4)
January 24, 1984
CGDK held its Council of Ministers meeting inside Kampuchea presided by Prince Sihanouk, attending by VP Khieu Samphan, PM Son Sann, Prince Ranariddh and the ministers of the coalition govt.  (FAB #3-4)
January 25, 1984
Ethiopia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, The Provisional Military Govt. of Socialist Ethiopia should like to reiterate that the Govt. of the PRK is the sole legitimate representative of the People of Kampuchea and such is alone has the authority to act on behalf of Kampuchea. [9464]
January 26, 1984
Prince Sihanouk visited Phnom Malai, Khmer Rouge controlled area, to receive credentials of ambassadors of Yugoslavia and Egypt. Belgium joined Australia in urging Vietnam to refrain from mounting any dry season military sweep against guerilla-forces in Kampuchea. (FAB #3-4)
January 27, 1984
PRK and USSR signed transportation cooperation memorandum under which the Soviet would provide goods shipping by sea to Kampuchea. PRK Agriculture Minister Kong Samol and Vietnamese Minister of Marine Products signed 1984 fisheries cooperation agreement in Phnom Penh. Prince Sihanouk held talks at Laem Taem guesthouse with the Ambassadors of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and a senior Singaporean Embassy official.  (FAB #3-4)
January 28, 1984
PRK FM Hun Sen departed Phnom Penh for Vientiane to attend the 8th Indochinese foreign ministers conference.
January 29, 1984
Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique visited KPNLF's camp of Banteay Ampil, receiving by CGDK PM/KPNLF Pres. Son Sann.  (FAB #3-4) Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [9464]
January 30, 1984
Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique visited the FUNCINPEC/ANS camp of Tatum (Green Hill). (FAB #3-4)
February 1, 1984
Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique were granted an audience with King and Queen of Thailand at Phu Phing Palace in Chiang Mai. (FAB #3-4)
February 2, 1984
Belgian FM Leo Tindemans told news reporters in Jakarta that his country totally supports Kampuchean resistance movement and ASEAN's position on Kampuchean issue. Prince Sihanouk accompanied by Prince Ranariddh called on Thai PM Prem Tinsulanonda, discussing the Kampuchean situation.  Prince Sihanouk also told Thai PM that Vietnamese were changing the frontier maps to reflect the annexation of a piece of Kampuchean territory known as the Parrot's Beak. (FAB #3-4)
February 5, 1984
Soviet deputy FM Mikhail Kapitsa arrived in Phnom Penh for a 4-days visit.  He met with Pres. Heng Samrin, PM Chan Sy and FM Hun Sen. CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Kuala Lumpur to begin a 10-days visit to Malaysia. (FAB #3-4)
February 6, 1984
Prince Sihanouk met and discussed Kampuchean problem with Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohammed.  Earlier, Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique were received in audience by the Malaysian King and Queen. (FAB #3-4)
February 9, 1984
ANS Commander Lt. Gen. Pak Meenakanit told reporters that 18 of his troops suffered from gas attack.  He said the yellow gas, contained in mortar shells and fired from grenade launchers, caused the soldiers to faint, have difficulties in breathing and hamper their vision. (FAB #3-4)
February 11, 1984
KPRP General Secretary Heng Samrin departed Phnom Penh for Moscow, leading delegate to attend funeral of CPSU Secretary General Yuri Andropov.
February 14, 1984
CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Singapore to begin a 6-days visit. (FAB #3-4)
February 15, 1984
CGDK delegation held talks with Singaporean FM S. Dhanabalan, discussing recent diplomatic and military activities of the Kampuchean resistance. (FAB #3-4)
February 18, 1984
Ceremonies were held in Phnom Penh marking fifth anniversary of signing of Kampuchea-Vietnam Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation.
February 20, 1984
PRK and Vietnam signed in Phnom Penh a 1984 Protocol of Educational Cooperation, in which Vietnam was to help compile and publish teaching materials and provide study grants to Kampuchean students. CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Jakarta to begin a 2-weeks visit to Indonesia. (FAB #3-4)
February 21, 1984
Prince Sihanouk met with Indonesian Pres. Soharto, who assured the Prince of Indonesia continue support of the CGDK. (FAB #3-4)
February 26, 1984
PRK and GDR (East German) signed a public health cooperation plan for 1984-86, in which GDR would assist Kampuchea in health care training and administrative practices.
February 29, 1984
The Govt. of Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, The Govt. of the SRV considers that only the Govt. of the PRK, which is the sole genuine and legitimate representative of the Kampuchean people, is empowered to act in their behalf to sign, ratify or accede to international conventions.
March 4, 1984
An Italian embassy official in Bangkok told news reporters that his govt. had approved $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Kampuchean resistance forces of Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann.  He added the aid would be extended through UN Border Relief Organization.
March 5, 1984
Vietnamese army newspaper (Nhan Dan) accused Singapore of arming the Kampuchean resistance and of maintaining tension in Southeast Asia. (FAB #3-4)
March 6, 1984
National Mekong Committee of three Indochinese countries opened 7th conference in Phnom Penh.  Delegations were headed by Kong Samol - Kampuchea Agriculture Minister, Dinh Gia Khanh - Vietnam Deputy Minister of Water Conservancy, and Somphavan Inthavon - Loas Vice-Chairman of Planning Committee.  The conference called for Kampuchea to be legitimate member of International Mekong Committee if there was to be effective exploitation of lower Mekong. CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Manila to begin a weeklong visit to the Philippines. (FAB #3-4)
March 9, 1984
CGDK PM Son Sann arrived in Singapore for a 6-days visit, telling news reporters that he was optimistic about Kampuchea's future since now it is not a question of whether Vietnamese troops will leave, but when.
March 12, 1984
The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [9464]
March 20, 1984
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk returned to Phnom Malai to accept credentials of Malaysian ambassador Datuk Ismail bin Mohamed. (FAB #3-4)
March 21, 1984
Japanese FM Shintaro Abe said Prince Sihanouk would make a weeklong visit to Japan starting May 30 at the invitation of Japanese govt.  This would be Prince Sihanouk's first trip to Japan since an unofficial visit in 1961. (FAB #3-4)
March 22, 1984
Thai Army Supreme Command spokesman said there were strong indications that Vietnamese troops in Kampuchea plan to use chemical warfare to wipe out resistance force.
April 6, 1984
UN Special envoy in charge of humanitarian aid to Kampuchea, Tatsuro Kunugi, left Phnom Penh after 8-days visit.
April 8, 1984
PRK FM Hun Sen stopped in Moscow en-route home from African tour.
April 13, 1984
PRK Deputy FM Kong Korm told visiting Swedish journalist that both Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann can return to Kampuchea, even run for office in an election it they accept the present Constitution.  He also added that major condition for Prince Sihanouk's return was that he breaks with Khmer Rouge.
April 18, 1984
PRK Foreign Ministry issued a 3-points statement regarding refugees in Thai-Kampuchean border area, charging that the refugees were furthering Chinese aims, that Thailand's dealing with them violate international law, and that PRK was willing to hold either direct or indirect talks with Thailand on the problem.
April 26, 1984
German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, The GDR does not recognize the so-called CGDK and therefore regards its instrument of ratification concerning the Convention as being without legal force.  The only legitimate representative of the people of Kampuchea is the Govt. of the PRK. [9464]
May 8, 1984
Fourteen Thai captured during combat along Thai-Kampuchean border were presented at press conference in Phnom Penh by KPRAF Deputy Chief of Staff Tea Banh.
May 15, 1984
The Govt. of the French Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, The Govt. of the French Republic, which does not recognize the CGDK, declares that the instrument of DK of the International Convention is without effect. [9464]
May 20, 1984
A national Day of Hate was proclaimed by the PRK to mark start of Pol Pot genocide on May 20, 1975.  Ceremonies and observances were ordered nationwide.
May 31, 1984
Prince Sihanouk told Japanese PM Nakasone that he was ready to head a 4-way coalition interim govt., which could stage elections to name permanent govt.  The only condition was that PRK stop acting as a spokesman for Hanoi.  Prince Sihanouk also asked Japan to name an ambassador to CGDK.
June 1, 1984
The first Indochina Foreign Trade conference convened in Phnom Penh.  Delegations were headed by ministers of trade: Tang Saroem of Kampuchea, Le Khac of Vietnam and Vanthong Sengmuang of Loas.
June 7, 1984
The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [9464]
June 14, 1984
Japan and Thailand, at working level consultations in Bangkok, agreed to promote effort to bring about comprehensive solution to Kampuchea problem.  Japanese Deputy FM Toshijiro Nakajima pledged his country's full backing for ASEAN position supporting CGDK.
June 24, 1984
Ceremonies were held for some 3,000 Vietnamese troops departing Kampuchea for home; the troops was part of 10,000 Hanoi said will leave during 1984.
July 2, 1984
The 2nd Kampuchean Monks Congress convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session presided by National Assembly Chairman Chea Sim.
July 11, 1984
Prince Sihanouk told newsmen his position on settlement of the Kampuchean problem was through an all-party international conference.  He implied this had Beijing's endorsement.
July 16, 1984
A high-level PRK delegation, headed by PM Chan Sy, departed Phnom Penh on tour of socialist countries in search of economic aid. CGDK PM Son Sann said, in an interview, that China was CGDK's sole arms supplier only because France and other countries would not supply military hardware to his resistance group.
July 26, 1984
PRK and Bulgaria signed an agreement concerning a non-reimbursable assistance granted to Kampuchea in the fields of education, culture and sport for the period 1985-90. [Agreement in English French Khmer] PRK FM Hun Sen told an interviewer that Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann could plan a political role in Cambodia if they agree to return and to recognize the new constitution.  But he ruled out their inclusion in a coalition govt.
August 1, 1984
The 9th Plenum of the KPRP convened in Phnom Penh for a 4-days session under the chairmanship of Party Secretary General Heng Samrin.  Six resolutions were adopted dealing with economic, social and foreign affairs.  The Plenum also issued a directive called Guideline for the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, setting forth an ambitious domestic propaganda campaign to be implemented by the National Assembly. KPNLF launched a campaign called Sponsor-a-Guerrilla Program, in which individuals abroad were solicited for a donation of $40 to provide basic personal equipment for one resistance fighter such as uniform, hammock, knapsack, etc.  Literature stressed money would not be used for weapons purchase. Prince Sihanouk and Egypt issued joint communiqué in Cairo at the end of Prince Sihanouk's 5-days visit.  It was a strong endorsement of Kampuchea resistance cause but contains no indication that Egypt will supply weapons to the CGDK as rumor.
August 3, 1984
Australian PM Bill Hayden left Bangkok after 4-days of discussions with Thai officials, chiefly about Kampuchea.  He told a press conference Australia had no plans to resume economic aid to Vietnam, stressed the importance of ASEAN unity and said Hanoi had not answered his suggestion for an international conference on Kampuchea in Canberra. AFP reported two former high-ranking officials of DK had defected.  They were Thiounn Thioum, former Economy and Finance Minister and Keat Chhun, former official in Prime Minister's office with ministerial rank.
August 4, 1984
CGDK Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan arrived in Mexico City for UN conference on population.  He met with ASEAN diplomats during the stay.
August 8, 1984
Prince Sihanouk met with French Pres. Francois Mitterand for 45 minutes in Paris.  Following the meeting, the two announced that they would meet twice a year of discuss Kampuchea matters.
August 14, 1984
Prince Sihanouk at press conference in Oslo, Norway, called for creation of coalition govt. in Kampuchea to include supporters of the PRK.
September 8, 1984
Chairman of the International Conference on Kampuchea, former Austrian FM Willibald Pahr, told news conference in Bangkok that Hanoi in four years had settled some 500,000 Vietnamese in Kampuchea, in addition to the 180,000 PAVN.  Kampuchea population was estimated between six to seven millions.
September 12, 1984
Willibald Pahr, chairman of the International Commission of Kampuchea, proposed to demilitarized Angkor area.  Phnom Penh rejected the idea citing it would be used as sanctuary by the resistance, ASEAN said the idea should be explored but noncommittal; Hanoi and CGDK made no comment.
September 23, 1984
Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann met with US Pres. Reagan in New York, following President's address to UN General Assembly.  A spokesman said Reagan restated US policy on Kampuchea: a political settlement that includes withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea.
September 28, 1984
Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann arrived in Beijing for meetings with Chinese officials and to attend the PRC 35th anniversary.
October 11, 1984
PRK Information and Culture Minister Chheng Phon rejected proposal by Willibald Pahr, chairman of the International Conference on Kampuchea, to demilitarize Angkor area.  CGDK accepted the proposal.
October 15, 1984
PRK and USSR signed in Moscow a protocol on exchange of ratification instruments for consular agreement.
October 17, 1984
UN General Assembly adopted without vote the recommendation of its Credentials Committee to seat CGDK. PRK Education Minister Pen Novouth sent telegram to UN-sponsored conference on education in Geneva, protesting presence of CGDK delegation.
October 19, 1984
PRK and Hungary signed in Budapest a Protocol on 1985 goods exchange, in which Kampuchea would trade agricultural products for Hungarian chemicals, electric equipment and fabrics.
October 22, 1984
Hungarian Industry Ministry delegation arrived in Phnom Penh for a visit. Delegation of Philippine women departed Phnom Penh after 5-days visit.
October 29, 1984
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk delivered speech to UN General Assembly denouncing Vietnam invasion and occupation of Kampuchea.
October 30, 1984
The UN General Assembly again voted in favor of a resolution A/RES/39/5 calling for a withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Cambodia. The votes were 110 to 22 with 18 abstentions.
November 1, 1984
PRK Pres. Heng Samrin and FM Hun Sen left Phnom Penh for New Delhi to attend Indira Gandhi funeral.
November 22, 1984
Prince Ranariddh, ANS commander, attended opening of FUNCINPEC office in Canberra and held talks with Australian foreign minister officials.  He calls for both China and Vietnam to allow Kampuchea to become neutral.
December 12, 1984
New York based Lawyer Committee for International Human Rights charged that the Phnom Penh govt. routinely tortured political prisoners and said Vietnamese govt. officials were involved in the arrest and torture of Cambodians.
December 24, 1984
The US Congressional delegation headed by Rep. Stephen Solarz arrived in Phnom Penh for talks.  The delegation met with PRK FM Hun Sen.
December 25, 1984
The Vietnamese forces occupying Cambodia launched an offensive against rebel strongholds along the Cambodian-Thai border. The attack began at dawn with tank and artillery fires. The following day Vietnamese troops overran Rithisen, KPNLF's largest camp, forcing thousands of its inhabitants to flee into Thailand.
December 31, 1984
Radio Phnom Penh announced the death of the PRK PM Chan Sy.  The Premier, who was appointed to the premier post in February 1982, died in Moscow, USSR.  He was there for medical treatment.  He was believed to have died some days before the announcement.
January 3, 1985
Vietnam's ambassador to the UN said his country intended to conduct war against Cambodian resistance year-round, not just in the dry season as in the past years.
January 6, 1985
Vietnamese forces captured the Khmer Rouge's camps of Nam Yun and Chong Bok.
January 7, 1985
KPNLF headquarters captured. A 4000-strong Vietnamese force backed by tanks and artilleries began their attack on January 7 and overran Ampil camp, the following day forcing 4000-5000 of its defenders to flee into Thailand.
January 9, 1985
US issue a Directive 158 concerning its policy toward Southeast Asia (The Kampuchea Problem).
January 10, 1985
Thailand and Vietnam agreed to establish a demilitarized zone along part of Cambodia-Thai border to avoid further clashes between the two forces. Vietnamese forces occupying Cambodia frequently cross into Thailand in pursuit of Cambodian rebels.
January 11, 1985
After losing a series of bases along Cambodia-Thai border, Son Sann, leader of KPNLF, said at a news conference that his forces would turn to hit-and-run guerrilla tactics against the Vietnamese because they were not strong enough to fight a conventional war.
January 14, 1985
The 8th PRK National Assembly end its 4-days session in Phnom Penh.  Hun Sen is formally elected prime minister.
January 21, 1985
Soviet Party delegation led by Ivan Kovalenko, deputy head of International Department of USSR Party Central Committee, left Phnom Penh after 7-days visit.  The delegation met with Premier Hun Sen and Yos Por, head of PRK-USSR Friendship Association.
January 23, 1985
China warned that it would teach Vietnam a second lesson if it continue the fighting in Cambodia. Speaking at a news conference in Bangkok, Chinese FM Wu Xuequian said China would not stand by and permits Vietnam to continue provoking Thailand.
January 31, 1985
PRK and French Red Cross associations signed a cooperation agreement on restoration of Anti-tuberculosis Institute, in which the French would help construct a new 90-bed building for the institute and send laboratory equipment and medical workers.
February 3, 1985
CGDK held its fifth cabinet meeting under chairmanship of Prince Sihanouk with Son Sann and Khieu Samphan also participated.  The meeting was held at the Khmer Rouge's stronghold of Phnom Malai.
February 6, 1985
Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand asked the Soviet Union to stop supporting Vietnamese forces occupying Cambodia.
February 9, 1985
Prince Sihanouk received the credentials of ambassadors from Senegal, North Korea, Bangladesh and Mauritania in Phnom Malai.
February 11, 1985
ASEAN foreign ministers, meeting in Bangkok, appealed to international community for military aid for the Cambodian resistance. It was the first time that the organization had collectively appeal for such aid for all three resistances groups in the CGDK. Prince Sihanouk disclosed that the Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had assured him China would invade Vietnam if the CGDK face military defeat.
February 12, 1985
Vietnamese force captured a series of Khmer Rouge bases along Cambodia-Thai border in a large Vietnamese offensive to push out rebels off Cambodia territory. The base at Phnom Malai was seized on February 12, Khao Din on February 14 and Phum Thmei, which had served as the capital for the coalition government, the following day.
February 19, 1985
Thailand filed a protest with the UN accuse Vietnam of using poison gas against Cambodian resistance forces and charged that four rockets containing phosgene gas and hydrogen cyanide had landed on Thai territory.
February 26, 1985
Prince Sihanouk proposed an international conference on Cambodia, which he hoped would lead to the eventual formation of a democratic government of national conciliation. The Prince made his propose while he was in Australia for talks with Australian FM Bill Hayden.
March 5, 1985
Vietnamese forces launched an offensive against the last major resistance base, Tatum that was headquarters of guerrillas loyal to Prince Sihanouk, and captured it a week later. By capturing Tatum, Vietnamese forces occupying Cambodia completed their sweeping of Cambodian resistance bases along the border with Thailand.
March 6, 1985
China rejected Prince Sihanouk's proposal for an international conference on Cambodia without precondition, and reiterated its position that Vietnam must withdraw from Cambodia before any talks could be held.
March 8, 1985
Vietnam agreed to an international conference on Cambodia, which was proposed by Prince Sihanouk on February 26, but on condition that the Khmer Rouge must be excluded.
March 9, 1985
Phnom Penh news agency SPK announced the reshuffling of cabinet: Finance Minister Chan Phin was named to serve concurrently as minister for local and foreign trade, while the departing Minister Tang Saroem would head the Ministry for Economic and Cultural Cooperation with Foreign Countries; Ma Sabun was named to head the Ministry for Social Action and Invalids; Deputy Defense Minister Tea Banh became minister of Communications, Transport and Posts, replacing Khun Chhy who was named designate minister attached to the offices of the Council of Ministers.
March 12, 1985
Chinese President Li Xiannian, on his visit to Thailand, pledged to continue support for the CGDK in struggling against the Vietnamese's occupation of Cambodia. PRK PM Hun Sen outlines six requirement for Kampuchean settlement: (1) Elimination of Pol Pot forces by political and military fields; (2) withdrawal of Vietnamese troops after Pol Pot is eliminated; (3) free and supervised elections can be held immediately if certain individuals and groups join PRK against Pol Pot gang; (4) creation of peaceful coexistence and stability among SE Asian countries with different social and political regimes; (5) cessation of all interference by countries outside the region; and (6) creation of international guarantees and supervision of above agreements.
March 20, 1985
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Asian and Pacific affairs voted to provide aid to two non-communist Cambodian rebels led by Prince Sihanouk and former PM Son Sann. The fund of $5 million, which channel through Thailand, could be used for military purchases.
March 28, 1985
PRK Ministry of Defense and Vietnam announced a partial withdrawal of some of 15,000 Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea beginning early April.
April 3, 1985
CGDK announced in Bangkok it had decided to form a joint permanent body to improve coordination among the three resistance groups.
April 23, 1985
PRK announced a bounty program for defectors from the resistance groups.  The payment for individual was 200-1000 Riels, documents 500-1000 Riels, weapons 200-1000 Riels. Prince Sihanouk, who was in Pyongyang, said he had decided to resign as president of the CGDK, citing poor health.
April 24, 1985
The UN special envoy in charge of coordination humanitarian aid to Kampuchea departed Phnom Penh after 6-days visit to assess the country food situation.
May 2, 1985
Japan appointed Shintaro Yamashita, official in the Japanese embassy to Bangkok, as charge d'affairs ad interim for CGDK.  Cambodian resistance had urged Japan to name an ambassador to its government.
May 6, 1985
PRK delegation led by Bou Thang departed Phnom Penh for Moscow to attend the 40th anniversary of the defeat of Germany in World War II.  The day was also celebrated in Phnom Penh.
May 15, 1985
US Sen. Murkowski introduces S.AMDT.123; Sen. Dole introduces S.AMDT.143
May 19, 1985
A USSR military delegation headed by Lt. Gen. V.S. Nechayev arrived in Phnom Penh for a visit.
May 21, 1985
Sierra Leone granted diplomatic recognition to the CGDK.
May 30, 1985
UN Economic and Social Council passed a draft resolution on violation of human rights in Kampuchea and other countries.  Vietnam UN Ambassador Le Kim Chung denounced the vote as a gross interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country.
June 1, 1985
A Vietnam Party-State delegation headed by Truong Chinh arrived in Phnom Penh for a 5-days goodwill visit.
June 27, 1985
A CGDK official, Gen. Dien Del, announced plan for the creation of a single command for the ANS and KPNLAF, which had a combined force of about 25,000.
July 1, 1985
The second annual Indochina Planning Conference opened in Phnom Penh to work out a Five Year Plan (1986-90).  Kampuchea represented by Chea Soth, Vietnam by Vo Van Kiet and Laos by Sali Vongkhamsao.
July 3, 1985
Prince Sihanouk, in Beijing, expressed strong support for the Thai's proposal of indirect talks to settle Kampuchea problem.  He said the proposal was similar to the formula used with the Viet Minh at the 1954 Geneva Conference.
July 8, 1985
ASEAN, at its 18th ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur, issued a joint statement reaffirm its 4-pionts position for settling Kampuchea problem: (1) withdrawal of foreign forces from Kampuchea; (2) establish a UN supervisor and control commission; (3) national reconciliation base on self-determination; and (4) UN supervised elections. U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz met with top CGDK leaders in Bangkok and condemned Vietnamese occupation of Kampuchea.  Present at the meeting were Prince Ranariddh, representing Prince Sihanouk; Gen. Sak Sutsakhan, KPNLAF Commander-in-Chief; and Dr. Abdul Gaffar, a senior KPNLF official.
July 9, 1985
The U.S. House of Representatives, in vote of 288-122, approved amendment authorizing $10 million for FY 1986 and 1987 for military and economic aid to the non-communist resistance in Kampuchea.
July 12, 1985
Japan proposed peace for Cambodia. At a ministerial meeting of ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia, Japanese FM Shintaro Abe announced his country's three-point peace plan for Cambodia: 1-Japan would support peacekeeping forces in the area after a phased Vietnamese withdrawal. 2-Democratic nations would dispatch personnel to supervise elections in an independent Cambodia. 3-Japan would provide economic cooperation and technical assistance for reconstruction in the Indochinese countries.
July 18, 1985
CGDK official Ieng Thirith and delegation arrived in Nairobi to attend Conference on UN Decade for Women.  PRK FM Hun Sen sent message to UN Secretary General Perez de Cuellar protesting the presence of CGDK delegation. Vietnam Ambassador to Thailand Tran Quan Co dismissed idea of a direct of indirect meeting between Vietnamese and Prince Sihanouk.
August 1, 1985
Malaysian Deputy FM abdul Kadir Shiekh said the Soviet Union ruled out any direct role for itself in settlement of the Kampuchean problem.
August 3, 1985
Prince Ranariddh told journalists he had just spent four days in the resistance held area and was encouraged by the spirit even though medical and other services in the pro-Sihanouk villages were very poor.
August 16, 1985
The 11th Indochinese Foreign Ministers Conference ended its 2-days session in Phnom Penh.  On Kampuchea issue, the ministers said they find acceptable to the idea of Hanoi and Jakarta acting as respective interlocutors to get negotiations started.
August 20, 1985
Prince Sihanouk said he would not meet with Heng Samrin or anyone from the PRK to discuss peace in Kampuchea, and Son Sann also rejected face-to-face talks with Hun Sen.  Both said they must deal with the Vietnamese if a meaningful political settlement was to be reached.
August 24, 1985
Gen. Sak Sutsakhan, KPNLAF Commander-in-Chief, was named commander-in-chief of the newly formed Joint Military Command with Gen. Teap Ben of the National Sihanoukist Army (NSA), as his deputy.  Gen. Toan Chay (NSA) was named JMC Chief of Staff with Dr. Abdul Gaffar (KPNLF) as his deputy. Khmer Rouge issued an announcement saying, (1) National Army of Democratic Kampuchea High Military Committee was abolished; (2) Defense chief Son Sen had been named chairman of the High Command of the NADK; and (3) Pol Pot had retired from his military duties, and he was taking a position of Chairman of the High Institute for National Defense, a research and development organ.
August 28, 1985
Prince Sihanouk chaired the CGDK Council of Ministers meeting in Kampuchea; and received the credentials of new envoys from China and Bangladesh.
September 23, 1985
PRK Council of State decreed compulsory military service in Kampuchea.  Five years of service was required for all males between 18 and 30 years of age.
October 5, 1985
PRK launched an ambitious effort to expand and develop the Kampuchean People's Army, political commissar Cheang Am told an interviewer.  The officer corps would be drawn from the remaining Issarak army.
October 10, 1985
Phnom Penh's new shopping center (former central market) officially opened, offering food, art objects, household articles, and other consumer goods.
October 13, 1985
The fifth congress of the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP) was held in Phnom Penh with 250 delegates representing 7,500 Party members in 22 regional branches, and also representatives and observers from about 15 socialist countries and foreign communist parties. Heng Samrin was re-elected as party general secretary.
October 17, 1985
PRACHEACHON, KPRP official newspaper, began its publication in Phnom Penh, editing by Mme. Som Kimsuor - a Party Central Committee member.
October 18, 1985
Lon Nol, the former president of the Khmer Republic, died in a Fullerton, Calif., hospital at age 72.  He had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 1971.
November 5, 1985
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/40/7, by vote of 114-21 with 16 abstentions, calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Cambodia.
November 6, 1985
Vietnamese forces were reported move a large number of troops toward Thai-Kampuchean border in anticipation of the start of another dry season offensive against resistance forces.
November 10, 1985
Italian PM Bettino Craxi assured Prince Sihanouk, on tour in Europe, that his government would continue to support the CGDK as the sole legal government of Kampuchea.
November 15, 1985
PRK State Council named Tep Hen as new ambassador to Vietnam and Sok An as ambassador to India. CGDK VP Khieu Samphan, in an interview upon his return from UNGA meeting in New York, predicted heavy Vietnamese dry season offensive against resistance forces.
December 7, 1985
CGDK top leaderships, Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann, arrived in Beijing for a 4-days official consultations with Chinese officials, including Deng Xiaoping.
December 27, 1985
Son Sann, CGDK prime minister and KPNLF president, said the factional dispute within the coalition government would be resolved very soon.  Intensive maneuvering and political infighting within the resistance organization had embroiled for sometimes, with which much of it was blamed on Son Sann. PRK and Vietnam signed a treaty on principles for settling border problems between the two countries.  NA Chairman Chea Sim signed for Kampuchea and FM Nguyen Co Thach for Vietnam.
December 28, 1985
CGDK issued a statement denouncing the border treaty concluded by the PRK and Vietnam, saying the agreement in fact abolishes the border between Kampuchea and Vietnam and that it was signed by the PRK under duress.
January 2, 1986
The Khmer Rouge radio reported Pol Pot as saying that he would withdraw from all military and political activities if Vietnamese troops were withdrawn from Kampuchea.
January 13, 1986
U.S. authorized $3.5 million in non-lethal aid for two non-communist resistance forces, KPNLF and FUNCINPEC. PRK and USSR signed in Phnom Penh a protocol on economic aid and trade cooperation for 1986-90.
January 29, 1986
CGDK ambassador to the UN Ngo Hac Team, in a new conference in Geneva, claimed that Vietnam had sent 700,000 of its citizen to settle in Kampuchea, and the newcomers were moving into the best areas of the country.
February 3, 1986
Phnom Penh observed 56th anniversary of Indochinese Communist Party and 7th anniversary of Kampuchea-Vietnam Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation.
February 21, 1986
PRK President Heng Samrin departed Phnom Penh for Moscow to attend the 27th CPSU Congress and meet with CPSU Gen. Sec. Mikhail Gorbachev.
March 5, 1986
CGDK Minister of Health Thiounn Thoeun issued a statement charging Vietnamese forces of employing chemical warfare in Kampuchea.
March 10, 1986
UN Human Rights Commission, at its 42nd session, adopted resolution calling for withdrawal of foreign forces from Kampuchea.
March 17, 1986
CGDK, at a conference in Beijing, on March 17 issued an eight-point peace proposal calling for: (1) CGDK and Vietnam negotiate two-phase withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea; (2) cease-fire during the withdrawal; (3) withdrawal must be supervised by UN observers; (4) CGDK and PRK to set up a coalition government with Prince Sihanouk as President and Son Sann as prime minister, and full political rights being extended to all Kampucheans; (5) free elections under UN supervision; (6) Kampuchea's sovereignty and neutrality to be guaranteed by UN for two-three years. Government to be neutral, non-aligned, with no foreign troops present; (7) reconstruction aid to be accepted from all nations; (8) Kampuchea and Vietnam to sign non-aggression, peaceful coexistence treaty.  On March 19, Vietnam rejected the proposal calling it unjust and hostile.
March 18, 1986
PRK Council of State announced several high level reassignments and appointments: former Interior Minister Khang Sarin was appointed president of People's Supreme Court; former Deputy Minister of Education Chan Min to be chief judge of PSC; Deputy Minister of Interior Ney Pena was promoted to Minister of Interior; First Deputy Minister of Finance Chhay Than was promoted to minister; Central Committee member Say Chhum became Minister of Agriculture; and former Agriculture Minister Kong Sam Ol to became cabinet member in charge of agriculture and rubber plantation.
April 7, 1986
Prince Sihanouk and Prince Monique left Beijing for Pyongyang. (FAB #3)
April 10, 1986
Prince Sihanouk met with North Korean President Kim Il Sung, who assured the Korea's full support of the Prince's 8 Point Peace Proposal. (FAB #3)
April 29, 1986
ASEAN ministers endorsed the peace plan proposed on March 17 by the CGDK, calling it a reasonable attempt to find a just and durable solution to the war in Cambodia.
July 1, 1986
Prince Sihanouk left Pyongyang for Beijing to begin his latest diplomatic rounds.
July 7, 1986
Indian charge d'affairs in Phnom Penh said his government had signed an agreement to help restore Angkor Wat, which would began in October.
July 10, 1986
The new DK ambassador to Pakistan, Chan Youran, presented his credentials to President Mohammed Ziaul Haq. PRK announced the death of Le Duan and declared a 5-days mourning.  President Heng Samrin would lead a delegation to Duan's funeral on July 13.  In Beijing, Prince Sihanouk expressed condolences on Duan's death but said it would not bring any change in Vietnam's policy toward Kampuchea.
July 11, 1986
European Parliament adopted a resolution supporting CGDK 8-points peace proposal and condemned human rights violations in Kampuchea.
July 16, 1986
The Third Plenum of the fifth KPRP Central Committee Congress concluded its 7-days session in Phnom Penh.
July 22, 1986
ASEAN countries launched their annual campaign for UN support for their position on Kampuchea, with special delegations visited Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
July 24, 1986
CGDK Vice-President Khieu Samphan ended a 7-days visit to Zambia.
July 30, 1986
PRK Minister of Agriculture Kong Sam Ol made an urgent appeal for aid to alleviate food shortages cause by a 6-week long food. A Nicaraguan delegation led by Henry Ruiz concluded a 2-days friendship visit to Phnom Penh.  The delegation met with Heng Samrin and Say Phuthang.
August 2, 1986
Prince Sihanouk arrived in Singapore for meeting with FM Dhanabalan and other officials.  Dhanabalan proposed additions to the CGDK 8-point proposal, in which all fighting forces must be disarmed and peacekeeping forces be stationed in Kampuchea after Vietnamese withdrawal.
August 5, 1986
Prince Sihanouk said China supports plan to reduce Khmer Rouge forces to the size of ANS and KPNLF forces.
August 8, 1986
Indonesia FM Mokhatar Kusumaatmaja endorsed Australia FM Bill Hayden's proposal to put Pol Pot on trial.
August 16, 1986
Prince Sihanouk addressed Foreign Correspondents Club in Bangkok, expressing pessimism on possibilities for a negotiated settlement or that next generation of Vietnamese leaders would be more reasonable about Kampuchea.
August 19, 1986
PRK National Assembly delegation led by Chairman Chea Sim arrived in Moscow for a friendship visit. Prince Sihanouk arrived in Jakarta for a 4-days visit.
August 27, 1986
Prince Sihanouk, in Bangkok, told news reporters Khmer Rouge earlier in the month attached an ANS-controlled village in Siem Reap province, killing 2 villagers, 2 ANS and 5 KPNLF soldiers and evacuated the entire village. The PRK Education Ministry concluded a 5-days conference at Kampuchean-Soviet Friendship Institute of Technology at which three documents were studied: vocational training in general education; ideology, politics and revolutionary ethics training; and education management at the provincial and municipal level.
September 6, 1986
Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann arrived in Beijing for high level CGDK meeting.
September 17, 1986
Hun Sen sent message to UN reiterating his government opposition to CGDK 8-points proposal, calling for international trial of Polpotists and unseating the CGDK delegation. KUFNCD National Council issued directive on Phchum Ben and Kathen festivals, urging they be occasions to remember victims of Pol Pot.
September 26, 1986
Delegates from news agencies in 14 socialist countries arrived in Phnom Penh on tour.  They were received by PM Hun Sen and visited the Tuol Sleng museum and Angkor Wat. Thai Supreme Command Information Office said the situation along the Thai-Kampuchea border had become more violent, and claimed that more than half million land-mines were being planted by the PRK and Vietnamese troops.
October 3, 1986
PRK President Heng Samrin met with Andrei Gromyko in Moscow to discuss foreign policy and Soviet economic development assistance to the PRK.
October 21, 1986
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/41/6, by vote of 116-21 with 13 abstentions, calling for a withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Cambodia.
November 2, 1986
ASEAN sent Canberra an official letter expressing its dissatisfaction over the opening of an Australian office in Phnom Penh to oversee Australian humanitarian aid to Kampuchea.
November 4, 1986
PRK and USSR signed a two-year agreement, in which USSR would help develop the PRK's institutions of education, publishing, television and radio broadcasting, information dissemination, and culture.
November 8, 1986
PRK PM Hun Sen said the CGDK still caused real difficulties for the Phnom Penh regime but no longer threatens its existence, and that he hoped but not expect any political settlement to Kampuchea conflict in the near future.
November 11, 1986
Khmer Rouge and ANS announced plans to launch their first joint military operation inside Kampuchea.  Prince Sisowath Sirirath said the agreement was reached between Prince Sihanouk and Khieu Samphan during their stay in New York.
November 27, 1986
PRK PM Hun Sen told journalist in Moscow that his government position on the settlement of Kampuchea conflict remains unchanged; it should be pursued in negotiations between the Indochinese and ASEAN states.
December 3, 1986
UN announced the closing of its special office to coordinate Kampuchea humanitarian aid, citing the lack of fund.
December 10, 1986
Phnom Penh radio announced a major PRK cabinet reshuffle, saying as of December 3 Premier Hun Sen had been stripped of his positions as foreign minister and chairman of the party's foreign affairs commission, and two ministers had been dropped from the cabinet. The two ministers were Defense Minister Bou Thang and Planning Minister Chea Soth. Both were also deputy prime minister. Bou Thang was replaced as defense minister by his deputy, Koy Buntha, who was also the army chief of staff. Chea Soth was replaced by Chea Chanto, a former deputy director of the national bank and foreign trade bank. Deputy FM Kong Korm would take over Hun Sen's post as foreign minister, and Yos Son was named the new chairman of the KPRP Central Committee's foreign relations panel.
December 16, 1986
PRK President Heng Samrin met with a top Kremlin official, Yegor Ligachov, in Hanoi where the two were attending the CPV Sixth Congress.
January 12, 1987
CGDK President Prince Sihanouk met with Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu in Bucharest where Prince Sihanouk made a week-long visit.
January 22, 1987
Heng Samrin told a Cuban journalist that the PRK ready to establish a demilitarized zone along the Thai-Kampuchean border under international supervision and control but Thailand consistently had rejected the idea.
January 28, 1987
An East German delegation arrived in Phnom Penh for an official visit; the delegation signed a number of documents with the PRK. Soviet Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting delegation concluded a 9-days visit with signing of a cooperation protocol with its PRK counterpart in Phnom Penh.
January 30, 1987
ASEAN protested the invitation of PRK to participate in a UNESCO congress by the UNESCO Commission for Geologic Map of the World due to be held February 9-13 in Paris.  ASEAN representatives to UNESCO met with the CGMW Sec. Gen., who apologized for the error and said CGMW would not invite the PRK to the coming or future meeting.
February 3, 1987
USSR embassy in Beijing released a statement rejecting Prince Sihanouk's call for direct talks between CGDK, USSR and Vietnam on Kampuchea.  The statement said proposed talks should be put to the PRK government in Phnom Penh.
February 8, 1987
The top political commissars of the three Indochinese armies - PAVN's Lt. Gen. Nguyen Quyet, LPA's Lt. Gen. Osaken and KPRAF's El Vansarat - concluded a 3-days meeting in Phnom Penh on the Party's role in the military.
February 16, 1987
PRK Ministry of Education formally opened a branch of the Moscow-based Pushkin Russian Language Institute at the PRK-USSR Friendship Institute of Technology in Phnom Penh.
February 18, 1987
PRK and Poland signed a 1987 trade agreement in Phnom Penh, in which Kampuchea was to export rubber, timber, furniture, soybeans, sesame and other farm products in exchange for anti-rust paint, soldering-rods, sewing machines, boat engines, raw materials for medicine and other consumer goods.
February 24, 1987
Four Thai fishing boats and 80 crewmembers were seized by PRK soldiers near Chao Island off Kampuchean coast.
March 14, 1987
Indonesian FM Mokhtar Kusumaatmaja said ASEAN had received no new official peace initiatives from Vietnam during the past few months.  He said the sticking point in solving the Kampuchea conflict remain getting Vietnam to agree to discuss peace with all elements of the CGDK.
March 17, 1987
PRK and USSR signed in Phnom Penh a protocol on the dispatching of Soviet specialists and materials to Kampuchea.  The specialists would assist Kampuchea in geological research and in improving various branches of the industry.
March 27, 1987
Son Sann and Gen Sak Sutsakhan, in a show of unity, paid a visit to a border refugee camp together, and issued a statement saying their year-long rift was now over.
April 3, 1987
PRK protested the agreement signed in Bangkok on March 25 between CGDK, ASEAN nations, Japan and China to establish a coordinating committee to develop Kampuchea offshore oil resources.
April 6, 1987
PRK National Assembly issued a statement endorsing Syria's protest of alleged atrocities committed by Israel in the Golan Heights.
April 8, 1987
The third Indochinese Civil Aviation Conference concluded its 3-days session in Phnom Penh.
April 12, 1987
Son Sann criticized Vietnam for violating human rights, destroying Buddhism and national tradition of Kampuchea.
April 19, 1987
PRK Foreign Trade Bank issued a communiqué authorizing overseas Cambodian and foreigners to transfer money to their relatives and friends in Cambodia.
April 24, 1987
Prince Ranariddh claimed he received a letter from PRK PM Hun Sen proposing direct talks with him anywhere; however, the prince said he cannot agree to such talk because the problem was not just Cambodians by between Cambodia and Vietnam.
April 25, 1987
A delegation of the Cuban Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation arrived in Phnom Penh for the third session with its Kampuchean counterpart.  An agreement on cooperation for 1987-88 was signed, under which Cuba would send more technical experts and doctors to Kampuchea and train Kampuchean students.
May 5, 1987
A KPNLF communiqué conceded for the first time that the rebel organization had only 8004 armed combatants in contrast to a previous statement claiming more than 20,000 soldiers.
May 7, 1987
Prince Sihanouk announced he was taking a leave of absence for one year in reaction to an April 26 Khmer Rouge attack on ANS forces, killing 2 and wounding 12 others, and he would extend it for another year or indefinitely if the Khmer Rouge continue to violate human rights in their camps as reported by international human rights groups.
May 12, 1987
A delegation of Vietnam Ministry of Supply departed Kampuchea after a 5-days visit.  An agreement was signed in which Vietnam would help Kampuchea in transporting gasoline and expanding a fuel station at Russei Keo capable of holding 6,500 cubic meters of fuel.
May 13, 1987
CGDK PM Son Sann concluded his 3-days visit to Site 2 camp.  He expressed support for Indonesian proposal of unofficial meeting of all four Kampuchean factions by said Vietnam must talk with the CGDK first.
June 3, 1987
Amnesty International released a report detailing brutal and systematic torture of political prisoners in PRK prisons and human rights abuses in camps controlled by the Khmer Rouge and KPNLF.
June 12, 1987
PRK and USSR signed an agreement on economic cooperation, under which the USSR would assist Kampuchea in establishing three maintenance stations for tractors and other agricultural machines and provide nine mobile repair shops.  The agreement also calls for 45 Kampucheans to be sent to the USSR for professional and technical training over a three-months period.
July 1, 1987
PRK PM Hun Sen met with USSR FM Eduard Shevardnadze in Moscow.  Both discussed Soviet-Kampuchea relations and related issues.
July 3, 1987
Indian FM Natwar Singh arrived in Phnom Penh for a 4-days and met with his PRK counterpart Kong Korm and President Heng Samrin, who told Indian correspondent that India could play a crucial role in a Kampuchea settlement.
July 19, 1987
U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, in Singapore, said the selection of Pham Hung as Vietnam PM and Vo Chi Cong as president seemed to snuff out hope for Hanoi flexibility in solving Cambodian problem and added that U.S. and ASEAN would continue the strategy of supporting Cambodian non-communist resistance forces and isolating Vietnam economically and diplomatically.
July 28, 1987
PRK President Heng Samrin met with Soviet leader Michail Gorbachev in Moscow.  Both discussed Soviet-Kampuchean relations and related issues.
August 27, 1987
PRK announced a Declaration of National Reconciliation Policy, which calling for an independent, non-aligned, prosperous Kampuchea without the threat of Pol Pot genocide.  It was seen an overture to the resistance forces.
August 29, 1987
CGDK leaders, Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan, arrived in Beijing for a 5-days visit.
October 8, 1987
PRK issued a Declaration on a Political Solution to the Kampuchean Problem, calling for: (1) a PRK-Sihanouk meeting; (2) complete withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea simultaneously with the halt of aid and sanctuary for the resistance forces; (3) general election with foreign observers in order to establish a coalition government; (4) negotiations with Thailand to establish a secure and peaceful border between the two country; and (5) an international conference to guarantee the agreement reached. [Statement in Cambodian and English]
October 14, 1987
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/42/3 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.
October 21, 1987
PRK government devalued the Riel against the U.S. dollar from R30-$1 to R100-$1.
October 28, 1987
PRK President Heng Samrin, PM Hun Sen and other officials departed Phnom Penh for Moscow to attend the 70th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.
November 17, 1987
PRK and USSR signed a 1988 trade and payment agreement.
November 28, 1987
Three PRK cabinet ministers were elevated to the rank of vice premier: Say Chhum of Agriculture, Tea Banh of Communication, Transportation and Posts, Kong Sam Ol - minister attached to the Council of Ministers.
December 4, 1987
Prince Sihanouk and PRK PM Hun Sen ended a three-days of talks in Fere-En-Tardenois, France, and issued a joint communiqué stating that the Kampuchean problem required a political not military solution, the problem must be solved by the Kampucheans through negotiations, international conference to guarantee agreement reached, and the two sides would met again in January 1988.
December 5, 1987
The first national congress of Kampuchean Journalists Associations concluded a 3-days session in Phnom Penh.  The KJA elected Som Kimsuor (editor of Pracheachon) as its president, Khieu Kanharit (editor of Kampuchea) and Em Sam An (director of SPK) as vice-presidents.  It also selected a 17-person executive committee.
December 24, 1987
The People's National Bank of Kampuchea put into circulation a new five and ten Riel bank notes, in an effort to deal with an increasingly serious problem of counterfeit currency circulating in the country.
December 30, 1987
PRK FM Kong Korm was relieved of his post and appointed Minister for Social Development and Culture.  PM Hun Sen assumed the vacated post.
December 31, 1987
PRK and Afghanistan signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation in Phnom Penh.
January 2, 1988
PRK PM Hun Sen telegram to Prince Sihanouk in Paris  I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Samdech's telegram dated December 30th 1987 .I am ready to pay a visit to Samdech and to pursue our dialogue in France before Samdech's departure.  Prince Sihanouk replied to the Premier's telegram  .your telegram dated January 2nd 1988, I have the honor to let you know that I will received you in France for a second round of talks on Cambodia on a date that you would like to choose. (FAB #27)
January 3, 1988
Prince Sihanouk, in Paris, said he would meet with PM Hun Sen this month in France, not in Pyongyang as previously announced, citing the request by French PM Jacques Chirac for him (Prince Sihanouk) to remain in France until the end of the month. (FAB #27)
January 5, 1988
CGDK PM Son Sann appealed to the Kampuchean people to pray for Vietnamese troops withdrawal from Kampuchea on the ninth anniversary of the Vietnamese capture of Phnom Penh. Prince Sihanouk's aid, in Paris, said the second round of talks between the Prince and PM Hun Sen would start around January 20th.
January 11, 1988
SPK announced the departure of PM Hun Sen from Phnom Penh for a second round of talks with Prince Sihanouk. (FAB #27)
January 14, 1988
Thai PM Prem Tinsulanonda, in the opening statement at the ASEAN summit in Manila, urged Vietnam to take ASEAN's proffered solution seriously and get down to genuine exploration with Prince Sihanouk of the terms of a political settlement to the Kampuchean problem.  It is unrealistic for Vietnam to avoid talking directly with Prince Sihanouk if it is truly seeking a political solution. (FAB #27)
January 16, 1988
CGDK PM Son Sann appealed to all supporters of the Kampuchean cause to continue their sanctions against the Vietnamese aggressors to prevent the subjugation of the Kampuchea people, as these measure are essential to our present struggle for survival. (FAB #27)
January 19, 1988
Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann met in Paris to discuss their differences, especially, Son Sann's refusal to negotiate with PRK without Vietnam's participation and Vietnamese promise in writing to withdraw its troops from Cambodia. Vietnamese FM Nguyen Co Thach, in Ho Chi Minh City, said that talks between opposing Kampuchean leaders starting in Paris tomorrow could create conditions for a breakthrough.  He also said the resistance group did not control a single district of Kampuchea and that their attacks were just a skin disease, not a cancer. (FAB #27)
January 20, 1988
Prince Sihanouk and PRK PM Hun Sen met for second round of talks in Saint Germain-en-Laye, France.
January 23, 1988
Thai FM Siddhi Savetsila, talking to the Nation Review, said that he had not seen any real sign of Hanoi's readiness to accept a political solution to the Kampuchean conflict.
January 24, 1988
PRK, for the first time, officially said it was willing to deal with Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu Samphan.  Vice-premier Chea Soth, however, said the offer did not extend to Pol Pot or to other certain unnamed Khmer Rouge figures, and his government would have no objection to Prince Sihanouk as the chief of state in some new coalition government.
January 25, 1988
PRK PM Hun Sen, in Phnom Penh, said he and Prince Sihanouk would meet in Pyongyang in April, again in Paris at the end of 1988, and for the fifth time in New Delhi in 1989.
January 26, 1988
KPNLF's Bangkok office, in a statement to news agencies, said the KPNLF views the formation of a two-party government envisaged at the second round of talks between Prince Sihanouk and PM Hun Sen in France, if realized without negotiations with the CGDK and all parties concerned, as falling within the Vietnamese ploy.  Prince Sihanouk, however, said his latest idea of a new governing system in Kampuchea would be a quadripartite rather than a bipartite one, and it would be an interim government. (FAB #27)
January 27, 1988
Thai FM Siddhi, in his address to the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, said on the Kampuchean problem so far, there seems to be no sign yet of the light at the end of the tunnel .  the talks probably will continue to drag on without any significant breakthrough. (FAB #27)
January 28, 1988
PRK PM Hun Sen arrived in Hanoi from Moscow for meetings with Vietnam FM Nguyen Co Thach and to report on session with Prince Sihanouk in France.
January 30, 1988
Prince Sihanouk, in Beijing, announced his resignation as president of CGDK, citing Son Sann and KPNLF's hostility the KPNLF and its President have not hesitated to unjustly accuse me of ‘national treason' by playing the games of the Vietnamese colonialists, and named his son Prince Ranariddh as his representative to the CGDK.  Prince Sihanouk also cancelled his upcoming meeting in Pyongyang with PRK Premier Hun Sen. (FAB #27)
February 1, 1988
Khieu Samphan and Son Sann, according to Xinhua News Agency, sent an appeal to Prince Sihanouk in Beijing urging him to continue his post as president of Democratic Kampuchea and continue to lead the CGDK. (FAB #28)
February 2, 1988
Indonesian FM, Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, said the meeting between Prince Sihanouk and PRK PM, Hun Sen, in France did not produce great results, but the two leaders did allow the two opposing sides to discuss their own affairs for the first time. (FAB#28)
February 3, 1988
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Li Jinhau, at a weekly briefing, expressed her government support of Prince Sihanouk's effort to open a dialogue with Vietnam, as a major party on the question of Kampuchea, Vietnamese should talk with Prince Sihanouk and the relevant parties concerned in Kampuchea, asked about proposals that the Khmer Rouge be disarmed as part of a peace process, the spokeswoman said, while Vietnam still persists in its aggression and occupation of Kampuchea, how could the patriotic troops and people of Kampuchea lay down their arm?   In an interview with the Nation Review in Bangkok, Son Sann said that Prince Sihanouk would go to France again to meet the Vietnamese after the Prince meeting in Beijing with Chinese leaders.  Son Sann also said Hanoi would propose a two-party government between the Vietnamese-backed PRK and the Sihanoukist faction, with the Prince as Head of State, but Prince Sihanouk would reject the offer and would instead suggest a four-party government to include the other Khmer resistance factions.
February 4, 1988
Radio Hanoi quoted spokesman Trinh Xuan Lang as saying that Vietnam welcomed Prince Sihanouk's resignation from his post of President of CGDK.  But Lang added that despite Prince Sihanouk's appeal for Vietnam to join future peace talks, Hanoi would not participate until Cambodians warring factions had reached an agreement among themselves.
February 5, 1988
The Soviet official news agency Tass reported that USSR leader, Mikhail Gorvachev, met with Indonesian FM, Machtar Kusumaatmadja, in Moscow to discuss international issues including the Kampuchea conflict.
February 6, 1988
Khmer Rouge leader, Khieu Samphan, arrived in Beijing to ask Prince Sihanouk to reverse his decision of resigning from the presidency of CGDK.
February 8, 1988
Prince Sihanouk met in Beijing with Khieu Samphan, who later said he expected the Prince to resume his leadership position in the CGDK.
February 11, 1988
The CGDK held it cabinet meeting attend by Son Sann, Khieu Samphan, Prince Ranarridh and other officials; the meeting issued a communiqué refusing to acknowledge Prince Sihanouk's resignation.
February 10, 1988
Prince Sihanouk, in a statement to the French newspaper Le Monde, said China was unhappy over his peace talks with the Vietnam-backed government of PM Hun Sen and hoped his bid to seek a solution through negotiation would fail.
February 17, 1988
Prince Sihanouk issued a statement denying the rumor, which he blamed on the anti-Sihanouk Khmer Bleu in Paris, that he received $50,000 from Hun Sen and Vietnam, accepted the post as PRK president and would return to Phnom Penh soon. (FAB #44)
February 22, 1988
PRK PM Hun Sen, in an interview with a journalist in Phnom Penh, said it would not matter at all if the KPNLF does not participate in future peace talks or in a future coalition government.  He also added that Son Sann's KPNLF faction does not even deserve consideration; the group is self-destructing and would dissolve itself. Sponsored by 22 Non-Aligned countries and introduced by Pakistan, the UN Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva passed a resolution demanding for the ninth successive year that foreign troops get out of Cambodia and Afghanistan.  The Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Belarussia, Ethiopia, and East Germany voted against the resolution, while Algeria, Cyprus, India, Iraq, Nicaragua and Nigeria abstained.
February 25, 1988
Prince Sihanouk again, in Beijing, denied rumor that he had signed a secret agreement with the PRK to return to Phnom Penh to serve as Head of State. (FAB #44)
February 26, 1988
Indonesian FM, Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, told journalists in Jakarta that Prince Sihanouk would again lead the CGDK but would not formally take the title of President, which enable the Prince to have more room to maneuver to meet with Vietnam, which refused to talk with the leadership of the CGDK.
February 29, 1988
Prince Sihanouk issued a statement announcing his resumption of the presidency of the CGDK.
March 10, 1988
The Bangkok Post published a report obtained from resistance's sources, saying two KPNLAF commanders, Chea Chhut and Liv Ne, would be relieved from their duties at the request of the U.S., who accused the two of human rights violations. (FAB #29)
March 11, 1988
PRK PM Hun Sen sent a telegram to Prince Sihanouk expressing his satisfaction at the Prince's decision to resume talks and his intention for the next meeting with Prince Sihanouk. (FAB #29) PRK announced plans to establish the University of Phnom Penh which consists of 11 facilities: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, history, philosophy, education, Cambodian literature, Russian/Occidental language and literature, and Vietnamese/Oriental language and literature.
March 16, 1988
Speaking to Singaporean reporters in New Delhi, India, the visiting Singapore PM, Lee Kuan Yew, said with the Cambodian conflict were on the course towards the Vietnamese withdrawal, the next major problem was how to prevent the Khmer Rouge from returning to a dominant position in the next Cambodian government. (FAB #29)
March 18, 1988
Prince Ranariddh, ANS Commander-in-Chief, accompanied by Princess Marie Ranariddh and two officials paid a friendly visit to Singapore as guest of Singapore second Minister of Defense Brigadier General Lee Hsien Loong. (FAB #28)
March 29, 1988
Vietnamese FM Nguyen Co Thach, in an interview, ruled out a meeting with Prince Sihanouk but said he would correspond with the Prince if necessary.  Thach also said half of the original Vietnamese forces in Kampuchea had left the country and that the remaining would leave in the next three years.
April 2, 1988
The Bangkok Post reported that international relief workers at SITE TWO CAPM were to have armed escorts following a shoot-out in which 2 persons were killed and 3 relief workers were held at gunpoint. Prince Sihanouk wrote a letter to PM Hun Sen explaining his refusal to meet for third round of talks saying, the government of PRK cannot do anything without authorization of Hanoi. [Text of the letter]
April 5, 1988
The new Indonesian FM, Ali Alatas, assured Thailand and other Asean countries that the planned informal meeting in Jakarta to solve the Cambodian problem had not lost its relevance. (FAB #30)
April 11, 1988
The 44th session of ESCAP was held in Jakarta, Indonesia; CGDK sent a 7-members delegation to the conference: Chak Sarik and Truong Mealy (FUNCINPEC); Pech Bun Ret and Kheang Khaon (Khmer Rouge); and Bou Say, Son Soubert and Ok Sereisopheak (KPNLF). (FAB #29)
April 12, 1988
Prince Sihanouk announced that he had turned down a personal appeal from the PRK PM Hun Sen to resume peace talks. (FAB #30)
April 13, 1988
A DK delegation to the 44th session of ESCAP, in Jakarta, led by Bun Say, was received by the new Indonesian FM, Ali Alatas, whom informed the delegation that Indonesia, despite the change of foreign minister, would continue to promote the Cocktail party idea, in order to settle the Cambodian problems. (FAB #30)
April 16, 1988
The Soviet Deputy FM, Igor Rogachev, said his country couldn't pressure Vietnam to withdraw its troops from Cambodia because Vietnam is a sovereign country and nobody can dictate to it. (FAB #30)
April 18, 1988
The Press Trust of India reported that Vietnamese leaders have suggested to Indian PM, Rajiv Gandhi, that a round of talks on the war in Cambodia be held in New Delhi. (FAB #30)
April 28, 1988
Vietnamese Deputy FM, Tran Quang Co, said that his country refused to discuss peace with Prince Sihanouk. (FAB #30)
April 29, 1988
Soviet Deputy FM, Igor Rogachev, said that the quickest way to end nine years of conflict in Cambodia would be for Cambodian warring factions to start direct talks. (FAB #30)
May 6, 1988
Vietnam's proclaimed withdrawal of 20,000 troops from Cambodia last year was genuine and not a simple troop rotation according to Major Timothy Pfister, spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Commander-in-Chief. (FAB #31)
May 16, 1988
Thai Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs M.R. Kasemsamosorn Kasemsri, in a TV interview, said Thailand would not ask the USSR to pressure Vietnam to pull out its forces from Cambodia.  He added that the forthcoming trip to the USSR of Thai PM Prem Tinsulanonda was aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the Cambodian conflict which had threatened Thailand's security for more than nine years. (FAB #31)
May 18, 1988
A Conference on Cambodia, organized by the Center for the study of the European Reality, was held in Rome, Italy.  Attended the Conference were Prince Sirivudh, representing FUNCINPEC-France, and Ek Sereywath, representing the Office of the Personal Representative of Prince Sihanouk in Cambodia and Asia. (FAB #29) Thai PM Prem Tinsulanonda urged the Soviet Union to play a constructive role in solving the Cambodian conflict, which had violently destabilized the Southeast Asian region in the last nine years. (FAB #31)
June 27, 1988
CGDK President Prince Sihanouk, in the area controlled by ANS, received credentials from six ambassadors: (1) Taki Ould Sidi of Mauritania; (2) Dzon Siroka of Yugoslavia; (3) Mohammed Magdi Sabri El Gheriany of Egypt; (4) Abdorahamane Sow of Guinea; (5) Farooq Sobhan of Bangladesh; and (6) Akran M. Saki of Pakistan. (FAB #30)
July 10, 1988
Prince Sihanouk, in Bangsaen, Thailand, issued a statement announcing his resignation as President of DK. [Text of the statement] (FAB #31)
July 25, 1988
The Jakarta Informal Meeting (JIM) was held in the City of Bogor, Indonesia, from July 25-28.  The purpose of JIM was to provide a framework for informal discussions among the parties directly involved and other concerned countries in the search for a comprehensive solution to the Cambodian conflict. (FAB #31)
July 27, 1988
The four Cambodian parties representative, Prince Ranariddh of FUNCINPEC, Son Sann of KPNLF, Khieu Samphan of DK and Hun Sen of PRK, met with Prince Sihanouk. (FAB #31)
August 8, 1988
U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution H.J.RES.602 declaring that all parties seeking a settlement of the conflict in Cambodia, including the U.S., should have among their highest priorities the restoration of an independent Cambodia and the protection of the Cambodian people from a return to power by the Khmer Rouge.  Calls on Vietnam to withdraw its forces from Cambodia and deny haven to the Khmer Rouge.  Declare that the U.S. and the international community should use all means available to prevent a return to power of Pol Pot.
October 6, 1988
U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution H.CON.RES.303, among others, urging the Vietnamese government to cease its occupation of Cambodia.
October 11, 1988
President Ronald Reagan met with Prince Sihanouk at the White House.
November 3, 1988
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/43/19 reiterating its call for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.
November 14, 1988
Directive Number 319 concerning U.S. policy toward Indochina. [---]
January 23, 1989
A 10-member Thai parliamentary delegation arrived in Phnom Penh for the first visit of Thai legislators.  The delegation met with Dep. PM Chea Soth, NA Chairman Chea Sim and NA Vice-Chairman Mat Ly.
January 25, 1989
PRK PM Hun Sen arrived in Bangkok for a 2-days unofficial visit with top Thai officials.
February 10, 1989
Thai PM Chatchai Chunhavan announced that his government would legalize import of logs from Kampuchea to help alleviate Thai shortage resulting from a nation-wide logging ban.
February 14, 1989
PRK Council of Ministers approved the creation of an 11-member Khmer-Thai economic cooperation commission chair by Defense Minister Tea Banh.
February 18, 1989
PRK National Assembly amended Articles 15, 16 and 17 of its Constitution on property tenure and the inheritance of landed property distributed by the state.  It was interpreted as the legalization of private land ownership.
February 21, 1989
Talks on a Cambodian peace agreement among Indochinese and ASEAN representatives ended inconclusively.
February 26, 1989
U.S. President George Bush meets with Prince Sihanouk in Beijing.
March 1, 1989
PRK Sec. Gen. Of Kampuchea Red Cross, My Samedy, arrived in the U.S. for a 3-weeks visit.
March 23, 1989
The PRK State Council created the Commission for Amending the Constitution chair by NA Chairman Chea Sim.
March 29, 1989
A U.S. Congressional delegation headed by Stephen Solarz, Chairman of House Sub Committee on Asia and Pacific, arrived in Phnom Penh.  They met with PRK PM Hun Sen to discuss JIM II talks.
April 5, 1989
Vietnam announced that all its troops would leave Cambodia by Sept 30.
April 13, 1989
A relic of the Buddha, reputed to be one of his bones, was enshrined in the stupa in front of the Phnom Penh railway station.  The ceremony was attended by Heng Samrin, Hun Sen and other high-ranking officials.
April 18, 1989
The CGDK was banned from the Southeast Asian Game in Malaysia next August, following rejection of its appeal to the International Olympic Committee.  The ASEAN countries were warned of reprisals if they allow the CGDK to participate.
April 21, 1989
A 25-member Thai parliamentary delegation arrived in Phnom Penh for a 4-days visit.  The delegation met with PRK Defense Minister Tea Banh and PM Hun Sen, who said general elections would be held in November and asked Thailand not to aid the CGDK after Vietnamese troops withdrawal.
April 30, 1989
PRK National Assembly ratified the revised constitution; the country was renamed from People's Republic of Kampuchea to THE STATE OF CAMBODIA (SOC).  The new national anthem and a new flag were adopted; and the death penalty was abolished.
May 1, 1989
U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle met with Prince Sihanouk in Indonesia.
May 3, 1989
Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann held talks with Phnom Penh Premier Hun Sen.
May 6, 1989
SOC PM Hun Sen met with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan in Bangkok following the JIM II talks in Jakarta. Phnom Penh residents celebrated the lifting of city's 10 pm curfew, which was in effect since 1979.
May 18, 1989
The Sino-Soviet summit in Beijing concluded and issued communiqué declaring on the Cambodian issue, the two sides recalled the decision on the total withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia by September this year, ..the countries concerned should gradually reduce and end all military aid to any Cambodian warring faction.  The China and USSR affirmed that they will make every effort for an early, fair, and suitable solution to the Cambodian issue by political move .
May 22, 1989
Romanian Amb. Angelo Miculescu is invited by the Chinese Foreign Ministry to discuss issues including Cambodia, in which the Chinese made its position clear in order to solve Cambodia's problem. [Read more]
May 23, 1989
A delegation of Vietnam Ministry of Finance concluded its 8-days Cambodia visit, after holding working sessions on financial cooperation between the two countries.
May 27, 1989
Im Tam, former Khmer Republic prime minister, visited Kampuchea.  He met with President Heng Samrin and NA Chairman Chea Sim during his 4-weeks stay.
June 1, 1989
U.S. President George Bush remarks following discussions with British PM Margaret Thatcher in London, Cambodia problem was discussed. [The remark]
June 9, 1989
U.S. Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on President Bush's meeting with Indonesia President Soeharto; situation in Cambodia was discussed. [Statement]
June 20, 1989
The first squadron of MIG-21 jet fighters pilot by Cambodian landed at Pochentong airfield.  They were greeted by President Heng Samrin and Deputy Defense Minister Pol Saroeun in a ceremony.
June 28, 1989
CGDK PM Son Sann warmed the SOC and foreign oil companies that the announced agreement on exploration and exploitation of offshore oil sites was considered null and void by the CGDK.
July 3, 1989
A 5-months course on administration and judiciary for 178 cadres ended in Phnom Penh.  The school had trained 2,300 cadres in administration and judiciary since first established in 1982.
July 5, 1989
The KPRP Central Committee week-long 9th Plenum, chaired by General Secretary Heng Samrin, concluded in Phnom Penh.
July 6, 1989
SOC Dep. FM Bo Rasi ended a 3-days visit to Uganda.
July 10, 1989
SOC PM Hun Sen received in Phnom Penh Chhang Song, Chairman of Samakom Khemarak Sangkruos and former Khmer Republic minister of information.  The premier commended Chhang Song for his opposition to U.S. military aid to Cambodian non-communist resistance groups.
July 11, 1989
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit in Washington court against the U.S. State Department for denial of a nonimmigrant visa to Khieu Kanharith, editor of Kampuchea newspaper. U.S. Assistance Sec. Of State for East Asia and the Pacific Richard Solomon arrived in Bangkok and met with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan.  The two discussed U.S. lethal aid to Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann, and Thailand's new business approach to Indochina.
July 20, 1989
US Sent. Murkowski, Pell, Robb introduce S.AMDT.380, S.AMDT.381, S.AMDT.382 amememnt to establish policy concerning the provision of assistance to free and modern Cambodia.
July 21, 1989
The U.S. Senate approved the idea of the Bush administration providing arms to Cambodian non-communist resistance forces.  It also called for a coalition government in Cambodia with Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann factions assuming a leading role. U.S. President George Bush remarks at a Ceremony Commemorating Captive Nations Week.  [The remark]
July 23, 1989
A 5-days international seminar on the phenomenon of genocide and the prevention of the genocidal Pol Potist's return to power in Cambodia concluded in Phnom Penh, attended by some 130 foreign observers and specialists.
July 25, 1989
Prince Sihanouk and Hun Sen meet again in Paris.
July 28, 1989
U.S. President George Bush remarks on the Signing of National POW/MIA Recognition Day Proclamation. [The remark]
July 29, 1989
Costa Rica Deputy FM Rivera concluded a 4-days visit to Cambodia during which the two countries established formal diplomatic relations.  Rivera called on Thailand to stop providing sanctuary to Cambodian resistance forces and advocated an empty seat for Cambodia in the U.N. until a new government was established through elections.
August 4, 1989
SOC PM Hun Sen stopped in Moscow en route to Phnom Penh from Paris and met with USSR Dep. FM Anatolity Adamishin. THE KILLING FIELDS film premiered in Phnom Penh attended by 600 diplomats and government officials, the film's director Roland Joffe, journalist Sydney Schanberg, Dith Pran and Haing Ngor.
August 5, 1989
The Killing Fields movies open in Phnom Penh.
August 7, 1989
A 15-member UN fact-finding team arrives in Phnom Penh in preparation for a possible UN peace-monitoring mission in Cambodia.
August 27, 1989
FUNCINPEC announces the resignation of Prince Sihanouk as the head of the organization.
August 30, 1989
An International Conference on Cambodia (Paris Conference), held in Paris from July 30-August 30, is suspended. The conference fails in bridging differences among the Cambodian warring factions and their backers over a peace agreement.
September 1, 1989
U.S. President George Bush remarks following discussions with Japanese PM Toshiki Kaifu, in which Cambodia issue is discussed. [The remark]
September 3, 1989
KPNLF launches a major recruitment campaign at Site II refugee camp in anticipation of future increased fighting.
October 10, 1989
A group of Americans leads by Edmund Muskie, former U.S. Secretary of State and Senator, visit Phnom Penh and meet with PM Hun Sen.
October 12, 1989
US Rep. Richardson introduces H.AMDT.276
October 13, 1989
U.S. President George Bush remarks at a White House briefing for members of the Asian-American Voters Coalition. [The remark]
October 16, 1989
Soviet economic aid officials arrived in Phnom Penh for a 9-days of discussions with SOC officials, including Soviet assistance in the fields of communication, radio, television, water supply and health care.
October 23, 1989
Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (KPRAF) renamed to Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF). A delegation from the Washington based Indochina Policy Forum Institute, let by former U.S. Senator Dick Clark, visited Phnom Penh and met with SOC PM Hun Sen.
October 30, 1989
A dusk to dawn curfew (9pm-5am) was ordered for Phnom Penh in an effort to tighten security in the city following the fall of Pailin to the Khmer Rouge.
November 1, 1989
A leading Thai newspaper, The Nation, opens its news bureau in Phnom Penh, first Asian newspaper to do so.
November 6, 1989
U.S. Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on President George Bush's meeting with Gen. John W. Vessey on POW/MIA Affairs. [Statement]
November 16, 1989
UN General Assembly passed resolution A/RES/44/22, by the vote of 124-17 with 12 abstentions, calling for, among others, a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian problem, no return to power of the Khmer Rouge.
November 22, 1989
Cambodian and Sweden Red Cross signed an agreement, under which the Sweden would assist the Kompong Chhnang provincial hospital, by sending doctors, provide medicine, construct and restore buildings; and provided medical books to newly graduated doctors and pharmacists.
November 24, 1989
U.S. Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on President George Bush's meeting with British PM Margaret Thatcher; Cambodia issue is discussed. [Statement]
November 28, 1989
SOC Ambassador to Moscow Hor Namhong and USSR FM Eduard Shevardnadze signed a 1990 trade and payments protocol in Moscow.
December 2, 1989
Prince Sihanouk endorsed efforts to establish a Cambodian UN trusteeship as a means of restoring peace and order to the country.
December 7, 1989
British diplomat Andrew George arrived in Phnom Penh for a 10-days visit, despite U.S. objections that it would send the wrong signals.
December 9, 1989
Text of a new proposed Constitution for Cambodia was released by the CGDK in Bangkok.  It was written in Paris and officially endorsed last June by Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan.
December 12, 1989
A Japanese peace boat arrived in Kompong Som port.  Its 350 passengers visited Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.
December 25, 1989
CGDK denounced Vietnam Embassy in Phnom Penh efforts to register Vietnamese citizens in Cambodia as part of a conspiratorial effort to keep track of all Vietnamese in the country.
January 16, 1990
Talks on Cambodia among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council end in Paris with an agreement on general principles.
January 31, 1990
SOC National Assembly concludes a one-week session in Phnom Penh, adopting 1990 state plan.
February 3, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk announces the changes of his government-in-exile: (1) CGDK was renamed to National Government of Cambodia; (2) Prince Sihanouk's official title was President of Cambodia; (3) the Khmer Rouge flag and anthem would be replaced with pre-1970 one; and (4) the regime of Cambodia would be a democratic presidential system based on the Fifth French Republic.
February 6, 1990
The US House of Representatives pass a resolution, by the vote of 413-0, on UN role in the Cambodian peace process as outlined in a UN Security Council meeting in Paris on January 13-15.
February 18, 1990
US Senator Charles Robb hold talks with Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh.
February 21, 1990
Prince Sihanouk and Premier Hun Sen sign a first joint communiqué following a 5-hours meeting in Bangkok hosted by Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan and army chief Gen. Chawalit Yongchaiyut.
February 23, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen tells reporters, on his return to Phnom Penh, that he would not allow his govt. be dissolved prior to elections and the UN role should be confined to organizing elections. Australia FM Gareth Evans pledges US$2.4 million in relief and refugee aid for Cambodia on the eve of his departure for Jakarta talks.
February 27, 1990
US Pres. George Bush meets with Prince Sihanouk in Beijing.
March 1, 1990
Peace talks in Jakarta among the Cambodian warring factions ended in failure.
March 7, 1990
US Sen. Cramston introduces S.CON.RES.101
March 30, 1990
UN sent a fact-finding team to Cambodia to assess logistics requirement in the event of a UN role in the settlement.
April 6, 1990
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Soviet FM Eduard Shevardnadze. [Statement]
April 9, 1990
Prince Sihanouk unveiled a new nine-point Cambodian peace program, heart of which was a UN military force to police the country before and during general elections to form the new govt. and ruling system.
April 11, 1990
A US Senate delegation, led by Sen. Robert Kerrey, arrived in Phnom Penh on a fact-finding mission.  The delegation met with SOC PM Hun Sen and NA Chairman Chea Sim and other officials.
April 13, 1990
A UN team departed Phnom Penh following a 2-weeks mission to assess the state and needs of Cambodia's communication and transportation systems.
April 15, 1990
European Community diplomats at the UN warned the CGDK not to expect EC support at the UN General Assembly for the Cambodia seat as in the past.
April 30, 1990
Australian Dep. FM Micheal Costello departed Phnom Penh after a 2-days visit; he met with SOC PM Hun Sen and other officials. US Senator Cranston introduces S.AMDT.1564
May 1, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen flew to the Thai resort town of Pattaya for a day of talks with Thai officials.  Later, the Premier said a cease-fire was the necessary first step for the Cambodian peace process.
May 3, 1990
Prince Sihanouk suggested Phnom Penh should be declared a de-militarized, open city and be put under UN administration.
May 17, 1990
Fighting between Khmer and Vietnamese students broke out at the University of Hanoi and University of Ho Chi Minh City and continued sporadically for nearly two weeks, leaving dozens of students hospitalized.
May 24, 1990
The Caravan, a Thai rock group, gave a concert at Angkok Wat attended by some 100,000 people despite heavy rain.  The program was part of a Thai sponsored Artists for Peace. US Pres. Bush holds new conference, in which Cambodia-US relations question is raised. [The news conference]
May 25, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council held a weekend meeting in New York to discuss Cambodia, the fourth such session this year.
May 29, 1990
Prince Sihanouk announced he was planning to reassume leadership of the CGDK, in advance of a Tokyo meeting on the Cambodian peace process.
June 3, 1990
US Pres. Bush holds news conference following discussions with Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev, in which Cambodia issue was discussed. [Read more]
June 5, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk and SOC PM Hun Sen signed a joint communiqué in Tokyo at the end of their meeting.
June 13, 1990
At least six governmental and military figures were reported of being arrested on suspicion of anti-government activities (planning to form a political party).  Those detained were listed as the Transport, Communications and Post Minister Ung Phan, Foreign Ministry official Kan Man, Planning Ministry official Nou Saing Khan, Defense Ministry officials Col. On Sum and Lt. Col. Kay Mathury.
June 14, 1990
USSR Deputy FM Igor Rogachev, in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Qian Qichen, predicted a political settlement would be reached very soon in Cambodia. US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan,  we also talked about resolving the tragic conflict in Cambodia. And we agreed that both our countries should continue our diplomatic efforts to end the violence, to achieve a comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Cambodian people by assuring genuine self-determination through free and fair elections under U.N. auspices and in the presence of an international peacekeeping force.
June 20, 1990
SOC officials denied ordering a crack down on the democracy movement in Cambodia, and said the recent arrests were punishing acts of treason, not suppressing the aspirations for democracy.
June 23, 1990
SOC Council of Ministers established a special commission to oversee the search of Americans missing in action in Cambodia, chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Khim Pon.  The task of the commission was to act as a liaison between American specialists and provincial officials.
June 27, 1990
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.AMDT.540
July 5, 1990
Singaporean investors in Cambodia are warned by their govt. that their passports would be confiscated if they did not withdraw immediately.  Singaporeans are not allowed to invest or work in Cambodia until there was a comprehensive political settlement.
July 7, 1990
SOC Council of Minister issued regulations on intermarriage between Khmer citizens and overseas Khmers or foreign residents in Cambodia.  Those applying for marriage with Khmer citizens must submit their application to the Council through the Ministry of Interior.
July 16, 1990
Jonh G. Dean, the last US ambassador to Cambodia, arrived in Phnom Penh for a week long visit; he met with PM Hun Sen and Defense Minister Tea Banh.
July 17, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded a 2-days meeting in Paris, discussing the involvement of the UN in the Cambodian peace process.
July 18, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker announced that the US administration would seek contacts with Hanoi to reach a Cambodian settlement and would no longer support the three party coalition containing the Khmer Rouge in the UN. US Senator Kerry introduces S.CON.RES.140.
July 20, 1990
Phnom Penh Radio announced that SOC would send 837 students abroad for the 1990-91 school year.  They would be sent to USSR, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Mongolia, Laos, Cuba, and Vietnam.
July 24, 1990
ASEAN foreign ministers, at a 2-days meeting in Jakarta, called for a Cambodian quadripartite meeting in Jakarta in order to set up a Supreme National Council (SNC) to temporarily govern Cambodia.
July 26, 1990
A US military team left Phnom Penh with six sets of remains believed to be Americans, including four recovered from a Khmer Rouge mass grave.
July 29, 1990
Vietnam FM Nguyen Co Thach, in an interview, praised recent US policy changes and expressed his optimism about a settlement of the Cambodian problem.
August 4, 1990
US Senator Cranston introduces S.RES.321
August 6, 1990
US and Vietnamese officials met in New York to discuss peace in Cambodia.
August 22, 1990
CGDK leaders, Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan, met in Beijing and announced their acceptance of the ASEAN initiated invitation from the Paris International Conference on Cambodia to meet in Jakarta with SOC to work out plans for creation of a Supreme National Council for Cambodia.
August 28, 1990
Cambodia warring factions accept the Framework document as the basis for settling the Cambodia conflict.  On the same day, the five permanent members of UN Security Council agree among themselves on the main elements of a Cambodian peace process.  It involves deep UN involvement in the peacekeeping task fully supported and funded by the perm-five.
September 5, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker says the US would begin direct talks with the SOC on the peace process in Cambodia.  SOC, in response, says it is ready for talks on any subjects at any level; and Vietnam welcomes the announcement.
September 10, 1990
The four Cambodian warring parties accept the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of Cambodia conflict at their Informal Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The framework provide that a Supreme National Council (SNC) shall be established as the unique legitimate body and source of authority in which, throughout the transitional period, the independence, national sovereignty and unity of Cambodia is embodied.
September 15, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalues its currency from R460 to R510 per US dollar.
September 17, 1990
The four Cambodia warring factions meet in Bangkok to establish the Supreme National Council (SNC).  Twelve members of SNC are selected: Hun Sen (SOC), Hor Namhong (SOC), Chem Snguon (SOC), Kong Som Ol (SOC), Sin Song (SOC), Tea Banh (SOC), Prince Ranariddh (ANS), Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum (ANS), Son Sann (KPNLF), Ieng Mouly (KPNLF), Khieu Samphan (DK) and Son Sen (DK).
September 20, 1990
The UN Security Council unanimously adopt a resolution S/RES/668 endorsing the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict, which agreed to by Cambodian warring factions on September 10.
October 1, 1990
French Deputy FM Thierry de Beauce ends his visit to Cambodia.  He meets with PM Hun Sen, FM Hor Namhong and NA Chairman Chea Sim, and agrees to provide the aid of French expertise in agriculture, road building and port facilities.
October 8, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen led a delegation to New Delhi, India, for a 5-days visit.
October 11, 1990
Four of 32 dancers from Phnom Penh on tour in the US defected.
October 12, 1990
Agreement was reached behind the scenes at the UNGA that there be no vote this year on the Cambodian peace process, nor any decision at the moment on who would occupy the Cambodian UN seat.  The move was part of ASEAN's strategy to force the Cambodian to decide among themselves on the composition of the SNC. US Senator Mitchell and Kerry introduce S.AMDT.2966 and S.AMDT.2967
October 15, 1990
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/45/3 welcoming the acceptance of a framework of comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict by all four Cambodian warring factions on September 10.
October 17, 1990
US Rep. Richardson introduces H.AMDT.878
October 18, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalued its currency again from R510 to R600 per US dollar.
October 27, 1990
US Congress passed the 1991 foreign aid bill, providing up to $20 million in humanitarian aid to Cambodia, and another $5 million went to Cambodian children and other civilian victims of war.  The fund to the non-communist resistance was cut.
November 5, 1990
SOC National Assembly convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session to discuss the international negotiations over Cambodia, reshuffle and appoint of cadres and cancel the treaty of friendship with East Germany.
November 30, 1990
A Buddhist festival attended by some 4,000 people was held at the 1000-year-old Temple of Bayon, led by SOC Transportation Minister Ros Choun.
December 3, 1990
Amnesty International commended SOC for its improvement in human rights, but added torture and unfair detention by local authorities had not stopped.
December 5, 1990
Prince Sihanouk appears in a Paris court to defense himself in a $100,000 libel suit filed against him by SOC FM Hor Namhong.  Prince Sihanouk accuses the FM of having run a Khmer Rouge concentration camp.  Hor Namhong denied that he commanded the camp but was detained there along with other intellectuals from 1976-78, and was arbitrarily appointed in 1978 to head a camp committee responsible for handling food distribution, assigning work and organizing political indoctrination sessions.
December 21, 1990
Meetings are held in Paris from December 21-23, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
May 8, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on foreign access to United States Ports; Cambodia is one of countries banned from the US ports.  [Statement]
June 4, 1991
Meetings are held in Jakarta from June 4-6, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
June 19, 1991
US Rep. McCollun introduces H.AMDT.182
June 24, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 24-26, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
July 16, 1991
Meetings are held in Beijing, China, from July 16-17.  Prince Sihanouk is unanimously elected as the Pres. of the SNC.
July 29, 1991
US Senator McCain introduces S.AMDT.907 an amendment expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to relation between US and Vietnam and Cambodia.
August 26, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya from August 26-29, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
September 19, 1991
Meetings are held in New York, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
October 16, 1991
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/717 to establish a United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) immediately after the signing of the agreements for a comprehensive political settlement.
October 23, 1991
The Paris Conference reconvenes its second session, from October 21-23, to conclude a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict. The Accord, among others, gives UN full authority to supervise a cease-fire, repatriate the displaced Cambodian along the border with Thailand, disarm and demobilize the factional armies, and to prepare the country for free and fair elections. [Original agreements in English French Khmer]
November 11, 1991
The United States opened a Mission in Phnom Penh, headed by Charles H. Twining. Mr. Twining was a designated US Special Representative to the SNC.
November 12, 1991
US Pres. Bush remarks to the Asia Society in New York City, Let me give you a few examples of how we seek to build the peace. The conflict in Indochina has preoccupied this Nation for years. Finally, we've entered into a period of healing and constructive cooperation. We will work step-by-step to resolve the painful issues left by that war. The ASEAN nations, Japan, Australia, and the U.N. Security Council's permanent members recently forged a Cambodian peace process that promises free elections in a nation previously rent by tyranny and genocide. Just yesterday, for the first time in 16 years, we sent an accredited diplomat to Cambodia to participate in the peacemaking arrangements.
November 20, 1991
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/46/18 expressing its full support for the agreements on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict Paris Agreement.
November 14, 1991
Prince Norodom Sihanouk returns home after thirteen years in exile.
December 17, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Thai PM Anan Panyarachun, in which Cambodia was discussed. [Statement]
1992
Khmer Rouge refused to disarm as required by the phase two of Paris Accord, refused to allow UN peacekeeping troops to inspect the territory they controlled, and began sporadic attacks in the countryside.
January 2, 1992
US Pres. George Bush addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra [The address] and holds news conference with Australia PM Paul J. Keating in Canberra; Cambodian peace plan is raised. [News conference]
January 3, 1992
United States lift its sixteen year-old trade embargo and normalize economic relations with Cambodia. The US also end blanket opposition to lending to Cambodia by international financial institutions.
January 4, 1992
US Pres. George Bush remarks with the Singapore Lecture Group, and holds news conference with Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong in Singapore; Cambodia is mention. [News conference].
January 8, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/728 welcoming the operational of the UNAMIC, the SNC and the maintenance of the cease-fire. The Council also expresses concern about the existence of mines and minefields in Cambodia and considers establishing a training program in mine clearance.
February 8, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on renaming the People's National Bank of Cambodia (PNBC) to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and on the Force Physical Imprisonment in Criminal Cases.
February 28, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/745 authorizing the deployment of about 22,000 UN troops, police officers and civilian administrators into Cambodia to oversee the Paris agreement. The force, called the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), would be one of the largest ever deployed by the UN; its cost is estimated at about $2 billion.
March 11, 1992
The first UN troops arrived in Cambodia and began implementation of the Paris Accord.
March 30, 1992
UN began repatriating refugees. The first 630 of 370,000 displaced Cambodians in Site 2 camp are repatriated, under the protection of UN troops.
April 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush signs resolution H.J. Res. 456, among others, providing fund of $270 million to finance special United Nations peacekeeping activities in Cambodia, El Salvador, Yugoslavia, and other countries. [Statement]
April 23, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement On The Network Of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific [27140].
May 26, 1992
Cambodia ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights [14531].
June 12, 1992
Supreme National Council of Cambodia set up Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC).
June 22, 1992
Reconstruction aid pledge. An international donor meeting in Tokyo pledged US$880 million in rehabilitation aid for Cambodia; the Khmer Rouge was rebuked for noncompliance with Phase two of the Paris Agreement.
July 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Japanese PM Kiichi Miyazawa, welcoming the passage of Japan's peace cooperation bill, which allow Japan to participate actively in building a lasting peace in Cambodia and in other world trouble spots.  [Remark]
July 7, 1992
Munich Economic Summit Political Declaration, We are seriously concerned at the present situation in Cambodia and urge all parties concerned to support UNTAC and uphold the still fragile peace process to bring it to a successful conclusion. [Read more]
July 14, 1992
Khmer Rouge escalated its military attacks by seizing six villages, shelling Kompong Thom province and attacking UN helicopters.
July 21, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/766 demanding the Khmer Rouge to comply with phase II of Paris Accord. The Khmer Rouge has refused to lay down their arms and allows the deployment of UNTAC to the areas under their control.
July 24, 1992
US Pres. Bush addresses the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, Our years of trying to seek cooperation from Cambodia and the Soviets were not rewarded until just recently. The U.N.-sponsored settlement plan in Cambodia  .have opened the way for unprecedented access. We will push hard to translate this access into answers. [Read more]
July 28, 1992
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.R.5708 a bill to establish an Office of Cambodian Genocide Investigation.
August 13, 1992
Election process began. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Cambodia, Yasushi Akashi, signed the UNTAC Electoral Law, the blueprint for Cambodia's first multiparty election in decades.
August 25, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement Establishing the International Fund for Agricultural Development [16041].
August 27, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on the Supervision of Financial Institutions.
September 2, 1992
Cambodian govt. released 70 prisoners after UN human rights workers determined that they had been detained without trial. Some had been imprisoned for as long as ten years.
September 10, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) adopted provision relating to the judiciary, and criminal law and procedure applicable in Cambodia during the transitional period.  [Text of the provisions]
September 22, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) set a moratorium on the export of logs from Cambodia in order to protect Cambodia's natural resources; requests states, especially neighboring states, to respect the moratorium by not importing such logs; and request UNTAC to take appropriate measures to secure the implementation of the moratorium.
September 25, 1992
US Pres.'s message to the Congress reporting on the National Emergency with respect to Export Control Regulations, At the beginning of the year, I announced the lifting of the US embargo against Cambodia in response to the United Nations-directed comprehensive political settlement of the decades-long Cambodian conflict. In April the Commerce Department issued a rule removing Cambodia from the list of embargoed countries and revising licensing policies and procedures affecting Cambodia and Laos to allow these countries to receive general license treatment for exports and re-exports of many items.
October 5, 1992
Voter registration began in Phnom Penh and throughout the provinces over the following three months which eventually 4,764,430 voters were registered.
October 13, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/783 reiterating its demand for the Khmer Rouge to comply fully with phase II of Paris Accord. The Council also demands all Cambodian parties to respect for the cease-fire, help UNTAC to identify minefields, refrain from enlarging the territory under their control, and facilitate UNTAC in investigating reports of foreign forces in Cambodia.
October 15, 1992
Cambodia ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [24841], Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [20378], Convention on the Rights of the Child [27531], and Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol [2545].
November 30, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/792 imposing a trade embargo on the areas under the Khmer Rouge's control. The Council orders an end to all oil deliveries to the Khmer Rouge and orders Thailand to stop allowing the export through Thai territory of timber and gems, which is the Khmer Rouge's prime source of revenue. The move is a response to the Khmer Rouge's refusal to comply with the phase II of Paris Accord signed in October 1991.
December 2, 1992
Khmer Rouge captured six UN soldiers on December 2 and accused them of spying. According to UNTAC, the six had been traveling unarmed near the town of Kompong Thom in observing troop movements as part of their peacekeeping mission. All are released on December 4.
December 19, 1992
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Basic Agreement in the Field of Rubber. [Original agreement English French]
December 22, 1992
UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/209 concerning the financing of UNTAC.
December 28, 1992
Khieu Samphan, the Khmer Rouge's leader, warned that UN personnel would be taken captive if they attempt to monitor UN sanctions, which was imposed on the Khmer Rouge by the UN Security Council on November 30.
January 4, 1993
Citing an increasing political violence against FUNCINPEC and failure of UNTAC to curtail it, Prince Sihanouk, chairman of Supreme National Council, informed UNTAC in letter that he is withdrawing from the peace process; ceasing from cooperation with UNTAC and the State of Cambodia.
January 11, 1993
UNTAC announced the creation of a special prosecutor's office to bring to justice those guilty of political killings. A multinational team of civilian police officers that operate under UNTAC's auspices had an arrest power.
January 26, 1993
Khmer Rouge issued a statement in Phnom Penh that it would not participate in the peace process unless it is provided a share of power and guarantees that all Vietnamese had left Cambodia.
January 28, 1993
General election announced. The Supreme National Council and UNTAC representatives announced that general elections for a 120-seat National Assembly in Cambodia would be held in May.
January 29, 1993
The RGC launched a large-scale military offensive against Khmer Rouge in north-central and western Cambodia.
February 11, 1993
French Pres. Francois Mitterrand began a two-day visit to Cambodia, a former French colony. His visit was the first by a French leader since Charles de Gaulle's sojourn in 1966. Mitterrand urged all Cambodian factions to honor the UN-sponsored peace process. The two countries also signed a few agreement: (1) Protocol of Agreement concerning technical assistance to the Calmette hospital [Agreement in English French]; (2) Protocol of agreement on technical assistance to the mixed faculty of medicine, pharmacy and odontostomatology [English French]; and (3) Framework Agreement in the field of health [English French].
February 27, 1993
A UN chief administrator in Cambodia Gerard Porcell resigned citing the UN's failure to curtail the violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by the Khmer Rouge and the State of Cambodia.
March 1, 1993
UN officials revealed that they had identified three former Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia who qualified as foreign forces under the 1991 peace accords and should be deported. All three had entered Cambodia during Vietnam's invasion in 1978, and had become Cambodian citizen after marrying local women.
March 8, 1993
UN Security Council formally endorsed the forthcoming elections in Cambodia, although the Khmer Rouge's refusal to participate.
March 28, 1993
More Than 2000 ethnic Vietnamese fled by boat down the Tonle Sap River toward Vietnam after a series of brutal attacks, which Khmer Rouge was widely suspected of perpetrating the attacks. Khmer Rouge vocally denounced the presence of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese in Cambodia.
April 3, 1993
Khieu Samphan, in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review, dismisses the forthcoming elections as a Western plot to destroy the Khmer Rouge, and called for an establishment of a national reconciliation govt. that include the Khmer Rouge without the election.
April 6, 1993
US Defense Dept. said that it was recalling its 48-member team searching for US servicemen missing in action in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. The Dept. said the team had come under Khmer Rouge's attacks.
April 8, 1993
Atsuhito Nakata, a Japanese UN electoral observer, and his Cambodian interpreter are gunned down. About UN 40 volunteers resign after the killing.
April 13, 1993
The Khmer Rouge close their offices in Phnom Penh and withdrew from the capital. Khieu Samphan said in a letter that Khmer Rouge officials fear for their safety because of deteriorating security in the capital.
May 2, 1993
Thailand's Interior Ministry had proposed reopening its border with Cambodia to allow the importation of timbers. The border was closed after the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on the Khmer Rouge in November 1992 for its failure to comply Phase II of Paris Accord.
May 3, 1993
More than 200 Khmer Rouge raid the provincial capital of Siem Reap and occupy the airport for about two hours before they are driven off by the govt. troops.
May 23, 1993
General elections are held under the auspices of UNTAC.
June 10, 1993
Constituent Assembly. UNTAC releases the final tally of the May election showing that FUNCINPEC received 1.82 million votes or 45.5%; CPP 1.53 million votes or 38.2%; BLDP 152,764 votes or 3.8%; and the remaining votes divided among the other 17 political parties. In the 120-seat assembly, FUNCINPEC would get 58 seats; CPP 51; BLDP 10 and Moulinaka 1.
June 12, 1993
Secession attempt. Prince Norodom Chakrapong, an incumbent deputy prime minister in Hun Sen's govt., declares the establishment of an autonomous zone (Kompong Cham, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng province). He said he is acting in the name of his father in rejecting the validity of the May election results; however, some observers speculated that the Prince's move is a ploy backed by Hun Sen to press Prince Ranariddh to accept the CPP as a coalition partner.
June 13, 1993
Prince Ranariddh instructs his 5000-strong army to ready itself for battle against the secessionist forces of Prince Chakrapong, who is his half-brother.
June 14, 1993
The Constituent Assembly convenes for the first time and grants Prince Sihanouk all powers for Head of State to govern the nation. The Assembly also declares the 1970 coup, which ousted Prince Sihanouk from power, as illegal. Following the Assembly vote, the State of Cambodia renounces all state powers. A spokesman reject any involves of govt. with the secession attempt by Prince Chakrapong and insists he acts on his own. Meanwhile, Hun Sen flies to Kampong Cham and after conferring with local authorities, he informs the UNTAC chief Yasushi Akshi that he had been able to defuse secessionist moves and that the provinces remain under govt. control.
June 18, 1993
FUNCINPEC and CPP agree to share power in an interim govt., ending their post-electoral maneuvering. The agreement calls for Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen to be co-presidents and division of cabinet posts equally. Two smaller parties, the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Part and Moulinaka, are also to be represented in the interim govt., which to govern until the Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution. Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen agrees that Prince Sihanouk would serve as the interim supreme commander of the Cambodian armed forces, which composed of the former armies of the State of Cambodia, FUNCINPEC and the BLDP.
August 17, 1993
An ad hoc Commission, which was created by the Constituent Assembly on June 14, produced a draft Constitution.
August 18, 1993
In responding to a series of Khmer Rouge attacks, govt. launches a three-day offensive against the rebel bases in northwest Cambodia, involving some 6000 troops. Govt. troops overrun Khmer Rouge's base at Kouk Krasbas on August 19 and capture some 200 rebels and an array of weapons. And Phnom Chat, major Khmer Rouge arms depot, captured on August 20.
September 9, 1993
The International Committee for the Reconstruction of Cambodia ends its two-day meeting in Paris with a pledge of $119 million in additional financial aid to Cambodia.
September 21, 1993
The Constituent Assembly votes 113 to 5, with two abstentions, to adopt a new constitution (Cambodia's sixth constitution since independence in 1953). The country officially renames to Kingdom of Cambodia.
September 24, 1993
The newly adopted constitution is promulgated. On the same day, Prince Norodom Sihanouk is reinstated as Cambodia's king (constitutional sovereign).
September 26, 1993
UNTAC ends its most ambitious peacekeeping mission in Cambodia; the mission last 18 months and $1.7 billion, the most expensive mission ever conduct by the UN.
December 17, 1993
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of building and public works. [MOU in English French]
December 22, 1993
New Zealand and UN signed an Agreement in New York relating to the Provision of Personnel to Support De-mining program in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
1994
Govt. troops captured Pailin from Khmer Rouge. Govt. closed Khmer Rouge offices in Phnom Penh. Shortly afterward the National Assembly outlawed the Khmer Rouge.
January 13, 1994
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreement on the establishment of the Joint Commission for the Bilateral Cooperation between the two countries.
January 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN exchanged letters constituting an agreement concerning the status of the team of military liaison officers in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
February 1, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.1332
May 10, 1994
Cambodia and France signed in Paris a Basic Agreement on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation. [Agreement in English French]
May 26, 1994
US Rep. Rohrabacher introduces H.R.4530
June 1, 1994
Cambodia and UN Children's Fund signed in Phnom Penh a Basic cooperation agreement. [Agreement in English French]
July 2, 1994
Govt. officials reported that a coup led by Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song (both members of the Cabinet) had been foiled when govt. troops intercepted 200-300 dissident soldiers in armored vehicles and trucks as they were advancing on Phnom Penh. After many hours of telephone conversations that involved the king, who was in China for medical treatment, the queen, Chakrapong, govt. officials, and US ambassador, Prince Chakrapong was allowed to board a plane and go into exile in Malaysia. Gen. Sin Song was placed under arrest.
July 14, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.2278
July 15, 1994
UN and Netherlands signed in New York a Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of personnel to support de-mining program in Cambodia. [MOU in English French]
July 20, 1994
National Assembly adopted the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers. [Full Text]
August 27, 1994
Prince Chakrapong issues a press release denying that he staged a coup. [Read the press release]
September 13, 1994
Cambodia and UNHCR signed in Phnom Penh an agreement on the establishing of a UNHCR field office in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
October 20, 1994
Economy and Finance Minister, Sam Rainsy, resigned.
October 28, 1994
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Norodom Sirivudh, resigned. Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song were sentenced in absentia to 20 years each and other eight high ranking military officers who also fled the country were given 15-prison term.
November 28, 1994
Cambodia deposited with UN instrument of accessions on International Convention on Load Lines [9159], Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea [15824], Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage [14097], and Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea [18961].
December 12, 1994
Fifty-one Buddhist books that were given to the Australian govt. for safekeeping in 1974 were returned to Cambodia.
December 16, 1994
Cambodia and International Development Association signed in Phnom Penh an agreement relating to Development Credit. [Agreement in English French]
December 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN signed a Basic agreement, in Phnom Penh, concerning assistance by the UNDP to Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
February 6, 1995
Sam Rainsy is expelled from FUNCINPEC steering committee.
February 24, 1995
Mines Awareness Day is celebrated for the time in Cambodia.  After decades of war, Cambodia is spoilt with millions of landmines, which are claiming victims every day.
April 6, 1995
US Rep. Rohrabachur introduces H.R.1451
July 11, 1995
The US House of Representatives passes Bill H.R.1642, extending Cambodia unconditional Most Favored Nation (MFN) trading status.
July 20, 1995
Cambodia reopens her embassy in Washington DC, twenty years after it closed following the fall of Phnom Penh in 1975. Mr. Var Huoth is ambassador.
August 10, 1995
Cambodia and International Development Association signed in Phnom Penh an agreement relating to development credit. [Agreement in English French]
September 21, 1995
Testimony of Winston Lord, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, on Cambodia before the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
September 29, 1995
Cambodia and Thailand sign an agreement on the establishment of border committees.
October 11, 1995
Cambodia and International Development Association sign in Phnom Penh an agreement relating to development credit. [Agreement on Power rehabilitation in English French] [Economic rehabilitation in English French]
November 9, 1995
Khmer Nation Party is found.
November 21, 1995
Prince Norodom Sirivudh is stripped of his parliamentary immunity and arrested on charges of plotting to assassinate the second PMs Hun Sen.
December 18, 1995
Cambodia ratified UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. [30822]
December 19, 1995
Prince Sirivudh is released from prison and sent into exile.
1996
New Discovery at Angkor Wat. Archeologist Elizabeth Moore, who studied radar images from a US space shuttle, made the dramatic discovery of a series of previously unknown ancient mounds and moats, which she believes were built by people who lived at the site centuries before Angkor was built. The discoveries may illuminate the early history of the people who produced one of the world's great architectural treasures, as well as a massive system of moats, canals, and reservoirs. Already, the image provides a pretty clear indication that water management had a very early and probably indigenous development, as opposed to being an import from India as some had suggested, Moore said. [Radar Image] Ieng Sary leads mass defection to the govt. at Pailin. The breakaway Khmer Rouge faction had named itself the Democratic National United Movement, head by Ieng Sary.
January 24, 1996
King Sihanouk signs into law Krams, establishing the Ministry of Defense; Ministry of Foreign Affair and International Cooperation; Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery; Ministry of Commerce; Ministry of Social Action, Labor and Veteran Affairs; Ministry of Religious Affairs; Ministry of Rural Development; Ministry of Economy and Finance; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; Ministry of Environment; Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Planning; Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Ministry of Women's Affairs; The Office of the Council of Ministers; The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation; The State Secretariat of Civil Service; and The State Secretariat in Charge of the Relation with the National Assembly.
January 25, 1996
US Rep. Bereuter introduces H.RES.345
February 22, 1996
Prince Sirivudh is sentenced, in absentia, to ten years imprisonment on charge of plotting to assassinate Second PM Hun Sen.
February 26, 1996
Heng Ngor, who received Oscar Award for his portray of Dith Pran in the Killing Fields, is killed in a robbery at his resident in California.
February 28, 1996
UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/50/178 expressing grave concern about the atrocities that continue to be committed by the Khmer Rouge; serious violations of human rights and calls on the Govt. of Cambodia to prosecute the perpetrators. The Council expressed its grave concern about the reluctance of the Cambodian courts to charge members of the military and other security forces for serious criminal offences.
March 26, 1996
British de-miner Christopher Howes and his interpreter Houn Huot are abducted by Khmer Rouge in Preah Ko Chase village, 17 km from Angkor Wat. The rest of the team, 24 Cambodian de-miners, are also abducted but released a few hours later. US House of Representatives passed a resolution H.RES.345 concerning the deteriorated situation in Cambodia by (1) urging the Secretary of State to make human rights concerns among the primary objectives in bilateral relations with Cambodia; (2) urging the Secretary of State to closely monitor preparations for upcoming Cambodian elections in 1997 and 1998 and attempt to secure the agreement of the Cambodian Govt. to full and unhindered participation of international observers for these elections; (3) urging the Secretary of State to support the continuation of human rights monitoring in Cambodia by the U.N., including monitoring through the office of the U.N. Center for Human Rights in Phnom Penh and monitoring by the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General for Human Rights in Cambodia; (4) urging the Secretary of State to encourage Cambodia's other donors and trading partners to raise human rights concerns with Cambodia; (5) supporting efforts by the US to provide assistance to Cambodia to broaden democratic civil society, to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that future elections in Cambodia are free and fair; and (6) urging that the US raise human rights concerns at the June 1996 meeting of the Donor's Consultative Meeting for Cambodia and during consideration of projects in Cambodia to be financed by international financial institutions.
April 2, 1996
Cambodia submits application for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) full membership.  The current members of the grouping are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.  Cambodia currently is in the organization as an observer.
May 9, 1996
The Council of Ministers makes a decision to reestablish formal diplomatic relations with South Korea.
May 18, 1996
Thun Bun Ly, editor-in-chief of Khmer Conscience newspaper, is assassinated in central Phnom Penh.
June 20, 1996
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreements: on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation; and the Establishment of the Subcommittee on Finance.
July 14, 1996
Second PM Hun Sen visits South Korea.
July 18, 1996
Second PM Hun Sent visits China.
July 29, 1996
US Senator Roth introduces S.RES.285
August 8, 1996
Khmer Rouge radio announces that Ieng Sary had been sentenced to death for embezzling $16 million for the organization.
August 21, 1996
King Sihanouk makes clear that he opposed Cambodia's bid for Asean full membership.  The King argues that the membership would go against Cambodia's pledge of neutrality under the Paris peace agreement of October 1991 and constitution of September 1993.
August 26, 1996
Long Norin, Ieng Sary's secretary-general, claims that Ieng Sary was ranked No. 6 in the Khmer Rouge hierarchy not No. 2 as widely believe. Ieng Sary served the Khmer Rouge regime as deputy prime minister and foreign minister. Norin said Ieng Sary had nothing to do with the genocidal rule in which an estimated 1.7 millions Cambodia died.
September 9, 1996
Ieng Sary denies any role in the Cambodian genocide of 1975-79. He instead put the blame for what he acknowledged were the killings and massacres of those years on Pol Pot and his secret security committee. I have no regrets because I had nothing to do with ordering the execution of anyone, or even suggesting such a thing, Ieng Sary said at a press conference.
September 15, 1996
RGC provides amnesty to Ieng Sary, covering his 1979 conviction and the 1994 law.
September 25, 1996
US President signed into law a bill, H.R. 1642, to extend most-favored-nation (MFN) status to Cambodia. [Statement by the President]
September 28, 1996
US Senate passed a resolution S.RES.285 expressing the sense of the Senate that enforcement of the Cambodian Genocide Justice Act, improvement in Cambodia's record on human rights, the environment, narcotics trafficking and the RGC's conduct should be among the primary objectives of the US in relations with Cambodia.
November 19, 1996
Kov Samuth, Hun Sen's brother-in-law, is shot dead.
February 8, 1997
Second PM Hun Sen visited Phnom Malai, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold. He was accompanied by foreign military attaches from the embassies of the US, Australia, France, South Korea, and representatives of UNICEF and World Food Program. The delegation was received by Ieng Sary and several former Khmer Rouge soldiers and their families.
March 3, 1997
Three suspects are arrested in connection with the killing of Kov Samuth, Hun Sen's brother-in-law. One of the suspects is Srun Vong Vannak, a member of KNP's steering committee and also security chief of the party. The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution A/RES/51/98 expressing concern about the continuing problem of impunity in Cambodia, whereby the courts in several areas are reluctant or unable to charge members of the military, police and other security forces for serious criminal offences.
March 8, 1997
Cambodia and Thailand pledge to respect each other's territorial sovereignty, with Phnom Penh guarantees strict suppression of the smuggling of stolen Thai vehicles and proceeds of robberies, and Bangkok reiterates its policy of disarming armed intruders and pushing them back across the border.
March 30, 1997
Grenades are thrown at a rally, leads by former finance minister Sam Rainsy, in front of National Assembly, killing at least fifteen people.
April 7, 1997
UN Secretary-General write letter to President of UN Security Council concerning Cambodia.
April 11, 1997
UN Commission on Human Rights adopts resolution 1997/49, requesting the Secretary General, through his Special Representative, to examine any request for assistance in responding to past serious violations of Cambodian and international law.
April 14, 1997
President of UN Security Council responds to UN Secretary-General's letter concerning Cambodia.
April 16, 1997
US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.69 expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the March 30, 1997 terrorist grenade attack.
April 17, 1997
US Rep. Horn introduces H.RES.121
May 4, 1997
Rocket is launched at TV station in Sihanoukville (Kompong Som), killing 1 and injured 2. The attack is described as politically motivated.
May 16, 1997
Long Sarin, FUNCINPEC second secretary of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, visits Khmer Rouge's stronghold Anlong Veng to meet with Khmer Rouge officials Tep Khunnal and Pech Bunreth.
May 19, 1997
Prince Ranariddh says Khieu Samphan intent to form a political party; on the same day, Hun Sen warns against any political alliance that would permit a Khmer Rouge return to politics.
May 21, 1997
US House of Representatives passes a resolution H.RES.121 expressing the sense of the House concerning the terrorist grenades attack on March 30, 1997. Khieu Samphan, on Khmer Rouge radio, pledges his new National Solidarity Party's support for the Funcinpec-initiated National United Front (NUF) of parties.
May 23, 1997
Prince Ranariddh tells reporters that if Khieu Samphan gets a Royal amnesty and wants to join the NUF, he has no choice by to say yes.
May 25, 1997
Gen. Nhek Bun Chhay, Funcinpec deputy chief of general staff, secretly goes to Anlong Veng and meets with mid-level Khmer Rouge officials.
May 30, 1997
UN Secretary-General write letter to President of UN Security Council concerning Cambodia.
June 1, 1997
Nhek Bun Chhay meets Khieu Samphan at Anlong Veng; and around this time, Prince Ranariddh meets with Khieu Samphan in an undisclosed location.
June 2, 1997
Nhek Bun Chhay ignites the controversy by publicly claiming a deal had been struck for Khmer Rouge leaders Pol Pot, Ta Mok and Son Sen to go into exile, which clear the way for remaining Khmer Rouge to defect to the govt..
June 3, 1997
President of UN Security Council responds to UN Secretary-General's letter concerning Cambodia.
June 4, 1997
Nhek Bun Chhay claims that Pol Pot, Ta Mok and Son Sen have already left Cambodia; they are granted political asylum in an unspecified country.
June 5, 1997
Hun Sen warns Khieu Samphan not to return to Phnom Penh because people would kill him.
June 9, 1997
King Sihanouk, in Beijing, issues a statement saying that he will never grant amnesties to Pol Pot and Ta Mok; however, he leave open the prospect of amnesties for Khieu Samphan, Son Sen and Nuon Chea if both prime ministers agreed.
June 10, 1997
Son Sen, Khmer Rouge defense minister, and his wife (Yun Yat) along with about 10 of his family member are killed by Pol Pot's order.
June 11, 1997
Khieu Samphan, on Khmer Rouge radio, declares that Son Sen and his wife have been arrested for running a spy network.
June 12, 1997
The Bangkok Post reports that Pol Pot, Son Sen and Ta Mok are in Thailand, enroute to exile in China.  The paper cites Cambodian sources by say the information could not be confirmed.  In Beijing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman says, There is no question of giving him (Pol Pot) or anybody else from that organization political asylum.  In Phnom Penh, Prince Ranariddh say he has sent military officials to meet with Khieu Samphan, organized with the help of a friendly country. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 13, 1997
Phnom Penh officials claim intelligence reports of fighting in Anlong Veng.  Prince Ranariddh announces that Son Sen, his wife and 10 others were killed on Pol Pot's orders in the early hours of June 10, and Pol Pot fled the area with Khieu Samphan as hostage. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 14, 1997
Nhek Bun Chhay, at a press conference in Phnom Penh, produces photographs showing the bodies of Son Sen, his wife and others.  He says Pol Pot and up to 300 loyal fighters has escaped to about 20 km east of Anlong Veng, and Nuon Chea, Ta Mok and Khieu Samphan are being held hostage by Pol Pot, as well as British deminer Christopher Howes, kidnapped in March 1996.  Some 1,000 Khmer Rouge troops who had defected to the govt. were in pursuit of Pol Pot, and that he want the govt. to give them ammunition.  Hun Sen opposes such assistance, and says he doesn't believe Khieu Samphan or Nuon Chea is a hostage of Pol Pot.  Thai army chief, Gen. Chetta Thanajaro, denies Pol Pot is in Thailand and urges news media to take caution in their reporting, saying that many reports out of Cambodia could be politically motivated. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 15, 1997
Khmer Rouge's radio broadcast from Anlong Veng announcing the treason of Pol Pot. [Read the statement]
June 16, 1997
Prince Ranariddh says Pol Pot should be caught dead or alive within two days. He also says an unspecified number of Khmer Rouge guerrillas are ready to formally defect by June 18 and  if someone does not accept this, I will accept this in my capacity as First PM and co-Commander-in-Chief.  The Prince, in a surprise revelation, says he met Khieu Samphan and two of his associates three weeks ago, but refuses to provide details.  Hun Sen, in s speech, declares that negotiations with Khieu Samphan to be illegal. He calls for arrest and trial of Khmer Rouge leaders and disputes that Khieu Samphan has split from Pol Pot, and alleges a conspiracy to allow the rebels to enter politics, The Khmer Rouge is dead militarily, but someone wants the Khmer Rouge to survive politically. No way. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 17, 1997
Khmer Rouge radio unprecedented denounces its once fear leader, accusing him of committing acts of treason between June 9-14 and that the matter was resolved on June 14. It pledges the support of Khieu Samphan's govt. and party to the NUF, and speaks of joining all national forces in the struggle against Vietnam and its lackey Hun Sen. Prince Ranariddh says he hopes that Pol Pot will be taken alive and sent to an international court. Ta Mok had split from Pol Pot and disappeared. Visiting UN human rights representative, Thomas Hammarberg, tells a Phnom Penh press conference that both PMs will likely ask the UN to convene an international tribunal to try Pol Pot and others. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 18, 1997
Thai newspaper, The Nation, reports that Pol Pot had been offered two choices permanent exile or safe have in Cambodia's north.  Long Sarin of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok had given this information to former Thai PM Chatichai Choonhavan.  Within hours, the Cambodian Embassy issues a statement denying the report.  Hun Sen delivers an ultimatum to Prince Ranariddh, I give you a few day to decide whether to carry on to work in the coalition govt. or go to work with the govt. of Democratic Kampuchea led by Khieu Sampha.  In apparent reference to Ranariddh's admission that he met Khieu Samphan, Hun Sen says, This is a betrayal that cannot be accepted.  US State Department publicly say that the US would be gravely concerned if senior Khmer Rouge leaders were permitted to play a role in Cambodian national politics or permitted to retain administrative control over areas occupied by Khmer Rouge defectors. AP reports Nhek Bun Chhay says Pol Pot has surrendered. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 19, 1997
Prince Ranariddh say Pol Pot has not been found. He expresses surprise at Bun Chhay's comments, saying the general had not informed him of the surrender of Pol Pot.  The Prince adds that Pol Pot was left with only 5-10 loyalists, and the remaining Khmer Rouge are trying to capture him.  Hun Sen tells reporters, Pol Pot is the top leader of the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot betrayed who? Pol Pot surrendered to who? This is a political game by Ta Mok, Khieu Samphan and Pol Pot and some people in Phnom Penh. Nhek Bun Chhay, who arrives by helicopter from an unspecified location possibly Anlong Veng, tells Phnom Penh Post that Pol Pot has not yet surrendered but wants to defect. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 20, 1997
Khmer Rouge radio claims a meeting of 3000 people in Anlong Veng was held this morning, attended by leadership of the Khmer Rouge provisional govt., and roundly condemned Pol Pot. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 21, 1997
Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen, sent a letter to UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, requesting UN assistance for prosecution of those responsible for the genocide and crime against humanity during the rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. Thai PM Chavalit Yongchaiyudh arrives in Phnom Penh for a one-day visit, scheduled before the Anlong Veng drama.  Prince Ranariddh tells reports that Pol Pot has been captured, The source is me, he says when asked what evidence he has. One day we will bring you to see him. He adds,  Hun Sen and I agree that Pol Pot will be brought eventually to Phnom Penh and should face an international trial. The Prince says Khieu Samphan was with Pol Pot but does not say whether he will also face trial. Ta Mok's whereabouts, Prince Ranariddh says, we have to check further but to be frank, Pol Pot is the most important man.  Hun Sen tells reports, This morning the First PM has informed me Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan have been arrested.  The pair should be brought to Phnom Penh and sent to an international trial. (Phnom Penh Post) Cambodia and Thailand sign agreements: (1) cultural and (2) border-crossing between the two countries.
June 22, 1997
The US and many foreign officials say their countries had asked Canada to be the key partner in an extraordinary effort to take Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot out of Cambodia to face an international tribunal for crimes against humanity, which he committed during his reign of terror 1975-79. Hun Sen says he had received a report that Pol Pot was dead.  He also explains his version of what Prince Ranariddh had said about Pol Polt's capture, He said I heard if from someone who heard it from someone else. Now I temporarily believe that Pol Pot has been arrested and died. I take it as a temporary belief   Nhek Bun Chhay returns from Anlong Veng, telling journalists that he saw Pol Pt, He is still alive, but I did not take a photo I did not ask Pol Pot anything. I only saw him sitting in his house. He is very old. I think very soon may be he will given to the govt.. Bun Chhay says he also saw Nuon Chea, who he said was sicker than Pol Pot, and Ta Mok. The general says Khieu Samphan plans a press conference in Khmer Rouge held Preah Vihear temple to announce the end of the Khmer Rouge provisional govt. and declare support for the Constitution of Cambodia. (Phnom Penh Post)
June 25, 1997
Prince Ranariddh says he wants to send one or two journalists to Anlong Veng to take photographs of Pol Pot.
July 4, 1997
First PM Prince Norodom Ranariddh departed Phnom Penh for a previously unannounced visit to France.
July 5, 1997
Fighting erupts on the morning of July 5 when troops loyal to Second Premier Hun Sen attacked troops loyal to First Premier Prince Norodom. The fighting halted on July 6, when a white flag was raised over Prince Ranariddh's residence and all his troops were ousted of the capital or captured. [Read more about the events]
July 10, 1997
Son Sen was killed. The notorious Khmer Rouge Defense Minister, his wife (Yon Yat) and fourteen of his relatives were killed by the order of Pol Pot at Anlong Veng. The ousted First PM Prince Ranariddh appealed to the international community not to recognize the illegal govt. in Cambodia and freeze any assistance or aid to Cambodia. ASEAN, at its meeting in Malaysia, vote to postpone indefinitely Cambodia's entrance into the group. And the US announces its suspension of more than $30 million in aid to Cambodia for 30 days.
July 11, 1997
US President, Bill Clinton, writes a letter to congressional leaders regarding fighting in Cambodia. President of UN Security Council issues statement concerning situation in Cambodia.
July 22, 1997
Second PM Hun Sen announces the Open Sky policy to a group of investors. The announcement put an end to the Royal Air Cambodge's, Cambodia's official airline, monopoly on domestic air transportation.
July 23, 1997
ASEAN reaffirmed its decision to postpone Cambodia's membership indefinitely because of July 5-6 fighting in Phnom Penh. On the same day, the 30-year-old group formally admits Laos and Burma; the ceremonies initially were to have Cambodia as well. US Rep. Gilman introduces H.RES.195
July 25, 1997
Pol Pot, Khmer Rouge leader who was responsible for the deaths of more than 1 million of his countrymen, is put on trial by his former followers at Anlong Veng. After hours of denunciation and humiliation, the once-feared leader is sentenced to life imprisonment.
July 28, 1997
National Assembly was reopened with the absence of 14 members. US House of Representatives passed a resolution H.RES.195 expressing the sense of the House concerning the July 5-6 fighting.
July 30, 1997
US Rep. Lampson introduces H.RES.205 calling for the prosecution of Pol Pot for crime against humanity.  US Rep. Bereuter offers H.AMDT.303 an amendment to prohibit the use of any fund to provide direct aid to the govt. of Cambodia.
July 31, 1997
Premier Hun Sen urged Thailand to help arrest Pol Pot and bring him before an international tribunal. In an interview on ABC's Nightline, the Premier said I want to send him to an international court. This is an international problem.
August 3, 1997
More than 1000 people gathered in Phnom Penh for a peace march, one month after a blood fighting in the capital that ousted first PM Prince Ranariddh from power. The marchers, mostly monks, nuns and laymen, were led by the Buddhist patriarch, Maha Ghosananda, who had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
August 6, 1997
Ung Huot is elected PM. National Assembly vote, 86-4 with six abstains, in favor of Foreign Minister Ung Huot as First PM to replace Prince Norodom Ranariddh, who was ousted from power in July. The Assembly also votes to strip Prince Ranariddh of his parliamentary immunity from any criminal prosecution.
August 11, 1997
ASEAN, after an urgent meeting in Singapore, announced its appointment of Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasan to coordinate with newly elected Cambodia First PM Ung Huot and Prince Ranariddh respectively. The two would follow up on any developments in the Cambodian crisis and report to ASEAN foreign ministers as a part of the group's attempt to bring peace and stability to Cambodia.
August 12, 1997
Arrest warrant issued for Prince Ranariddh. A military prosecutor issues a warrant for the arrest of the ousted first PM on charges of weapons smuggling. A shipment of weapon was seized at Kompong Som in May, which Second PM Hun Sen said it was imported illegally and called for legal action. Prince Ranariddh denied the charged and pointed out that his name was on the shipping documents, and said he entitled to import the equipment for his personal security force. The National Assembly stripped the Prince of his parliamentary immunity on Aug 6.
August 22, 1997
After more than a month of hiding following the July 5-6 fighting, Pen Sovan - a former PRK premier - emerges to leave Cambodia. He is accompanied to Pochentong Airport by UN human rights workers and staff of the Australian and US embassy, including US ambassador Kenneth Quinn who walks Pen Sovan to the plane.
August 29, 1997
King Sihanouk returns to Cambodia from Beijing; he went directly to Siem Reap.
September 3, 1997
Vietnam Airlines flight number VN815 crashes near Pochentong Airport, killing 64 of 66 people on board. The Soviet-made Tupolev 134B, en route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, crashed at about 1:40 p.m. in cloudy weather.
September 9, 1997
Srun Vong Vannak is sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.
September 21, 1997
First PM Ung Huot departs Phnom Penh for New York to attend UN assembly.
September 22, 1997
Second PM Hun Sen departs Phnom Penh for New York to attend UN assembly.  On the same day, the Foreign Ministry issues a white-paper explaining the origins, history, and the aftermath of July 1997 crisis.
October 8, 1997
UN Secretary-General write letter to President of UN Security Council concerning Cambodia.
October 9, 1997
Prime Ministers Ung Huot and Hun Sen return from New York.
October 13, 1997
President of UN Security Council responds to UN Secretary-General's letter concerning Cambodia.
October 16, 1997
Pot Pol is interviewed, for the first time in 18 years, by an American journalist Nate Thayer at the Khmer Rouge's stronghold of Anglong Veng. Pol Pot who was blamed for the death of an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians denies the extent of the atrocities and remains unrepentant for the genocide. He blamed almost all the deaths on Vietnam, saying his party had to defend themselves. Pol Pot also denies the existence of a notorious detention center Toul Sleng in Phnom Penh, in which some 16,000 people were killed there including his top lieutenants who were the victims of his bloody purge.
October 22, 1997
PM Ung Huot, Hun Sen and ASEAN Troika (Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand) write letters to UN Secretary-General concerning situation in Cambodia.
October 24, 1997
Prince Ranariddh write letter to UN Secretary-General concerning situation in Cambodia.
October 25, 1997
King Sihanouk departs Siem Reap for Beijing.
October 27, 1997
UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, sends a letter to inform the President of the Security Council regarding the recent development in Cambodia with attached letters from Mr. Ung Huot, Samdech Hun Sen, ASEAN Troika, and Prince Ranariddh.
October 28, 1997
The National Assembly adopted law on creation of political parties. [Full Text]
October 30, 1997
Cambodia and South Korea signed an agreement establishing full diplomatic relations.  The ceremony, in Phnom Penh, was attended by co-prime ministers, Ung Huot and Hun Sen, and the head of South Korean mission, Park Kung-Tai.  King Sihanouk, who was a friend of the North Korean communist leader, Kim Il Sung, dropped his long standing objections to the agreement last week at the request of premier Hun Sen. Ieng Sary, who's in Phnom Penh for talks with PM Hun Sen, spook to journalists.  He said he did not consider the violent ousting of Prince Ranariddh last July a coup.  He also added that if fighting between Prince Ranariddh's supporters and govt. forces reached Pailin he would support the govt. President of UN Security Council write letter to UN Secretary-General concerning the forthcoming election and the security and safety of returning political leaders.
November 8, 1997
Pailin, a former Khmer Rouge stronghold, formally placed under the control of the Cambodian govt.  The town had been run autonomously by the former Khmer Rouge Foreign Minister, Ieng Sary, since he defected last year.
November 24, 1997
Cambodian govt. awarded provisional contracts to five foreign companies, Australia's BHP, US-based Conoco, Britain's Enterprise Oil, Japan's Idemitsu and Inpex, to explore for oil in offshore areas also claimed by Thailand.  The contracts valid only when Cambodia had reached agreement with Thailand on long disputed maritime boundary.
November 26, 1997
Prince Sisowath Sirirath returns to Cambodia from New York. UN released a report reveal that the infection rate of HIV/AIDS was the bleakest in Cambodia among Southeast Asia counties. The surveys found that one in 20 pregnant woman, one in 16 soldier and policemen, and one in two sex workers are HIV positive.
November 27, 1997
Sam Rainsy returns to Cambodia for the first time since July fighting.
December 1, 1997
First advanced team of United Cambodian Democrat (UCD) returns to Cambodia.
December 3, 1997
Supreme Council of Magistracy is established under chairmanship of Chea Sim. Pen Sovann returns to Cambodia from self-exile in Malaysia. King Sihanouk returns to Phnom Penh from Beijing after nine months absent. Opposition forces loyal to ousted First PM, Prince Ranariddh, claims that they had captured three districts in the northwest of Cambodia, and that several hundred of govt. troops defected.  The govt. denied the districts had fallen, but conceded that some of its troops had defected.
December 5, 1997
PM Hun Sen orders cable television providers to stop broadcasting pornographic films.  Speaking to health officials in Phnom Penh, the premier said sex films were undermining the govt.'s effort to fight AIDS.
December 6, 1997
US Assistant Secretary of State John Shattuck visits Cambodia.
December 7, 1997
Sam Rainsy leads more than 4000 people in a march for peace in Phnom Penh. The march moves from Olympic Stadium to the western outskirts of the capital under the watchful eyes of UN monitors. He had originally planned a longer march but agreed to respect the authority's permission for a scaled down route.
December 8, 1997
Sam Rainsy meets with PM Hun Sen, for three hours at the Premier's residence, for the first time since he left govt. in October 1994.
December 11, 1997
First Advanced Team of United Cambodian Democrat (UCD) returns to Bangkok. Sam Rainsy visits Srun Vong Vannak at PJ prison.
December 12, 1997
UN General Assembly adopts resolution A/RES/52/135 concerning human rights situation in Cambodia.
December 13, 1997
UCD issues a statement in Bangkok saying the conditions have not yet created for free and fair elections, which schedule to be held next year.  The statement said the killing and harassment of opposition members continued, and urged the US to extend the scope of its monitoring.
December 14, 1997
Khmer Nation Party holds its national congress attending by some 5000 people.
December 15, 1997
Govt. forces launch an attack with tanks and artillery on the town of O'smach, a stronghold of opposition forces loyal to ousted First PM Prince Ranariddh.
December 16, 1997
Govt. officials raised the prospect that elections planned to be held in May next year may be delayed.  Deputy PM, Sar Kheng, said there was too little time to prepare for the polling, and suggested putting off the date to October.  Preparations for the elections were being watch closely by the international community, which had made continuing aid to Cambodia dependent on free and fair elections being held.
December 19, 1997
Election Law is adopted by the National Assembly.
January 5, 1998
King Sihanouk and Queen Monique depart for Beijing.
January 9, 1998
Cambodian authorities proposed changes to the country's press law aimed at defining more clearly issues concerning press freedom and national security.  The new law would ban reporting of classified details on military operations, criticism of the multi-party system and articles thought to undermine the national currency.  The information minister, Khieu Khanarith, said the new law would protect newspapers.  The proposed changes came one day after the govt. closed six opposition newspapers on charge of defamation.
January 14, 1998
A former Khmer Rouge guerrilla leader, Phon Pheap who defected to the govt. forces, is killed by police at a checkpoint in southern Cambodia as he tried to force his way through.  Pheap came to prominence last year, when he appeared at a televised news conference to allege that first PM Prince Ranariddh was plotting a coup.
January 16, 1998
Sam Rainsy meets with Second PM Hun Sen for the third time.
January 20, 1998
The American ambassador in Cambodia protested over an incident in Phnom Penh in which an embassy car was fired on by military police, wounding one occupants and another was arrested.  Cambodia authorities acknowledged the incident occurred as they were trying to apprehend suspects in a fraud case.
January 21, 1998
Cambodia National Sustaining Party (CNSP) formed by Pen Sovann hold its first party congress.
January 22, 1998
Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, visits Cambodia. The first group of 39 self-exiles returns to Cambodia.
January 26, 1998
The National Assembly approves the membership of the National Election Committee (NEC), which would oversee the elections scheduled for July.
January 29, 1998
Thailand expressed it hopes to hold separate talks with Second PM Hun Sen and ousted First PM Prince Ranariddh in an effort to persuade them to start negotiations on a ceasefire soon.  After a meeting with Prince Ranariddh in Bangkok, Thailand's foreign minister, Surin Pitsuwan, said the Thai PM, Chuan Leekpai, hoped to act as mediator between the two sides.
January 30, 1998
Japan proposes a peace formula to ousted First PM Prince Ranariddh.  Japan's ambassador to Thailand, Hiroshi Ota, offered the formula to Prince Ranariddh who was in Bangkok for talks with Thai PM Chuan Leekpai.  Ota also intended to show the plan to Second PM Hun Sen when he visits Bangkok for talks with Thai premier.  The peace formula included a cease-fire between the two armies along the northwestern Cambodian-Thai border, royalist forces to sever ties with the outlawed Khmer Rouge, and Hun Sen to guarantee the safe return home for Prince Ranariddh. Cambodia accuses U.N. special representative for human rights in Cambodia, Thomas Hammarberg, of obstructing its efforts to uphold human rights and political freedoms in the country.  Mr. Sieng Lapresse, a spokesman for the Ministry of Information, said the U.N. representative did not listen to the views of the Cambodian govt..  Earlier, Mr. Hammarberg said he did not believe free and fair elections could be held in Cambodia at the moment, and also urged the Cambodian authorities to investigate politically motivated killings.
February 1, 1998
Former FM and First PM Ung Huot forms Reastr Niyum Party. Loy Sim Chheng forms New Society Party.
February 5, 1998
Acting Head of State, Chea Sim, called for the resumption of foreign aid, saying that without it Cambodia would face possible instability and human rights violations.  He said only the Cambodian people would suffer if aid was linked to politics.  Many nations had cut off aid following the fighting last year.
February 6, 1998
Environmental group, Global Witness, says it had evidence of continued illegal logging carried out by the military.  Co-Defense Minister, Tea Banh, rejected the claim saying that his ministry had received no income from logging.
February 12, 1998
Ousted First PM Prince Ranariddh expressed his intention to return home soon in order to prepare for elections due to take place in July even if he faced being arrested.  The Prince had been charged in his absence with weapons smuggling and colluding with the outlawed Khmer Rouge. US Rep. Bereuter introduces H.RES.361 calling for free and impartial election in Cambodia.
February 14, 1998
Khmer New Life Party is formed.
February 17, 1998
Twenty-three more self-exiles return to Cambodia. Second PM Hun Sen makes an appeal for King Sihanouk to return to Cambodia.
February 19,  1998
Japanese Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Masahiko Komura visits Cambodia; he met with Second PM Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy.
February 20, 1998
Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra visited Cambodia; he met with Second PM Hun Sen and invited him to meet with Thai Premier Chuan Leekpai. Mekong River Commission moved its headquarters from Bangkok to Phnom Penh; it will rotate every 5 years between Phnom Penh and Laos's capital Vientiane.
February 23, 1998
Two widows file lawsuit against Second PM Hun Sen whom they alleged of ordering his force to kill their husbands on July 7 near Phnom Baset.
February 27, 1998
Prince Ranariddh and govt. declare cease-fire. The UN General Assembly adoptes a resolution A/RES/52/135 expressing grave concern about numerous instances of violations of human rights, including extra-judicial execution, tortures, rape, illegal arrest and detention, and the violation of human rights committed during the armed violence in July 1997. The Assembly also concern about the corrupt practices within Cambodia judicial system and in the prison administration, and calls on the Royal Govt. of Cambodia to address the problems urgently.
March 1, 1998
Khmer Rouge rejected a ceasefire between govt. troops and opposition forces loyal to Prince Ranariddh; describing the truce as a deception set up by Hun Sen to destroy the resistance forces.  The truce agreement required that Prince Ranariddh severe all links with the Khmer Rouge who have been fighting alongside his troops since he was ousted from power last year.
March 3, 1998
The first nation-wide census since 1962 (population 5,740,115) began; the preliminary figures released on Aug 25 indicate the Kingdom's population is at 11,426,223 as of March 3.
March 4, 1998
The military court convicts in absentia and sentences Prince Ranariddh to 5-year prison term for weapons smuggling. Gen. Kim Sang (FUNCINPEC) is shot dead.
March 10, 1998
Khmer Nation Party (KNP) head by Mr. Sam Rainsy changed its name to Sam Rainsy Party (SRP).
March 11, 1998
Son Sann returns to Cambodia from France; he left Phnom Penh on April 12, 1997. National Assembly began debating a draft law, which would lead to the formation of the Constitutional Council, the supreme body charged with guaranteeing the rule of law.  The council would have power to strike down laws if it deemed illegal and, most crucially, settle disputes relating to the election of MPs.
March 14, 1998
Son Sann party held its congress; Son Soubert is elected as president of the party. King Sihanouk advises Prince Ranariddh to remain in exile until he received pardon from the King.  Prince Ranariddh, who announced his intention to return home, had already been convicted on a weapon smuggling charge. Cambodia's anti-drugs police chief, Gen. Heng Pov, went into hiding with his family citing the fear for his life.  He's seeking temporary sanctuary in a Western country because, he said, his anti-drugs crackdown had made him the target of death threats.  Last week, the general had a narrow escape when military police open fire around his headquarters and his nearby home.
March 17, 1998
Military court in Phnom Penh opened a second trial of Prince Ranariddh. The Prince and three of his aids were charged with endangering national security and colluding with the outlawed Khmer Rouge. One of the aids, Chau Sambath, was confirmed dead. Cambodia made an appeal to foreign donors to help finance the general election to be held in July.  Deputy PM Sar Kheng said the election was essential to Cambodia's future, and warned that there could be a return to civil war if there were not enough funds to organize the polling.  Cambodia needed about 30 million dollars to pay for the polling, by had obtained only a fraction of the amount to date. US House of Representatives passed a resolution H.RES.361 calling upon the RGC to restore democratic governance in Cambodia.
March 18, 1998
The court found Prince Ranariddh guilty of conspiring to overthrow the govt. and sentenced, in absentia, to 30 years prison term. In addition, the Prince was ordered to pay millions of dollars for the damage, caused by the July 5-6 fighting. His three co-defendants were sentenced to 20 years in prison each.
March 19, 1998
Princess Boppha Devi sent a letter from Bangkok to her father, King Sihanouk, in Beijing to ask for amnesty for Prince Ranariddh.  In reply, the King said he would do so if Prince Ranariddh recognizes the sentence and with the approval in writing from the two Prime Ministers, Ung Huot and Hun Sen. King Sihanouk, in a statement issued in Beijing, stated the Japanese peace plan for Cambodia was doomed to fail.  The King said the only outcome of the peace plan had been to make Prince Ranarridh a double criminal.  In Phnom Penh, Justice Minister, Chem Snuguon, said that even if granted a pardon, Prince Ranariddh must still pay the damages or face arrest if he returns home.
March 20, 1998
The two Prime Ministers, First PM Ung Huot and Second PM Hun Sen, replied in letter to King Sihanouk with dissatisfaction to Ranariddh who does not admit the court's verdict.
March 21, 1998
Second PM Hun Sen sent another letter to King Sihanouk request for total amnesty for Prince Ranariddh, including the court's order on compensation. King Sihanouk granted total amnesty to Prince Ranariddh after receiving a written request from Second PM Hun Sen. The King earlier said he would not grant amnesty to his son without a written request for govt. leaders.
March 22, 1998
Khmer Rouge radio accused Vietnam of conspiring to kill former first prime minister, Prince Ranariddh, and Japan of collaborating with Vietnam to destroy Cambodia.  The radio claimed 200 Vietnamese terrorists were ready to assassinate Prince Ranariddh upon his return to Phnom Penh and that the Japan's peace plan was actually a plot to destroy Cambodian nation and people.
March 24, 1998
Princess Diana's younger brother Earl Charles Spencer visits Cambodia.
March 25, 1998
Prince Ranariddh's advance team, which comprise of Tol Lah, Prince Sirirath and Veng Serei Vuth) arrived Phnom Penh from Bangkok.
March 26, 1998
Khmer Rouge soldiers in Anlong Veng mutinied and defected to govt..  Its leaders, Khieu Samphan and Ta Mok, left the stronghold two days earlier.
March 28, 1998
Govt. troops took Anlong Veng, Khmer Rouge's stronghold.  The village was virtually deserted after most of the 10,000 civilians fled to safety near the Thai border.
March 29, 1998
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreement on Tourism Cooperation between the two countries.
March 30, 1998
Prince Ranariddh returns to Cambodia for the first time since he was ousted from power last year and pardoned by the King on two convictions in March. Cambodian govt. asks Thailand to deny a request by two Khmer Rouge leaders, Ta Mok and Khieu Samphan, for asylum for themselves and some 3000 followers.
April 1, 1998
Demonstration is staged against Prince Ranariddh in front of Le Royale Hotel, where the Prince stays. Military helicopter crash at Preah Vihear temple.
April 2, 1998
Pol Pot is interviewed by Khmer journalist Pin Somkhon in Anlong Veng.
April 3, 1998
Prince Ranariddh departs for Bangkok after 5 days stay in Phnom Penh.
April 6, 1998
Govt. takes complete control of Khmer Rouge's stronghold Anlong Veng.
April 11, 1998
King Sihanouk returns to Siem Reap from Beijing.
April 13, 1998
Journalists are flown to Anlong Veng for the first time.
April 15, 1998
Pol Pot died. The architect of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime, which was responsible for the deaths of more than 1 million of his countrymen, died at the age of 71 of an apparent heart attack. [Pol Pot's body]
April 16, 1998
US President Bill Clinton issued a statement on the death of Pol Pot.
April 18, 1998
Pol Pot's body is cremated. Watched by a small group of newsmen, the tyrant body was set ablaze with some old clothes, a car tire, rattan chairs and tree branches. There were no prayers, no speeches, and not even a word from those who witnessed the cremation.
April 19, 1998
The Friends of Cambodia meet in Bangkok. ASEAN troika meets King Sihanouk in Siem Reap. CPP holds its extra-ordinary congress; Second PM Hun Sen would be nominated as new Premier if the party wins the upcoming election.
April 22, 1998
Prince Ranariddh flew to Siem Reap from Bangkok to meet his father, King Sihanouk.
April 30, 1998
Excerpt from US Department of State daily press briefing on UN tribunal to try Khmer Rouge leaders.
May 2, 1998
Second PM Hun Sen meets King Sihanouk in Siem Reap.
May 3, 1998
Tens of thousands of Cambodians are continuing to flee into Thailand as fighting goes on between govt. forces and the remaining Khmer Rouges.  The govt. said it was on the verge of wiping out the Khmer Rouge and that there were only a few hardliners left.
May 4, 1998
Prince Ranariddh returned to Phnom Penh for the second time since July coup to prepare for election.
May 5, 1998
PM Hun Sen and Prince Ranariddh spoke to each other by telephone for the first time since July 5-6, 1997 fighting.
May 6, 1998
Cambodia and Thailand sign treaty on extradition (pending ratification from the Thai side) and MOU on the cooperation in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals control.
May 7, 1998
Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said his country was ready to discuss with Cambodia concerning the disputed maritime boundary. Cambodia had opposed to the Thai-Vietnam agreement on the delineation of the maritime boundary signed last year, which Cambodia claims it infringes on Cambodia waters. However, Surin said Cambodia should talk with Vietnam first because Cambodia and Vietnam had signed an agreement in 1982 on a so-called working arrangement boundary.
May 8, 1998
Cambodian govt. successfully reclaimed legal ownership of gold worth 120 million dollars, which had been held in Switzerland for forty years.  The ruling by the Swiss-based Bank of International Settlements follows a four-years campaign to secure ownership.  The gold was once part of Cambodia's foreign reserves, but records of ownership were lost during the Khmer Rouge regime.  Ousted co-premier Prince Ranariddh had already asked the bank to freeze the assets.
May 11, 1998
Govt. troops capture the last position of Ta Mok, Sagham Pass.
May 13, 1998
Pro-Prince Ranariddh Gen. Khan Savoeun leads a 5-member team to negotiate with govt. for cease-fire.
May 15, 1998
Cease-fire talk suspended because govt. side objects to the present of Long Sarin, a diplomat, in Khan Savoeun's team. Prince Ranariddh departs for Bangkok with his negotiation team.
May 18, 1998
Second PM Hun Sen rejected opposition demand for the postponement of the scheduled July election.  The opposition alliance, the National United Front, said it would boycott the elections unless the govt. fulfils a number of conditions, including the stop of intimidation of candidates and oppositions access to media. Nationwide registration started on May 18 and ended on June 15; 92% of eligible voters or about 4.7 million people were registered.
May 23, 1998
Constitutional Council, Cambodia top legal body, is formed (King signs decree in Siem Reap).
June 5, 1998
Integration Ceremony is held at Anlong Veng for 3563 former Khmer Rouge soldiers.
June 8, 1998
PM Hun Sen meets King Sihanouk in Siem Reap. Koh Santeepheap Editor-in-Chief Thong Uy Pang is shot and injured.
June 11, 1998
Five Khmer Rouge leaders defected to government: (1) Chuan Choeun, special advisor for health; (2) Chan Yuran, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs; (3) Mak Ben, Minister of Finance; (4) In Sopheap, Minister of Immigration; and (5) Kor Bun Heng, Minister of Labor.
June 12, 1998
Thirty-nine parties are officially admitted by NEC for July 26 elections.
June 15, 1998
Constitution Council meets for the first time with seven of its members.
June 20, 1998
Five Khmer Rouge defectors, who defected on June 11, came to Phnom Penh.
June 22, 1998
Thailand issued arrests warrant for Theng Boonma, Cambodian business tycoon, for faking document in order to obtain Thai ID card and passport.
June 25, 1998
Election campaign begins nation-wide.
July 6, 1998
Genade explodes near Hun Sen Park, killing one woman and injuring five.
July 26, 1998
General Election begins nationwide. Despite some problems at polling stations and a Khmer Rough attack in which 11 people are killed, balloting goes on smoothly.
July 29, 1998
Fourteen parties claim the election was rigged by CPP with irregularities and fraud.
July 30, 1998
Second PM Hun Sen meets King Sihanouk in Siem Reap on election process.
July 31, 1998
UN Secretary General creates the Group of Experts to assess the feasibility of bringing Khmer Rouge leaders to justice.
August 1, 1998
Preah Vihear temple is opened for tourist. Nuon Paet, former Khmer Rouge commander who was charged for order to kill three western tourists in 1994, is arrested.
August 4, 1998
National Election Committee (NEC) announces preliminary result of the July 26 election showing CPP with 41.2% of the votes or 64 seats in the 122-member National Assembly, FUNCINPEC with 31.5% or 43 seats, and Sam Rainsy Party with 14.2% or 15 seats.
August 12, 1998
Sam Rainsy meets King Sihanouk in Siam Reap.
August 14, 1998
Prince Ranariddh requests amnesty for Prince Chakrapong, Sin Song, Nhiek Bun Chhay, Serey Kosal and Prince Sirivudh.
August 20, 1998
US Department of State issues a statement on a grenade attack outside the Cambodia Interior Ministry.
August 23, 1998
Opposition starts their protest in front of National Assembly, demanding Second PM Hun Sen to step down from power and a new election.
August 30, 1998
Protesters destroy the Friendship Monument near the National Assembly.
August 31, 1998
Constitutional Council rejects all opposition complaints on poll irregularities and fraud. The Council said it had done a thorough investigation of opposition complaints and decided to uphold an earlier decision by the NEC to reject their grievances due to a lack of evidence.
September 1, 1998
National Election Commission (NEC) announces official result of July election: CPP with 2.03 million votes or 64, FUNCINPEC with 1.55 millions or 43, and Sam Rainsy Party with 699,665 votes or 15 seats. CPP won short of the two-thirds majority needed to govern alone and must work with at least of the two opposition parties. FUNCINPEC issues communiqué appealing for reconsideration of the Constitutional Council's decision.
September 2, 1998
King Sihanouk offered to host talks with leaders of main political parties in an effort to break a deadlock over the outcome of July general election, which oppositions rejected.
September 5, 1998
Siem Reap Informal Meeting, between leaders of main political parties, was held under the chairmanship of King Sihanouk to solve election conflict and govt. formation. Govt. issued a strong warning to opposition parties, saying they were inciting racial violence and anarchy. The warning came after mobs beat to death at least four ethnic Vietnamese on the streets of Phnom Penh on March 3-4. The violence erupted following rumors that Vietnamese had been poisoning food and water.
September 7, 1998
Two grenades explored inside Second PM Hun Sen's resident compound in Phnom Penh; Premier Hun Sen was not home at the time and no one is injured. The Premier blamed opposition leaders for the explosion and orders the arrest of opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who took refuge in the office of the UN secretary-general's representative in Cambodiana Hotel after the orders was issued. Rainsy's supporters, who gathered in front of the Hotel, were broke up by military police, killing one and wounding several others.
September 8, 1998
Police break up a two-week protest in front of National Assembly. Using fire truck hoses and electric cattle rods, polices beat and flush out hundreds of protesters from their sprawling camp of bamboo and plastic shelters.
September 11, 1998
US Rep. Rohrabachur introduces H.RES.533 expressing sense of the House regarding the culpability of Hun Sen for war crime, crime against humanity, and genocide in Cambodia.
September 15, 1998
Opposition protest stop.
September 16, 1998
Prince Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy meet King Sihanouk in Siem Reap.
September 17, 1998
Sam Rainsy is free from United Nations protection and returns home.
September 22, 1998
The three parties leaders meet in Siem Reap under chairmanship of King Sihanouk in order to convene the opening session of new assembly. PM Hun Sen signs letter welcome back Cham Prasith to the ministry of commerce.  Mr. Prasith resigned from CPP and MP post on August 16, 1998.
September 24, 1998
One of four B-40 rockets blast in Siem Reap, attempting to assassinate Second PM Hun Sen; the blast killed one boy and injured three. New National Assembly is sworn in front of Angkor Wat; 121 MPs attended. Second PM Hun Sen requests amnesty for Srun Vong Vannak; King Sihanouk grants as requested.  He also lifts travel ban of opposition.
September 30, 1998
Srun Vong Vannak is freed from PJ prison.
October 5, 1998
King Sihanouk returns to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap after seven months absence.
October 6, 1998
Chea Sim and Hun Sen meet with King Sihanouk in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
October 9, 1998
Representatives of the three political parties meet for the third time but still no agreement.
October 10, 1998
US House of Representatives engross a resolution H.RES.533 expressing the sense of the House that (1) the US should establish a collection of information that can be supplied to an appropriate international judicial tribunal for use as evidence to support a possible indictment and trial of Second PM Hun Sen for violations of international humanitarian law after 1978.
October 11, 1998
Opposition proposed summit of three parties' leaders outside Cambodia.
October 15, 1998
US Senator Helm introduces S.RES.309
October 19, 1998
UN secretary-general informs the Security Council by letter about the successful returning of political leaders who had left Cambodia following the July events. [Response letter]
October 23, 1998
Japanese Foreign State Secretary Nobuta Machimura visits Cambodia.
October 24, 1998
Machimura meets with Premier Hun Sen, who offers two post options for Prince Ranariddh: Supreme advisor to the govt. or Co-president of the National Assembly.
October 26, 1998
International Forum on Demining and Victim Assistance toward Zero Mines Victim Program is held in Phnom Penh; fifty countries attend.
November 2, 1998
King Sihanouk and Queen Monique attend Water Festival; nearly three million people come to see the event; 313 boats took part in the boat race.
November 6, 1998
PM Hun Sen attends his own boat race at Neak Leung.
November 7, 1998
King Sihanouk reveals his desire to chair a second summit in Royal Palace; the King ensures safety for Prince Ranariddh and Sam Rainsy.
November 9, 1998
King Sihanouk commemorates 45th anniversary of Independence Day.
November 12, 1998
CCP and FUNCINPEC begin talks at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh chaired by King Sihanouk. The parties hammered out a coalition govt. agreement on Nov 14, ending more than three months of stalemate over the outcome of a disputed July general election.
November 13, 1998
King signs a decree granting amnesty to Nhiek Bun Chhay, Sin Son, Prince Chakrapong, Prince Sirivudh, and Serei Kosal. CCP and FUNCINPEC issue a joint communiqué on the principles of co-operation between the two parties. UN secretary-general informs the Security Council by letter regarding his proposal to extend another six-month period of the Office of his Personal Representative in Cambodia. [Reply Letter]
November 14, 1998
The first members of a special UN team arrives in Cambodia to study the possibility of bringing to trial Khmer Rouge leaders held responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. The team was appointed by UN secretary general Kofi Annan following a request from the Cambodian govt. in June 97. King Sihanouk departed Phnom Penh for Beijing for further medical treatment.
November 17, 1998
UN Security Council letter to UN Secretary-General.
November 19, 1998
Working group of CPP and FUNCINPEC meet.
November 23, 1998
CPP and FUNCINPEC sign an agreement on forming a coalition govt.
November 24, 1998
Sam Rainsy returns to Cambodia from Paris; he left the country on September 25.
November 25, 1998
Prince Ranariddh is elected as president of the National Assembly, with the vote of 105 in favor, 7 against, 1 abstention and 2 invalid. King Sihanouk signs a royal decree to appoint Hun Sen as Prime Minister.
December 1, 1998
National Assembly confirms PM Hun Sen and his coalition govt. in a confidence vote, 99-13. Ung Huot transfers his Foreign Minister post to Hor Namhong.
December 2, 1998
Prince Sisowath Sirirath assumes the post of Co-Defense Minister.
December 4, 1998
Khmer Rouge military leaders Khem Ngon, Dol Sareun, Iem Phan and Meas Muth defect to the govt. at Preah Vihear. US signs an agreement to resume its aid to Cambodia. Three-thousand tons of toxic waste imported from Taiwan is dumped about 10 km from Sihanoukville (Kompong Som) town.
December 7, 1998
Cambodia regains her UN seat after an absence of more than a year due to political turmoil.
December 15, 1998
Cambodia is welcomed to joint ASEAN as the 10th member of the organization; full membership will be granted after Cambodia form the Senate.
December 19, 1998
Demonstrations against toxic wastes broke out in Sihanoukville; one protester was killed.
December 21, 1998
An estimated 50,000 people flee from Sihanoukville (Kampong Som) in panic from fear of toxic waste dumped more than two weeks ago. The exodus left 4 dead and 13 injured in car crashes as they fled in heavy rain. Khan Saveun is appointed as Deputy Chief of General Staff.
December 22, 1998
National Assembly meets to reshuffle MPs who hold dual posts; 30 MPs are removed and replaced.
December 23, 1998
Some 600 military personnel began gathering and packing toxic wastes.
December 25, 1998
Khieu Samphan and Noun Chea defeat to the government; both men talk to PM Hun Sen by telephone.  [Messages of Samphan, Chea's surrender and Hun Sen's respond] Former UN secretary-general Boutros Boutros Ghali visits Cambodia.
December 29, 1998
Khieu Samphan, Nuon Chea and Ieng Sary along with their families come to Phnom Penh and meet with PM Hun Sen. King Sihanouk refuses to grant amnesty for the two Khmer Rouge leaders, Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea.
December 31, 1998
Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea go to Sihanoukville for relaxation.
January 1, 1999
PM Hun Sen, responds to the criticism, denies that he thinks of pardoning Khieu Samphan and Noun Chea but support the trial of them.
January 2, 1999
Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea visit Angkor Wat and returned to Pailin.
January 4, 1999
King Norodom Sihanouk said that he would renounce his royal immunity to appear before any tribunal set up to judge the Khmer Rouge. As I've said and written several times, I am ready to appear in front of a tribunal in charge of judging the Khmer Rouge and their real or supposed accomplices, the King said.
January 6, 1999
PM Hun Sen ordered a crackdown of unauthorized cutting, transporting and processing of timber. He called for the toughest and most urgent measures to deal with the illegal logging. According to the British environmental group (Global Witness), all commercially valuable timber will be extracted from Cambodia within five years if logging continues unchecked.
January 11, 1999
Workers strike over pay and conditions. More than 1000 garment workers, who work for Malaysia's PCCS Ltd., went on strike to demand better overtime pay and working conditions. Workers complained that their overtime pay had been cut and factory where they work was too hot and poorly ventilated.
January 14, 1999
Ministers deny approving toxic waste dump. Cambodian ministers denied a report that the govt. approved the dumping of 3000 tone of mercury-laced waste from Taiwan. The English-language Cambodia Daily newspaper reported that the cabinet approved the dumping for a payment of $3 million to $6 million. The paper's anonymous source said an import application was received late 1998, but PM Hun Sen and senior members of his Cambodian People's Party had not been told the waste was toxic. According to the paper source, the payment went towards funding CPP's election campaign.
January 15, 1999
Cambodia to reduce armed forces. PM Hun Sen said that his govt. would cut the size of the military and police forces. The Premier said he would demobilize more than 70,000 personnel from the military and police during his govt.'s five-year term. According to the govt., Cambodia now has 148,000 military personnel and 60,000 police officers. The govt. hopes to provide $1,200 to every demobilized person to help him or her return to civilian life. Son Sann Party merges with FUNCINPEC.
January 18, 1999
Govt. canceled the contract of forest concession with three investments companies. [Full Text]
January 20, 1999
Prince Sirivudh returns home. Former Foreign Minister Prince Norodom Sirivudh, who went into exile in 1995 after being accused of involvement in a plot to assassinate second PM Hun Sen, returned to Cambodia. The Prince was convicted and sentenced in absentia to a 10 years prison term in Feb 1996. He was granted a royal pardon in late 1998 as part of a coalition deal between CCP and FUNCINPEC. Cambodia and US reach new trade agreement. The two countries have reached agreement on levels of Cambodian garment exports to the US Under the three-year agreement, the US has imposed quotas on 12 categories of Cambodia's exporting garments including blouses, shirts and cotton sweaters. Previously the US imposed no restrictions on Cambodian garment imports with the exception of a quota on cotton and man-made fiber gloves and mittens.
January 23, 1999
King Sihanouk returned to Cambodia from Beijing after two months of medical treatment there. The 76 year-old King suffers from a variety of ailments including cancer of the colon.
January 27, 1999
Most Cambodians wanted trial of Khmer Rouge. The Institute of Statistics and Research on Cambodia, a private polling group, said 80 percent of Cambodians want leaders of the Khmer Rouge be prosecuted for crimes committed during their reign of horror 1975-1979.
January 29, 1999
Cabinet members approve to cut their salary by 70 percent in respond to teachers' strike demanding for higher salary. Govt. also wanted members of parliament to cut their pay. Average teacher monthly salary was around $20 comparing to MP of more than $1000 and most senior govt. officials of between $500 to $1000.
February 3, 1999
Ground breaking ceremony of Mekong Bridge in Kompong Cham; Premier Hun Sen attends the ceremony.
February 4, 1999
PM Hun Sen leads a delegation to Malaysia.
February 9, 1999
PM Hun Sen leads a delegation to China from February 9-12.
February 12, 1999
Govt. incorporates the last remnants of the Khmer Rouge into the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
February 15, 1999
Three charged over toxic waste. Cambodia Daily newspaper reported that three govt. officials have been charged over the toxic waste. Two customs officials and a port inspector were accused of causing damage to life, property and the environment. All three were released on bail.
February 18, 1999
The UN Group of Experts publish its report The Report of the Group of Experts for Cambodia Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 52/125 recommending the creation of an international tribunal and truth commission to judge the crime of the Khmer Rouge period.
February 23, 1999
PM Hun Sen leaded a delegation to Japan for Tokyo Meeting.
February 25, 1999
Cambodia appeals for continued aid. PM Hun Sen made a plea for international aid donors to keep up their assistance, promising funds would be used to develop the country and not end up in the wrong hands. King seeks justice for dispossessed. King Sihanouk appealed for the authorities to give justice to poor farmers who have been unfairly thrown off their land. Legal aid workers say recent months have seen a rash of cases of villagers being forced off their land by local authorities including military officers. Formosa Plastic signs an agreement to take back toxic waste dump in Sihanoukville.
March 4, 1999
National Assembly passes a law to set up a new upper house of parliament - Senate. The Senate will have 61 members, two will be appointed by the King and the rest by the three parties with seats in parliament on a proportional basis. CCP will appoint 31 members, FUNCINPEC 21, and Sam Rainsy Party 7.
March 5, 1999
Louise Arbour, UN chief war crime prosecutor, says an international tribunal probably best forum to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders.
March 6, 1999
Ta Mok, the one leg Khmer Rouge military chief nicknamed the butcher, is arrested near Anlong Veng and taken to Phnom Penh on the same day by helicopter and detained at military prison. On the same day, US States Department expresses support for the arrest of Ta Mok.
March 7, 1999
Gen. Nhiek Bun Chhai returns to Phnom Penh from Bangkok. Govt. says To Mok will be tried in a military court under Cambodian law.
March 8, 1999
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong flew to New York to meet Kofi Annon on the Khmer Rouge issues. UN General Assembly adopts resolution A/RES/53/145 concerning human rights situation in Cambodia.
March 11, 1999
King Sihanouk signs a decree appointing Chea Sim as president of the newly established upper house of parliament or Senate.
March 13, 1999
Prince Norodom Chakrapong returns home after six years in exile.
March 15, 1999
Premier Hun Sen visits Indonesia and signs agreement on investment protection.
March 16, 1999
Villagers protest over lost land. Villagers from two provinces gathered outside the National Assembly to complain that their land had been taken over by the military.
March 17, 1999
Cambodia's courts are too corrupt and unprofessional to try former Khmer Rouge leaders. Domestic trials organized under Cambodia law are not feasible and should not be supported financially by the UN, said a report by a UN three-member panel released.
March 19, 1999
China opposes Khmer Rouge tribunal. China said that it was firmly opposed to the establishment of an international tribunal to try Khmer Rouge leaders.
March 22, 1999
Var Kim Hong, Cambodia's representative, leads a delegation to Vietnam to discuss border issues between the two countries.
March 25, 1999
Senate starts its first session at Chamkarmon and sworn in at the Palace.
April 2, 1999
Toxic wastes are shipped out of Cambodia.
April 3, 1999
Two French citizens of Cambodian origin, Antonya Tioulong and Herve Son, filed a lawsuit in French court seeking the extradition of four former Khmer Rouge leaders, Khieu Samphan, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary and Ta Mok, to be tried in Paris for crime against humanity and illegal confinement.
April 6, 19999
Bar Association of Cambodia sends attorney Benson Samay to be Ta Mok's lawyer.
April 8, 1999
National Assembly, for the first time, question Co-Interior Ministers on security and social order.
April 28, 1999
Far Eastern Economic Review reveals Kang Kek Ieu, former Khmer Rouge chief of Tuol Sleng, also known as Duch. At least 14,000 people were killed in the prison. National Assembly adopts law on banning land mines.
April 30, 1999
Cambodia formally joins ASEAN as its tenth member.
May 5, 1999
Duch is quoted as saying that Nuon Chea ordered him to kill the foreigners at Tuol Sleng and burn their bodies with tires to leave no bones. PM Hun Sen takes part in the destruction of about 4,000 confiscated guns as part of his government's drive to rid the country of illegal weapons and improve security in the country.
May 8, 1999
About 2000 people take part in the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day at Angkor Wat, including Queen Monineath, PM Hun Sen, and NA President Prince Ranariddh.
May 9, 1999
Duch is charged with murder and membership in an outlawed group under the 1994 law banning the Khmer Rouge.
May 11, 1999
PM Hun Sen condemns NATO for attacking Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia.
May 13, 1999
About 200 Chinese protest at US Embassy in Phnom Penh, demanding US apology, investigation and punish those responsible for the attack on Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia.
May 26, 1999
Ta Mok says Pol Pot was murdered.
May 28, 1999
PM Hun Sen attends his son, Hun Maneth, graduation ceremony at West Point - the US prestigious military academy.
July 1, 1999
Some 100 students hold a rally outside Thai embassy in Phnom Penh protesting the alleged Thai encroachment of Cambodian territory.
July 2, 1999
UN General Assembly adopts resolution A/RES/53/230 concerning the financing and liquidation of the UNTAC.
July 3, 1999
PM Hun Sen urges Thailand to help resolve a dispute over territory in the Gulf of Thailand.
June 7, 1999
Nuon Paet is sentenced to life imprisonment; he is convicted on six counts of murdering, terrorism, kidnapping, robbery, destruction of state and private property.
June 9, 1999
Le Kha Phieu, Secretary General of Vietnamese Communist Party, pays a 2-days official visit at the invitation of King Sihanouk.  A group of students protest the visit by burning tires.
July 14, 1999
Cambodia's minister of culture and fine arts, Princess Norodom Bupphadevi, said Cambodia was ready to share the cost of repatriating 912 Khmer artifacts recently seized by Thai authorities from antique dealers in Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
June 15, 1999
Court in Sihanoukville convicts tree custom officers, a Cambodian human rights staff, two Taiwanese businessmen and a Cambodian translator on charges relating to the illegal dumping of toxic waste imported from Taiwan.
June 22, 1999
Thai Princess Mahachakri Srindhorn visits Banteay Chhmar and Angkor Thom.
June 23, 1999
Robert Jones, US deputy assistant to secretary of defense for POW and MIA, visits Cambodia.
June 24, 1999
King Sihanouk departs Phnom Penh for Beijing.
June 30, 1999
US Senator John Kerry proposes S.AMDT.1168 an amendment to restrict US aid to Cambodia.
July 1, 1999
About 100 students demonstrate against border encroachments by Cambodia's neighbors. Nguon Nhil is elected as 2nd Vice President of National Assembly to replace Chem Sguon, who died of liver cancer in early June.
July 6, 1999
Piseth Peaklika is critically shot near Orusei Market in Phnom Penh.
July 8, 1999
Two Cambodian human rights (LICADHO) staffs stand trial in Sihanoukville court on charge of inciting violence protest against the dumping of toxic waste.
July 16, 1999
US gives $3.4 million to Cambodian human rights and pro-democracy groups.
July 20, 1999
PM Hun Sen defends his government's handling of border disputes, asking protesters for patience.  He adds that he could not recover parts of Cambodia long lost to Thailand and Vietnam but the protestors want to get them back they are welcomed to try. Senate President Chea Sim leads a senatorial delegation for a 5-days visit to Vietnam.
July 29, 1999
US Rep. Rohrabacher offers H.AMDT.371 an amendment to eliminate any funding for assistance to the RGC.
July 30, 1999
Ta Mok's lawyer, Benson Samay, says he expects the trial to begin by late August; and that if it does not happen, he would insist that his client is released as soon as his six-months pre-trial detention period is up.  On the same day, PM Hun Sen says that the trial of Khmer Rouge leader could embarrass Thailand, which long supported the rebel group.
August 11, 1999
National Assembly votes 94-12 in favor of extending the pre-trial detention period from previously six months up to three years for any suspects charged with genocide, war crimes or crime against humanity. The opposition, Sam Rainsy Party, fiercely criticized the law, fearing it could be used to jail political opponents without trial. FM Hor Namhong rejected a UN plan for war crime trial, which require foreign judges to hold a majority on a joint tribunal with Cambodian jurists, as a threat to Cambodian's sovereignty.
August 13, 1999
Govt. says it wants to maintain overall control of a UN-backed international-style Khmer Rouge genocide tribunal. Minister Sok An says the tribunal will take place in a Cambodian's court, but the participation of foreign judges and legal experts will be accepted.
August 19, 1999
Two hundred twenty-five illegal Chinese immigrants are arrested in Phnom Penh.
August 25, 1999
UN legal team arrives in Phnom Penh for talks on Khmer Rouge tribunal. The team is led by Ralph Zacklin, UN assistant Secretary-General.
August 28, 1999
King Sihanouk and Queen Monineath return home after two months stay in China.
September 1, 1999
PM Hun Sen departs for Canada, Cuba and New York.
September 7, 1999
Ta Mok is charged with crime of genocide.  He is charged under the 1979 law, which analysts believe is a move aimed at ensuring the legality of his continued detention.
September 8, 1999
PM Hun Sen arrives in Cuba for a five-days visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two counties.
September 10, 19999
Duch is charged with crime of genocide under the 1979 law.
September 11, 1999
King Sihanouk reveals on TV that his health become weaker and weaker.
September 17, 1999
PM Hun Sen meets UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York; the Khmer Rouge tribunal is discussed.  The PM is in New York to attend the 54th UN General Assembly.
September 23, 1999
Two hundred seventeen illegal Chinese immigrants are deported back to China.
September 24, 1999
Cambodia and Japan sign an agreement, under which Japan provides $39.4 million in loan to Cambodia for upgrading port facilities.
October 6, 1999
Lon Phon, Sam Rainsy Party MP, is abducted by 4 gunmen, who demand ransom of $400,000.
October 9, 1999
Lon Phon is released by paying $140,000. Two hundred twenty-six more illegal Chinese immigrants are arrested by police in Phnom Penh.
October 13, 1999
PM Hun Sen's cabinet denies the PM's involvement in the love affairs with Piseth Peaklika.  The denial come in responding to a French magazine L'Expresse article issued about a week earlier.
October 17, 1999
Queen Noor of Jordan visits Cambodia.
October 19, 1999
PM Hun Sen departs for Laos to attend a meeting of Indochinese leaders.
November 23, 1999
CPP and FUNCINPEC leaders mark 1-year anniversary of their coalition govt. at Le Royale Hotel in Phnom Penh.
December 3, 1999
PM Hun Sen orders the re-arrest of 66 prisoners, who were irregularly released by the Phnom Penh Court.
December 24, 1999
Sok Yeun, Sam Rainsy Party Battambang activist, is arrested by Thai police in Thailand.  Yeun was accused by the Cambodian authority of plotting to assassinate PM Hun Sen in Siem Reap on September 24, 1998.
December 30, 1999
About 100,000 people attend the Festival Angkor 2000 at Angkor Wat.
December 31, 1999
A sculpture is inaugurated near Japanese bridge in Phnom Penh.  The sculpture is made from about 4,000 confiscated weapons.
January 5, 2000
UN legal counsel Han Corell meets with Ambassador Ouch Borith, Cambodia Permanent Representative to the UN, to hand over the UN's comments on the second draft law concerning the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
January 6, 2000
RGC cabinet approves the draft law to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide, despite UN concerns over the limits placed on international jurists.
January 7, 2000
PM Hun Sen rejects a UN invitation to hold talks in New York to discuss the draft law, but he offers to hold further negotiations in Phnom Penh.
January 14, 2000
RGC cabinet amends the draft tribunal law to allow for the participation of one foreign judge in the investigation process. US Congressman Dana Rohrbacher arrives in Phnom Penh and is greeted at the airport by opposition leader Sam Rainsy.  He meets with PM Hun Sen for talks on democracy and the proposed tribunal for leaders of the Khmer Rouge.
January 18, 2000
UN receives the translation of the amended draft law for a Khmer Rouge tribunal.
January 19, 2000
Cabinet Minister Sok An tells reporters that he submitted the draft tribunal law to National Assembly for debate.
January 27, 2000
The first public forum for discussion of a Khmer Rouge tribunal is held in Battambang.
January 29, 2000
Prince Ranariddh, National Assembly President, expresses his frustration with what he says is the UN's prolonged silence on a plan for Khmer Rouge tribunal.
February 1, 2000
Cambodia and Thailand sign an agreement on air service between the two countries.
February 4, 2000
Khieu Samphan says he is willing to come forward and speak out in a public forum.
February 8, 2000
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he does not agree with the draft tribunal law approved by the Cambodian government.  He identifies four fundamental issues: guarantees that those indicted would be arrested; no amnesties or pardons; the appointment of independent, international prosecutors; and the appointment of a majority of foreign judges.
February 12, 2000
On the sidelines of a UN trade conference in Bangkok, Kofi Annan says he is optimistic that a new UN mission to Cambodia will resolve differences with the government over establishing a tribunal to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders.
March 6, 2000
PM Hun Sen criticizes UN saying that three former UN Secretaries General should be held accountable for the Khmer Rouge's occupation of Cambodia's UN seat during the late 1970s and 1980s.  Prince Ranariddh tells reporters that he understands the reality of the PM's position but he and King Sihanouk hope a compromise can be reached.
March 16, 2000
UN and Cambodian negotiators hold their first meeting in the latest round of negotiations to discuss outstanding differences on the format of a Khmer Rouge tribunal.
March 22, 2000
Cambodia and UN announces that they failed to reach agreement on how to convene a joint tribunal of Khmer Rouge leaders.
March 31, 2000
A public forum is held in Sihanoukville (Kom Pongsom) on whether former leaders should go on trial.  About 100 people, including ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers and genocide survivors, attend.
April 10, 2000
King Sihanouk declares that he is willing to face either a Cambodian-run or international genocide tribunal to explain his role during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.
April 11, 2000
FM Hor Namhong suggests that talks between PM Hun Sen and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Cuba on April 10 ahead of the G-77 summit may held to break the deadlock in efforts to set up a tribunal to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide.
April 19, 2000
Japan submits a resolution to the UN Human Rights Commission urging the Cambodian government to resolve its differences with the United Nations on the appointment of a special genocide court to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders.
April 29, 2000
PM Hun Sen agrees to accept a proposal put forward by US Senator John Kerry, under which a panel of judges - three Cambodians and two foreign - would rule on disputes regarding indictments.  Four judges would need to be in agreement to block a case from proceeding. US Senator John Kerry leaves Cambodia after s two-days visit, which focused mostly on the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
May 19, 2000
PM Hun Sen sends a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressing his support for the compromise formula brokered by Senator John Kerry in April for the establishment of a tribunal to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide.
June 14, 2000
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreement on combat against illicit trafficking and cross-border smuggling of movable cultural property and to restitute it to the country of origin, agreement on cooperation for the return of stolen or embezzled vehicles, and MOU on the survey and demarcation of land boundary.
July 4, 2000
UN legal counsel Hans Corell arrives in Phnom Penh for a final round of talks with a team of Cambodian government representatives headed by cabinet minister Sok An.
July 6, 2000
Cambodia and UN finalize details of a draft accord for the tribunal, which would be a Cambodian court with the participation of international judges and prosecutors.
July 7, 2000
UN legal counsel Hans Corell presents a draft Memorandum of Understanding that would govern cooperation between the UN and Cambodia in the establishment and operation of a tribunal.  The MOU is to be signed by the UN and Cambodia after the National Assembly passes the tribunal law.
July 28, 2000
Cambodia and Thailand made an agreement to join forces in promoting a combine tourism attraction for the two countries called Two Kingdoms, One Destination.
August 14, 2000
Cambodia and Canada sign a Memorandum Of Understanding concerning the two countries Health and Nutrition Initiative Project. The goal of the Project is to improve health and nutrition standards in selected areas in Cambodia over a five-year period. The project will provide, in its first year, a contribution of up to 4 million Canadian Dollars to be used to purchase food commodities in Canada, which in turn be monetized on the Cambodia domestic market. The monetization proceeds will be credited to a Health and Nutrition Counterpart Fund. The objectives of the Fund are to address key health and nutrition issues by: decreasing malnutrition and eliminating micro-nutrient deficiencies; helping control important and emerging pandemics with particular attention to tuberculosis; improving children's health; and improving women's health and reproductive health.
August 16, 2000
PM Hun Sen leads a delegation to Philippines for an official state visit. Two Agreements and three MOUs aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation are signed during the visit: Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, Agreement concerning the Promotion and Protection of Investments, MOU on Tourism Cooperation, MOU on Rural Health Development Cooperation, and MOU on Visa Exception for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports. [Speech]
August 19, 2000
PM Hun Sen leads a delegation to Brunei for an official state visit. The Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Air Services between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di - Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam are signed.
August 27, 2000
Vietnam Deputy PM Nguyen Tan Dung, at an invitation of Dep. PM Sar Kheng, leads a delegation to visit Cambodia. Three agreements are signed between the Governments of both countries: the Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Agreement on the Accounting, Exhumation and Repatriation of Remains of Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers Killed in Action during the Wartime in Cambodia, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Health Development Cooperation.
September 24, 2000
PM Hun Sen indicates that former Khmer Rouge Foreign Minister Ieng Sary should not be brought to trial since he was granted amnesty by the King after he defected to the government in 1996.  Ieng Sary was sentenced to death in absentia in 1979.
October 7, 2000
FM Hor Namhong receives Mrs. Heidemarie, German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, and her delegation at Foreign Ministry in Phnom Penh.  The delegation is in Cambodia for a 3-days visit.
October 17, 2000
Prince Ranariddh tells reporters that King Sihanouk has expressed his wish to see the tribunal delayed because he is concerned about peace and stability in the country.  He also says that the draft bill on the tribunal is not likely to be adopted this year because the government is more concerned about the recent floods.
October 18, 2000
PM Hun Sen announces on national radio his intention to push the tribunal law forward, we need to have a court soon or the ghost of the Khmer Rouge will haunt us. FM Hor Namhong writes letters to Republic of Korea FM Lee Joung Binn, host of the third Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), French FM Hubert Vedrine, EU Chairman, and his seven Asean counterparts seeking their support for Cambodia to participate in ASEM.
November 2, 2000
Eleven nations, including Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, submit a resolution to the UN Human Rights Committee requesting the Cambodian government to set up a court to try the Khmer Rouge.
November 8, 2000
FM Hor Namhong writes letters to Republic of Korea FM Lee Joung Binn, host of the third Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), French FM Hubert Vedrine, EU Chairman, and his seven Asean counterparts seeking their support for Cambodia to participate in ASEM.
November 13, 2000
Chinese President Jiang Zemin arrives in Phnom Penh for a 2-days state visit, at the invitation of King Sihanouk. The Joint Statement by Cambodia and the PRC on the Framework of Their Bilateral Cooperation, Protocol on the Exchange of the Instruments of Ratification of the Treaty on Extradition, the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, the Agreement on the Provision of the General Goods for Royal Palace, the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, Exchange of Notes on Extending the Term of Loan, and the Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture Cooperation are signed. [Joint Statement]
November 16, 2000
PM Hun Sen addresses to the Donors' Meeting on Mine Action.  [Text of the Address] FM Hor Namhong and Japan Charge d'Affaires Eiji Yamamoto exchange notes on a grant aid up to the amount of 159,000,000 Yen provided by the Government of Japan for the purpose of contributing to the execution of the project for human resource development scholarship. The grant aid will be used by Cambodia to provide academic opportunities for Cambodian students to study in Japanese higher educational institutions. This grant would enable 20 Cambodian students to study at Japanese universities from September 2001 in the fields of Economics (Financial and Monetary Management, International Economics, Business Management), Law, International Relations including International Law, and other important fields on human resources development. This grant aid is to add to the scholarship of the government of Japan such as the Monbusho scholarship through which the Government of Japan has been providing scholarship to more than 30 students every year.
November 18, 2000
Dep. Chairman of the Russian State Duma, A. N. Tchilingarov, arrives in Phnom Penh for a 4-days official visit.
November 21, 2000
FM Hor Namhong receives a delegation from Sweden led by Mr. Jan Bjerninger, Assistant Director General, Head of the regional department for Asia, Sida, who is visiting Cambodia from 20-24 November 2000 to review and discuss ongoing and future development between Sweden and Cambodia.  The FM also exchanges Letter of Understanding with Ms. Monika MIDEL, Country Director of the UN World Food Programme in Cambodia, concerning Emergency Food Assistance to Flood Victims in Cambodia. The assistance, with the total amount of US$ 9,098,444, would be provided through three phases: 1- Emergency Assistance (one month - 500,000 beneficiaries), 2- Stabilization (two months - 250,000 beneficiaries) and 3- Rehabilitation (three months - 115 beneficiaries). The project will be implemented during the period from 10 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
November 22, 2000
US Senator John Kerry ends a two-day visit to Cambodia during which he discussed the progress of the tribunal law with PM Hun Sen, Cabinet Minister Sok An and National Assembly President Prince Ranariddh.  The Senator announces that Cambodian leaders have agreed to expedite the tribunal.
November 27, 2000
FM Hor Namhong meets, in Phnom Penh, with Peter Leuprecht, UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Human Rights in Cambodia, who paid the first official visit to Cambodia from 26 November - 2 December 2000.
November 28, 2000
National Assembly legislative committee and the government task force conclude their discussions on the tribunal draft law.  Sok An says that the law is now ready to be debated by the Assembly. PM Hun Sen, in an interview with Japanese television, reaffirms that trying Ieng Sary may create problems for Cambodia; however, he says that there would be no problem for Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea.
December 4, 2000
Cambodia and World Food Program sign an agreement under which more than nine million dollar of food would be distributed to more than 800,000 flood victims for six months.  The agreement is signed by Cambodia's foreign minister, Hor Namhong, and WFP director, Monika Midel. Cambodian Red Cross Society president, Bun Rany Hun Sen, distributes aid to about 1500 flood victims in Thnout Chong Srorl Commun, Banteay Meas District, Kampot Province.
December 5, 2000
FM Hor Namhong and French Ambassador Andre Jean Libourel sign agreements in which France continues its assistance in strengthening the Military Police and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces for another three years. King Sihanouk and Queen Monyneath symbolically inaugurate restored buildings of two schools in Svay Rieng and Kompong Cham at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.  Representatives from the schools and the communities are invited to the ceremony. National Assembly president, Prince Ranariddh, inaugurates a U.S. $400,000 building gift from China.
December 7, 2000
FM Hor Namhong meets with Koichiro Matsuura, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), who visited Cambodia from 6-8 December 2000.
December 8, 2000
PM Hun Sen warns Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) not to harbor terrorists, and that they would be prosecuted for obstructing justice.  The Premier is referring to statements issued by NGOs expressing concern for those detained in connection with the attack on the Ministry of Defense and a military base outside the city on November23. Asian Development Bank (ADB) approve a loan of U.S. $18.6 million for upgrading power supplies in eight provincial capitals, Sisophon, Banlung, Stung Treng, Kompong Speu, Takeo, Kampot, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng, to benefit 21,000 households.
December 11, 2000
National Assembly vote in favor to provide guarantee to a Chinese company for the loan it is seeking from a package offered by Beijing to Phnom Penh for the Kirirom Hydro-electric project. Deputy PM, Sar Kheng, orderes the campaign to disarm civilians and tighten the issue of weapons to the armed forces to be stepped up.  The order came after a security review conducted by the Ministry of Interior following the terrorist attack on November23. FM Hor Namhong leads a Cambodia delegation to attend the 13th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting to be held in the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 11-12 December 2000.
December 12, 2000
PM Hun Sen expresses his concern over the silting of the Mekong, which recently caused massive flooding in the region, described as the worst in decades.  He says the river is narrowing and has become shallow which caused water to overflow its bank during the wet season.
December 14, 2000
FM Hor Namhong receives Ludger Volmer, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, who visits Cambodia from 13-14 December 2000.
December 19, 2000
Ieng Sary tells reporters that he has been contributing to national rebuilding and reconciliation since his defection in 1996.  He also claims that he was only in charge of foreign affairs during the Khmer Rouge regime and was not responsible for the genocide.
December 29, 2000
National Assembly receives the tribunal draft bill from the government Task Force.
01/15/2001
The Senate unanimously passes the law on the establishment of special tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders for crime committed during 1975 to 1979.
01/31/2001
The Senate approves and adopts the draft commune law (in Khmer).
05/11/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen's cabinet issues a press release denied The Cambodia Daily article HUN SEN Says Singapore Prime Minister's Advice Wrong,  The Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Cambodia categorically rejects and considers the above interpretation as an intention to underestimate the fruitful negotiation that was held during the visit of His Excellency Prime Minister of Singapore to Cambodia. When being asked by a woman journalist: Will Cambodia develop only its tourism? at Pochentong International Airport, the Prime Minister gave a simple response: If we only develop tourism, would we have anything to eat? The Cabinet of the Prime Minister would like to stress that in Cambodia, tourism is one of the many priorities in which the Cambodian Royal Government is now developing.
06/30/2001
A Sam Rainsy Party commune council candidate, Uch Horn, in Kampong Speu is murdered, in which Human Rights Action Committee says politically motivated.
07/04/2001
An extortion group calling itself Maria bomb two hotels, Hong Kong and Hotel Favour, in Phnom Penh, killing three people.
07/11/2001
The National Assembly passes the revision of legislation for the establishment of a genocide tribunal of surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for the atrocities committed during their reign from 1975-1979.  The revision is needed to satisfy the Constitutional Council's objection to the death penalty which forbidden by the Kingdom constitution.
07/16/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen sacks So Mara, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, following a controversy over an agreement negotiated with Thai authorities in which partial management of Preah Vihear Temples is ceded to Thailand.  39 National Assembly members sent letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen demanding the removal of the director.
07/19/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen calls for strong borders control in an effort to stop drug smuggling and armed rebels crossing.  The Premier made the call following talks with Vietnam Minister of Public Security, Le Minh Huong, in Phnom Penh.
07/17/2001
The War Crimes Research Office at American University and the Coalition for International Justice release a report naming seven of former Khmer Rouge leaders as candidates for prosecution of crimes against humanity committed during the Khmer Rouge's reign of horror from 1975 to 1979.  The Seven are: (1) Nuon Chea, (2) Ieng Sary, (3) Khieu Samphan, (4) Ta Mok, (5) Ke Pauk, (6) Sou Meth and (7) Meas Muth. A Funcinpec commune council candidate, Meas Soy, in Kampong Chhnang is shot dead by two unidentified person.
07/20/2001
Three of seven former Khmer Rouge leaders, who was named in the War Crimes Research Office at American University and the Coalition for International Justice report as prime suspects for prosecution of crime against humanity, deny any responsibility for the killing of an estimate 1.7 millions Cambodian during the Khmer Rouge's reign from 1975 to 1979. Cambodia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) issues a joint communiqué in Phnom Penh expressing the willing to further develop friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.  The communiqué issues following the conclusion of official visit by the president of North Korea National Assembly, Kim Yong Nam, who arrived Cambodia on July 17.
07/21/2001
Voter register have begun for February 3, 2002 communal election.  More than 1600 communes will elect its leaders, some 6 million Cambodians are expected to be eligible to vote.
07/23/2001
The Senate unanimously passed, with the vote of 51-0, the revision of legislation for the establishment of a genocide tribunal of surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for the atrocities committed during their reign from 1975-1979.  The revision is needed to satisfy the Constitutional Council's objection to the death penalty which forbidden by the Kingdom constitution.
08/07/2001
The Constitutional Council approves a revived genocide tribunal bill, which was passed the National Assembly on July 11 and by the Senate on 07/23/01.  The bill will forward to King Sihanouk for his signature before it becomes law.
08/08/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen calls for an urgent session of National Assembly to mandate a reshuffle of his cabinet.  The cabinet posts of justice, agriculture, forestry and fishery, and rural development will be reshuffled.
08/10/2001
King Norodom Sihanouk signs the genocide tribunal bill into law.  The bill was passed by the National Assembly on July 11, the Senate on July 23, and approved by the Constitutional Council on August 7.  The United Nations welcomes the approval of the law. Chen Chi-il, a Taiwanese Bamboo Union gang leader, is freed from prison on time served after he was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal court on charge of illegally possessing weapons.
08/14/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen says the United Nations must accept Cambodian law on the genocide tribunal law, The Memorandum Of Understanding must comply with Cambodian law. It must not make Cambodian law comply with the MOU.  Cambodia and the UN are set to negotiate on details of how the world body involve in the tribunal.
08/15/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen appeals for calm among former Khmer Rouge commanders, saying only the top leadership of the Khmer Rouge will be prosecuted by the genocide tribunal for crimes against humanity.
08/16/2001
Hanoi welcomes Cambodia's passing of the genocide tribunal law to try former Khmer Rouge leaders but hesitate to say whether it would cooperate with the tribunal by providing access to state archives, which would shed light on key defendants.
08/17/2001
Khieu Samphan makes a public apology to Cambodians who lost family members and relatives during the Khmer Rouge's reign of horror, I apologize to our compatriots who had lost their love ones in the regime, He also rejects all allegations of his involvement in the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. Minister of Information send letter to Co-Ministers of Interior requesting the confiscation of all copies of book Light of Justice wrote by opposition leader Sam Rainsy.  MoI charges the book is wrote to attack and accuse the RGC without proof and thus intentionally creating suspicion and defamation of the government.
08/19/2001
The one billion dollar vaccination drive funded by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates reach Cambodia.  Baby Chan Rasmey of Siem Reap is the first child in Asia to be immunized.
08/20/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen dismisses denials by former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan as laughable.  The premier says he finds it hard to understand how Khieu Samphan knew nothing of the atrocities when he was the head of state. Nearly 80 percent of electorate registered for the commune election scheduled to be held on February 3, 2002.  Around 90 percent of eligible voters registered for 1998 national elections.
08/21/2001
The National Assembly approves the cabinet reshuffle requested by Prime Minister Hun Sen. Ly Thuch (FUNCINPEC) replaces Chhim Seak Leat as Minister of Rula Development; Neang Situng replaces Ouk Vithun as Minister of Justice; and Chan Sarun becomes Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the post that vacated by the death of Chea Song in April.
08/22/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen says the opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, would be arrested for inciting farmers to demonstrate in Phnom Pehn on pretext of seeking food.  Hun Sen says the real flood victims would be busy at home and take care their family; they won't have time to come to Phnom Penh.  Around 600 farmers have stayed in the park in front of the National Assembly for a week. U.S. Ambassador Kent Wiedemann, at an anti-corruption conference, criticizes the RGC over its slow response against corruption in the country.  He adds that with sufficient political will, steps could be taken immediately, and the RGC's request for technical assistance and more time to draft corruption laws is a bad excuse.
08/23/2001
Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri arrives in Phnom Penh, from Siem Reap where she spent a few hours visiting Angkor, for a two-days official visit.  She is received at Pochentong Airport by King Norodom Sihanouk. About 350, 000 people are evacuated from flooded areas in the eastern part of the country.  Government appeals for food and medicines to cope with the evacuation. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy put complaint with National Assembly President Prince Ranarriddh concerning the Prime Minister Hun Sen's threat of arresting him for inciting demonstration and the confiscation of his book Light of Justice. Prince Ranariddh, answer to reporters at Pochintong Airport, says his father not only had no connection with the Khmer Rouge but its victim.  He also adds that the King will be ready to be a witness if the court call.
08/28/2001
Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng urges UN High Commissioner for Refugees to speed up its efforts to repatriate some 300 Montagnard refugees from Vietnam who are sheltering in Cambodia.  Montagnards have been fleeing to Cambodia following Vietnamese government crackdown on demonstrations over land rights.
08/29/2001
The RGC slams foreign ambassadors in Cambodia through a diplomatic note send to all diplomatic missions in the country over their criticism of the RGC's moves to fight corruption.  The note refer to an unnamed ambassador, The said ambassador has also used inflammatory words inciting a revolt against the Royal Government of Cambodia.
08/30/2001
Authorities in the capital Phnom Penh struggle to cope with an influx of people who are homeless by recent flooding.  More than 135,000 people are homeless after two weeks of heavy rains.
09/12/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen sends letter of condolence to U.S. President George Bush, Excellency, The whole people of Cambodia and I are deeply shocked to learn about the immense tragedy caused by very criminal terrorist attacks against the United States, which resulted in a tremendous loss of lives and injuries. May I convey on behalf of the Royal Government and the People of Cambodia, my most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those victims and the U.S. Government on this mournful occasion. I am fully convinced that the whole world must take every joint efforts and action to combat the terrorism in our world today.  Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
11/07/2001
Prime Minister Hun Sen thanks U.S. President George Bush for removing Cambodia from the list of major illegal drug producing or transit countries, ... This is a great pride for Cambodia and it is a justification from the US President because Cambodia is not a producer or consumer of drugs... Through our activities, in our efforts to combat and eliminate drugs, I think it is a justification both for the people and the Royal Government of Cambodia... Though some people try hard to tie the Royal Government of Cambodia with the drug issue, the Mafia issue... finally, the President of a powerful country has removed Cambodia from the list... It is clearly the pride for the people of Cambodia, a justification from the powerful country... and I am proud and thank President George W. Bush for giving this justice to the Cambodian people...
11/09/2001
Two CFF suspects, Chu Trie and Puth Siem, are released after Municipal Court ruled that they had been unlawfully arrested and found that there was no evidence against them.
11/26/2001
A huge fire levels a Chomkar Mon district squatter neighborhood, leaving thousands of people homeless. Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong arrives Phnom Penh for a three-days state visit.  He is received at Pochintong Airport by King Norodom Sihanouk, government officials.  Thousands of student line the street for the visiting Vietnamese President's motorcade route.
11/30/2001
National Assembly approves, with vote 81 of 91, supporting the suspension of opposition Sam Rainsy Party member Son Chhay for 15 assembly sessions and fine of half of his salary for two months.  The move come after Son Chhay criticized NA President Prince Ranariddh for not sitting in the president's chair while Assembly is in session.
12/04/2001
The Senate's secretary-general Um Sarith says the institution will no longer help its members to get travel visas for spouses, children and relatives that have been done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The decision comes amid an investigation into a visa scam in which high government officials are alleged to use their positions for procuring visas for thousands of dollars. The new $56 million bridge funded by Japanese government is inaugurated in Kompong Cham by Prime Minister Hun Sen.