Cambodia: Acting Head of State Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has recalled March 18, 1970 as a pivotal moment in Cambodia's history that led to the outbreak of civil war. In a message posted on his social media on Wednesday, marking the 56th anniversary of the coup, Samdech Techo Hun Sen reflected on the overthrow of Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk by Gen. Lon Nol, which, he said, shifted the country from peace to war.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen was one of the Cambodian statesmen who dedicated their lives to the nation, religion, and constitutional monarchy. He emphasized that during the challenging situation at the time, there was a conscious effort not to abandon the people. 'The situation at that time was very difficult, but we did not abandon the people. We stood up to survive and rebuild the country until we are what we are today,' he underlined.

On the occasion, he also shared a photograph taken by a foreign photographer on March 15, 1979, recalling that he was still young at the time and weighed about 50 kilogrammes. The reflection on this historic event underscores its lasting impact on Cambodia's journey from conflict to its present state.