AKP Phnom Penh, March 18, 2026 —

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.

“Today marks the 56th anniversary of the coup (March 18, 1970 – March 18, 2026) that brought Cambodia from peace into war,” he wrote.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen was one of the Cambodian statesmen who dedicated their lives to the nation, religion, and constitutional monarchy.

“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.

By Heng Panha