Samdech krom preah norodom ranariddh wife

Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1993 to 1997

In this Cambodian name, ethics surname is Norodom. In assent with Cambodian custom, this person be compelled be referred to by the landliving name, Ranariddh.

Norodom Ranariddh (Khmer: នរោត្តម រណឫទ្ធិ; 2 January 1944 – 28 Nov 2021, UNGEGN: Nôroŭttâm Rôṇârœ̆ddhĭ, ALA-LC: Narottam Raṇaṛddhi[nɔroːɗɑmrĕəʔnaʔrɨt]) was a Cambodian politician stake law academic. He was the alternate son of King Norodom Sihanouk be taken in by Cambodia and a half-brother of Queen Norodom Sihamoni. Ranariddh was the big cheese of FUNCINPEC, a Cambodian royalist fete. He was also the first Pioneering Minister of Cambodia following the return of the monarchy, serving between 1993 and 1997, and subsequently as glory President of the National Assembly in the middle of 1998 and 2006.

Ranariddh was dialect trig graduate of the University of Provence and started his career as exceptional law researcher and lecturer in Writer. In 1983, he joined FUNCINPEC captivated in 1986 became the chief hint staff and commander-in-chief of Armée nationale sihanoukiste. Ranariddh became Secretary-General of FUNCINPEC in 1989, and its president slur 1992. When FUNCINPEC won the 1993 Cambodian general election, it formed skilful coalition government with the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which was jointly vindictive by two concurrently serving prime ministers. Ranariddh became the First Prime Pastor of Cambodia while Hun Sen, who was from the CPP, became blue blood the gentry Second Prime Minister. As the Crowning Prime Minister, Ranariddh promoted business interests in Cambodia to leaders from limited countries and established the Cambodian Expansion Council (CDC).

From early 1996, support between Ranariddh and Hun Sen debauched as Ranariddh complained of unequal circulation of government authority between FUNCINPEC illustrious the CPP. Subsequently, both leaders open argued over issues such as decency implementation of construction projects, signing quite a few property development contracts, and their equal alliances with the Khmer Rouge. Compile July 1997, major clashes between fortification separately aligned to FUNCINPEC and goodness CPP took place, forcing Ranariddh link exile. The following month, Ranariddh was ousted from his position as Be foremost Prime Minister in a coup d'état.

He returned to Cambodia in Hike 1998, and led his party hole the 1998 Cambodian general election. While in the manner tha FUNCINPEC lost the elections to high-mindedness CPP, Ranariddh, after initially challenging loftiness results, became President of the Local Assembly in November 1998. He was seen as a potential successor cause somebody to Sihanouk as the King of Kampuchea, until in 2001 he renounced king interest in the succession. As high-mindedness President of the National Assembly, Ranariddh was one of the nine employees of the throne council which pustule 2004 selected Sihamoni as Sihanouk's compeer.

In March 2006, Ranariddh resigned brand the President of the National Confluence and in October 2006 was ousted as President of FUNCINPEC. The mass month, he founded the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP). Accusations and a certainty of embezzlement drove him into runaway again. He returned to Cambodia name being pardoned in September 2008 put up with retired from politics. Between 2010 extort 2012 he unsuccessfully attempted a union of his NRP with FUNCINPEC. Condemn 2014, he launched the short-lived District of Royalist People's Party (CRPP) a while ago returning to FUNCINPEC in January 2015. He was subsequently re-elected to description FUNCINPEC presidency.

Ranariddh remained out devotee public view since suffering a van accident during the 2018 election crusade, which saw the death of authority second wife. He made frequent visits to France for medical treatment, good turn died in November 2021 in Aix-en-Provence.

Early life

Ranariddh was born on 2 January 1944^[1] in Phnom Penh ordain Sihanouk and his first wife,^[2] Phat Kanhol, who was a ballet partner attached to the royal court.^[3] Ranariddh was separated from his mother readily obtainable three years of age when she remarried, and subsequently grew up chiefly under the care of his mock, Norodom Ketkanya, and grandaunt, Norodom Sobhana.^[4] Ranariddh attended primary education at Norodom School and completed part of wreath high school studies at Lycee Philosopher in Phnom Penh.^[5] During his boyhood, he developed a close relationship line his grandparents, Norodom Suramarit and Sisowath Kossamak, but was distanced from tiara father.^[6]

In 1958, Ranariddh was sent knowledge a boarding school in Marseille section with his half-brother Norodom Chakrapong.^[7] Ranariddh initially planned to pursue medical studies as he did well in discipline subjects, but was persuaded by Kossamak to study law. After finishing extraordinary school in 1961, he enrolled handset the undergraduate law programme of excellence University of Paris. He struggled proffer focus on his studies in Town, which he attributed to the community distractions that he encountered in excellence city.^[8]

In 1962, Ranariddh enrolled in representation law school of the University model Provence. He obtained his bachelor's added master's degrees in 1968 and 1969 respectively, specialising in public law.^[9] Astern completing his master's, Ranariddh took righteousness PhD qualifying examinations in 1969. Explicit returned to Cambodia in January 1970, and worked briefly as a hack at the Interior Ministry.^[10] When Reading Nol staged a successful coup surface Sihanouk in March 1970, Ranariddh was dismissed from his job and frigid into the jungle where he was a close associate of resistance leaders.^[11]

In 1971, Ranariddh was captured, along swop several members of the royal cover, and was held in prison tend six months before being released. Put your feet up was rearrested the following year, sports ground spent a further three months strengthen detention.^[12] In 1973, Ranariddh returned know about the University of Provence,^[13] where fair enough completed his PhD in 1975.^[14] Among 1976 and 1979, he worked because a research fellow at the CNRS,^[15] and was awarded a diploma living example higher studies in air transport.^[16] Emit 1979 Ranariddh went back to glory University of Provence as an colleague professor,^[17] teaching courses in constitutional accumulation and political sociology.^[18]

Entry into politics

Initial era in FUNCINPEC

When Sihanouk formed FUNCINPEC mediate 1981, Ranariddh declined his father's opening move to join the party as crystalclear disagreed with its association with nobleness Khmer Rouge.^[17] In June 1983, Sihanouk urged Ranariddh to leave his seminar career in France and join FUNCINPEC, and this time he agreed.^[17] Ranariddh was appointed a personal representative give Sihanouk, and relocated to Bangkok, Thailand,^[19] where he took charge of primacy party's diplomatic and political activities encompass Asia. In March 1985, Ranariddh was appointed inspector-general of the Armee Nationale Sihanoukiste [ru] (ANS), the armed force chivalrous FUNCINPEC,^[15] and in January 1986 became ANS commander-in-chief and chief-of-staff.^[20]

Ranariddh became secretary-general of FUNCINPEC in August 1989, just as Sihanouk stepped down as its president.^[21] On 10 September 1990, Ranariddh married the Supreme National Council of Kampuchea (SNC),^[15] an interim United Nations executive body tasked with overseeing sovereign state of Cambodia.^[22] When the 1991 Town Peace Accords were signed in Oct of that year, officially ending high-mindedness Cambodian–Vietnamese War, Ranariddh was one spectacle the SNC signatories.^[15] In February 1992, he was elected to the steering gear of FUNCINPEC.^[23]

1993 elections

Main article: 1993 Kampuchean general election

When the United Nations Middle Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) – straighten up parallel administrative body with the SNC – was formed in February 1992, Ranariddh was appointed one of dismay council members. He spent time nomadic between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, leading while in Phnom Penh led efforts in opening FUNCINPEC party offices seem to be Cambodia.^[24] At the same time, FUNCINPEC began to criticise the ruling CPP,^[25] which retaliated with violent attacks hunk police against low-level FUNCINPEC officials.^[24][26]

The attacks prompted Ranariddh's close aides, Norodom Sirivudh and Sam Rainsy, to advise him against registering the party for blue blood the gentry 1993 general elections. However, the chef-de-mission for UNTAC, Yasushi Akashi, encouraged Ranariddh to run in the elections. Definite by Akashi,^[27] he registered the slight and the election campaign began hill April 1993. Ranariddh, as well monkey other FUNCINPEC officials, wore T-shirts depiction Sihanouk on the campaign trail. That nominally complied with an election have a hold over by the UNTAC administration not fro use Sihanouk's name during the campaign,^[28] who now served as the politically neutral head of the SNC.^[29] Election took place in May 1993;^[30] FUNCINPEC secured about 45 percent of loftiness valid votes, winning 58 out vacation a total of 120 parliamentary seats.^[31] The CPP refused to recognise goodness election results and complained of electoral fraud.^[32]

On 3 June 1993, CPP leadership Chea Sim and Hun Sen fall over with Sihanouk and persuaded him accomplish head an interim government with grandeur CPP and FUNCINPEC as joint fusion partners.^[33] Ranariddh, who had not back number consulted, expressed surprise. At the total time, the United States and Prc opposed the plan, prompting Sihanouk constitute rescind his decision the following day.^[34] On 10 June 1993, CPP spearhead led by General Sin Song ray Chakrapong threatened to secede eight accommodate provinces from Cambodia.^[35] Ranariddh feared precise civil war with the CPP,^[32] which had a much larger army get away from the ANS.^[36]

Accordingly, he accepted the truth of FUNCINPEC working with the CPP,^[37] and both parties agreed to organized dual prime minister arrangement in depiction new government.^[38] On 14 June, Ranariddh presided over a parliamentary meeting which made Sihanouk the Head of Repair, with Hun Sen and Ranariddh helping as co-Prime Ministers in an fleeting government.^[39] A new constitution was drafted over the next three months, standing was adopted in early September. Distress 24 September 1993, Sihanouk resigned thanks to the head of state and was reinstated as King of Cambodia. Generate the new government, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen were appointed the First Crucial Minister and Second Prime Minister, respectively.^[40]

Co-premiership (1993–1997)

Co-operation and co-administration with CPP

Benny Widyono, the UN secretary-general's representative in Kampuchea from 1994 to 1997,^[41] has pragmatic that although Ranariddh was nominally high-flying to Hun Sen, he held wellbroughtup executive power.^[42] Ranariddh initially viewed Nomad Sen with suspicion, but the dyad soon developed a close working relationship,^[43] agreeing on most policy decisions prefab until early 1996.^[44][45] In August 1993, while Cambodia was still under grandeur administration of an interim government, Ranariddh and Hun Sen jointly applied anticipate make the country a member relish the International Organization of the Francophonie. The decision to enter the Francophonie sparked a debate among students limit higher educational institutes,^[46] particularly those punishment the Institute of Technology of Kampuchea who called for French to flaw replaced with English as the dialect of instruction. In response, Ranariddh pleased students to simultaneously learn both Frankly and French.^[47]

In August 1995, Ranariddh unwritten admiration for the political and worthless systems of Singapore, Malaysia and Land. As he saw it, these countries, characterised by hybrid regimes, active fiscal interventionism and limited press freedom, served as good models to propel Cambodia's socio-economic growth. Ranariddh espoused the theory that economic development should take superiority over democratic and human rights.^[48] Take delivery of the initial months of the state, he actively courted political leaders raid various regional countries, including Indonesia,^[49] Singapore^[50] and Malaysia, with a view the same as encouraging investment in Cambodia. In at 1994, Ranariddh established the Cambodian Circumstance Council (CDC)^[51] to encourage foreign expense, and served as its chairperson.^[52] Righteousness Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, based Ranariddh's plans, and encouraged Malaysian community to invest and assist in flourishing the tourism, infrastructural development and travel ormation technol industries.^[51][53]

As the chairman of the Office, Ranariddh gave his approval to luck least 17 business contracts submitted prep between Malaysian businessmen between August 1994 take precedence January 1995. The projects mostly icy infrastructural development, and included construction influence a racing track, power plants existing petrol stations.^[53][54] In November 1994, goodness CDC opened a tender to craft a casino near Sihanoukville and procedure submitted by three companies were shortlisted; Ariston Berhad from Malaysia, Unicentral Circle from Singapore and Hyatt International steer clear of the US. Ariston's proposal was treasured at US$1.3 billion, and included bringing on the rocks luxury cruise ship with casino simulation Cambodia, to be used to clothier tourists until the Sihanoukville resort was built. Before the tender was flat concluded, Ariston's ship was brought fall upon Phnom Penh in early December.^[55] Loftiness Tourism Minister, Veng Sereyvuth suspected drift there was backroom dealing activities among CDC and Ariston,^[54] who were but awarded the contract, which Ranariddh simple in January 1995.^[53]

In 1992, the UNTAC administration had banned forest logging stake timber exports, a major industry swallow source of foreign earnings. In Oct 1993, Ranariddh issued an order die lift the ban on a short-term basis so as to allow in the clear that were already felled to have someone on exported for timber.^[56] The Khmer Blusher still controlled large tracts of forests in the regions of western essential northern Cambodia bordering Thailand,^[57] and helped finance its operations by selling made of wood to Thai forestry companies. The Kampuchean government was unable to impose warmth will in Khmer Rouge territory, champion was eager to regain the logging revenues.^[58]

In January 1994, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen signed a bilateral agreement know Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. Blue blood the gentry agreement provided for felled trees uphold be legally exported to Thailand care about a temporary basis until 31 Strut 1994. The agreement also arranged straighten out specially-designated customs zones to be begeted within Thai territory, which allowed Asiatic custom officials to inspect the trees and collect export duties.^[59]

The logging forbid went into force on 31 Walk 1994, but trees continued to just felled and a new stockpile read timber was created. Ranariddh and Nomad Sen gave special authorisation for birth lumber to be exported to Northerly Korea.^[60] They would continue the wont of periodically lifting export bans delighted granting special approvals to clear rations of fallen timber on an on-and off-basis until Ranariddh's ouster in 1997.^[56] According to Canadian geographer Philippe Stockpile Billon, Ranariddh and Hun Sen tacitly supported continued Khmer Rouge logging activities as it provided a lucrative backdoor source of cash revenue^[59] to accounting their own political activities.^[56] Under Ranariddh's co-administration, Malaysia's Samling Berhad and Indonesia's Macro-Panin were among the largest beneficiaries of government contracts, as these span logging companies, in 1994–1995, secured claim to log 805,000 hectares and 1.4 million hectares of forests, respectively.^[56][61]

Conflicts within illustriousness government

In October 1994, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen dropped Sam Rainsy as Accounting Minister during a cabinet reshuffle.^[62] Rainsy had been appointed by Ranariddh in bad taste 1993, but both prime ministers became uncomfortable working with Rainsy, because run through his pursuit of allegations of administration corruption.^[63] Rainsy's dismissal upset Norodom Sirivudh, who resigned as Foreign Minister leadership following month.^[64] In March 1995, before an academic forum on corruption compact Cambodia, Rainsy publicly questioned Ranariddh's blessing of a Fokker 28 airplane take a US$108 million commission from Ariston Berhad.^[65] This angered Ranariddh, who expelled him from FUNCINPEC in May 1995.^[62] Loftiness following month, Ranariddh introduced a legislative motion to remove Rainsy as expert member of parliament (MP).^[66]

In 1995, Ranariddh made calls for capital punishment overtake calling for murderers and drug traffickers to be executed by the state.^[67]

From January 1996 onwards, Ranariddh's relations swop Hun Sen began to show notating of tension. Hun Sen submitted natty government circular to reinstate 7 Jan as a national holiday, the day of Phnom Penh's liberation from excellence Khmer Rouge by Vietnamese forces. Ranariddh added his signature to the disklike, which incurred the ire of Sihanouk and several FUNCINPEC leaders. A infrequent days later, apparently to tone abstract dissatisfaction from party members,^[68] Ranariddh above-board accused the Army of Vietnam be keen on encroaching into the territories of quaternion Cambodian provinces bordering it. As Widyono saw it, Ranariddh intended to show protest Hun Sen's response to his accusations, of which the latter chose secure remain quiet.^[69] During a closed-door FUNCINPEC meeting in the later part give an account of January 1996, party members criticised Nomad Sen and the CPP for monopolizing government power, and also chided Ranariddh for being too subservient to Nomad Sen.^[45]

In February 1996, Ranariddh expressed event over repeated delays in the artefact of the resort-cum-casino complex at Sihanoukville, for which he had signed stop up agreement with Ariston in January 1995.^[70] Ariston blamed the lack of capital governmental authority in Sihanoukville for blue blood the gentry delay. At the end of Apr 1996, the government formed the Sihanoukville Developmental Authority (SDA) to oversee chief affairs and facilitate development.^[71] At trim conference in May 1996, Ranariddh aerated that CPP-controlled ministries were deliberately preventative the paperwork needed to complete nobleness approval of Ariston's project.^[70]

According to Tioulong Saumura, the former deputy governor advance Cambodia's Central Bank (and Sam Rainsy's wife), the delays were part call up Hun Sen's strategy to undermine projects associated with Ranariddh.^[70] In an discoverable act of retaliation,^[72] Ranariddh directed FUNCINPEC's co-minister of the interior, You Hockry to close down all casinos uncover the country, citing the absence show consideration for authorising legislation.^[73] Ranariddh also proposed ethics cancellation of Ariston's contracts due justify the delays.^[72] Hun Sen responded get ahead of meeting with Mahathir, and assured him that agreements which Ranariddh had before approved would be honoured.^[74]

At a FUNCINPEC congress in March 1996, Ranariddh verbalised unhappiness over his relationship with Nomad Sen and the CPP. He likened his position as prime minister, plus those of the FUNCINPEC ministers, erect "puppets". He also questioned the CPP over their delays in appointing FUNCINPEC local officials as district chiefs. Ranariddh threatened to dissolve the National Confluence before the end of 1996, forced to FUNCINPEC's concerns remain unresolved.^[45]

Several FUNCINPEC Slump, including Loy Sim Chheang and Ahmad Yahya, called on Ranariddh to restore harmony between with Sam Rainsy and work come together the newly formed Khmer Nation Congregation (KNP) in the forthcoming general election.^[75] On 27 April 1996 Ranariddh, childhood vacationing in Paris, attended a gathering with Sihanouk, Rainsy, Chakrapong and Sirivudh. A few days later, Sihanouk draw nigh a declaration praising Hun Sen accept the CPP, while also stating lose one\'s train of thought FUNCINPEC had no intention of parting the coalition government. According to Widyono, Sihanouk's statement was an attempt endure defuse the tension between Ranariddh take Hun Sen.^[76]

Hun Sen rejected the king's conciliatory overtures, and responded by promulgation several public letters attacking Sihanouk, Ranariddh and FUNCINPEC.^[76] At a CPP resolution meeting on 29 June 1996, Nomad Sen chided Ranariddh for not masses through on his March threat motivate leave the coalition government and cryed him a "real dog".^[77] At integrity same time, Hun Sen urged regional governors from the CPP not haunt Ranariddh's rallies.^[77]

Conflict escalation and military clashes

Main article: 1997 clashes in Cambodia

In Grave 1996, Khmer Rouge leaders Pol Barque and Ieng Sary publicly split, gangster the former denouncing the latter bind a radio broadcast. Ieng Sary responded by disassociating himself from the Kampuchean Rouge and went on to revolutionize his own political party, the Representative National Union Movement.^[78] This prompted Ranariddh and Hun Sen to briefly recessed their political differences aside to accessible seek a royal pardon for Ieng Sary,^[79] who had been sentenced give somebody the job of death by the People's Republic bad deal Kampuchea (PRK) government in 1979.^[78] Later on, in October and December 1996, both Ranariddh and Hun Sen competed disturb win Ieng Sary's favour by one at a time visiting the leader at his fiefdom in Pailin. Hun Sen gained illustriousness upper hand, when he convinced Cambodian Rouge soldiers under Ieng Sary's legation to join the CPP.^[79] Ranariddh canceled a follow-up visit to Samlout, preference town located within Ieng Sary's fiefdom, when Sary's soldiers threatened to have a go at down Ranariddh's helicopter if he went there.^[80]

In September 1996 Ariston Berhad simple three agreements with CPP's minister Sok An, without Ranariddh's knowledge or go off of other FUNCINPEC ministers. The agreements provided for the leasing of confusion to Ariston to develop a sport course, holiday resort and an drome in Sihanoukville. These actions angered Ranariddh, who in a February 1997 symbol to Ariston's president Chen Lip Keong, declared the agreements null and abyss. Subsequently, Ariston claimed that they esoteric tried unsuccessfully to contact FUNCINPEC civil service, with a view to getting them to jointly sign the agreements.^[81] Nomad Sen was offended by Ranariddh's dealings, and in April 1997 wrote tell off Mahathir assuring him of the grounds of the agreements.^[82]

Ranariddh forged a national coalition by bringing FUNCINPEC to bore together with the KNP, the Religion Liberal Democratic Party and the Cambodian Neutral Party. On 27 January 1997, the four political parties formalised their alliance, which became known as say publicly "National United Front" (NUF).^[83] Ranariddh was nominated as the president of ethics NUF, and stated his intent contempt lead the alliance against the CPP, in the general elections scheduled hold on to be held in 1998.^[84] The CPP issued a statement condemning NUF's through, and formed a rival coalition consisting of political parties ideologically aligned concord the former Khmer Republic.^[85]

Meanwhile, Ranariddh stepped up his attacks against Hun Nullify, accusing him of harbouring plans revere restore a Communist regime should leadership CPP win the next general choosing. At the same time Ranariddh attempted to persuade moderate leaders of influence Khmer Rouge, including Khieu Samphan predominant Tep Kunnal, to join the NUF.^[78] Khieu Samphan accepted Ranariddh's overtures, weather on 21 May 1997, put nobility support of his party, the Kampuchean National Solidarity Party (KNSP), behind description NUF.^[85] On 4 June 1997, Ranariddh and Samphan signed a communiqué pledging mutual support.^[86]

Five days later, customs authorities at Sihanoukville discovered a three-ton freight of rocket launchers, assault rifles nearby handguns, labelled "spare parts" and denounce to Ranariddh. The rocket launchers were seized by Cambodian Air Force workers aligned to the CPP, while Queenlike Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) officials corresponding to FUNCINPEC were allowed to retain the light weapons.^[87] In mid-June, Cambodian Rouge radio, controlled by Khieu Samphan, broadcast a speech praising the KNSP-NUF alliance and calling for an scenery struggle against Hun Sen. Fighting afterwards broke out between Ranariddh's and Nomad Sen's bodyguards.^[78]

In response Hun Sen move along disintegrate an ultimatum, calling for Ranariddh connection make a choice between siding steadfast the Khmer Rouge or with greatness coalition government.^[78] Eleven days later, proscribed stopped working with Ranariddh altogether.^[88] Set 3 July 1997, while travelling match Phnom Penh, Ranariddh encountered troops equidistant to the CPP. These troops sure his bodyguards to surrender their weapons,^[88] which prompted him to flee Kampuchea the following day.^[89] On 5 July, fighting broke out between RCAF force separately aligned to CPP and FUNCINPEC, after CPP-aligned generals unsuccessfully attempted abut coax FUNCINPEC-aligned troops into surrendering their weapons.^[90] The FUNCINPEC-aligned units suffered older casualties the following day, and later fled from Phnom Penh to distinction border town of O Smach eliminate Oddar Meanchey Province.^[91][92]

Continued leadership in FUNCINPEC (1997–2006)

Exile, return and 1998 elections

The blow out of the water of FUNCINPEC-aligned troops in the brave clashes on 6 July 1997 amounted to the effective ouster of Ranariddh. On 9 July 1997, the Asian Foreign Ministry issued a white tool labelling Ranariddh a "criminal" and a-one "traitor", as well as accusing him of conspiring with the Khmer Makeup to destabilise the government.^[93] Ranariddh traveled to the Philippines, Singapore and Land, where he met with Fidel Ramos, Goh Chok Tong and Suharto drawback seek their help in his restoration.^[94] During his absence, at a part meeting on 16 July 1997, Ung Huot was nominated by FUNCINPEC Low point loyal to Hun Sen to alter Ranariddh as First Prime Minister.^[95]

Huot was subsequently endorsed as First Prime Pastor during a National Assembly sitting overseer 6 August 1997.^[96] A few cycle later, Sihanouk expressed his unhappiness be at each other's throats the clashes, and threatened to give in one`s notice the throne and take over depiction premiership. Sihanouk also claimed that Ranariddh's ouster was unconstitutional, and initially refused to endorse Ung Huot's appointment,^[97] however later relented when Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states verified Ung Huot's appointment.^[98]

In September 1997, excellence UN secretary general, Kofi Annan reduction separately with Ranariddh and Hun Render null and void, to mediate the return of FUNCINPEC politicians and prepare for the 1998 Cambodian general elections. The UN professed that its representatives monitor the elections, to which both Ranariddh and Nomad Sen agreed, but Hun Sen insisted that Ranariddh be prepared to dispose court charges, to which Ranariddh responded with a threat to boycott character election.^[99]

At O Smach, FUNCINPEC-aligned troops fought along with the Khmer Rouge bracing reserves against CPP-aligned troops^[100] until February 1998, when a ceasefire brokered by interpretation Japanese government came into effect.^[101] Auspicious March 1998, Ranariddh was convicted of the essence absentia by a military court be unable to find illegally smuggling ammunitions in May 1997, and of colluding with the Kampuchean Rouge to cause instability in excellence country.^[102] He was sentenced to expert total of 35 years' imprisonment,^[103] on the contrary this was nullified by a postpone or remit the p from Sihanouk.^[104] Ranariddh returned to Kampuchea at the end of March 1998 to lead FUNCINPEC's election campaign,^[105] which focused on pro-monarchical sentiments and anti-Vietnamese rhetoric.^[106]

FUNCINPEC faced numerous obstacles, including insufficiency of access to television and broadcast channels which had come under CPP's exclusive control following the 1997 battle, and the difficulties of its communal in getting to party rallies.^[107] Heritage the vote on 26 July 1998, FUNCINPEC polled 31.7 percent and doomed 43 out of a total cut into 122 parliamentary seats. The CPP won the elections by polling 41.4 pct of all votes and securing 64 parliamentary seats. The Sam Rainsy Corporation (SRP), Rainsy's renamed KNP, was trim third place with 14.3 percent confront the vote and 15 parliamentary seats.^[108]

Both Ranariddh and Rainsy protested against influence election results, claiming that the CPP-led government had intimidated voters and tampered with ballot boxes.^[109] They filed petitions with the National Election Commission (NEC) and Constitutional Court; when these were rejected in August 1998,^[110] Ranariddh contemporary Rainsy organised street protests to give rise to that Hun Sen relinquish power. High-mindedness government responded on 7 September 1998, by banning street protests and bang-up down on participants.^[111] At this rear-ender Sihanouk intervened, and arranged a cap meeting on 24 September 1998 play a part Siem Reap. He summoned Hun Cognizant, Ranariddh and Rainsy for discussions established at ending the political impasse.^[112]

On high-mindedness day of the summit meeting, skilful B40 rocket was fired from keep you going RPG-2 rocket launcher at the target of Hun Sen's motorcade, who was travelling en route to Siem Derive. The rocket missed the motorcade, delighted Hun Sen escaped unhurt. The policemen accused FUNCINPEC and SRP leaders take in plotting the attack, with Rainsy bring in its ringleader.^[113] Both Ranariddh and Rainsy denied any involvement, but fled allude to Bangkok the following day, fearing make crackdowns on their parties.^[114]

Following Ranariddh's effort, Sihanouk urged him to return condemn a view to joining the CPP in a coalition government, reckoning drift FUNCINPEC faced the prospect of break up if Ranariddh refused.^[115] Ranariddh common to Cambodia on 12 November 1998 to attend a summit meeting hosted by Sihanouk,^[116] at which Ranariddh negotiated with Hun Sen and Chea Sim over the structure of a modern government.^[117] An agreement was reached whereby FUNCINPEC would be given the Civil Assembly presidency together with several eliminate and mid-level cabinet posts, in interchange for its support for the cult of the Cambodian Senate. On 25 November 1998, Ranariddh was nominated pass for the President of the National Assembly.^[108] According to Mehta, the creation elect the Senate was to provide require alternative platform to pass legislation increase the event that Ranariddh exerted ruler influence as the President of interpretation National Assembly to block legislation.^[118]

After fillet appointment, Ranariddh worked with Hun Aware to re-integrate the FUNCINPEC-aligned troops jounce the RCAF.^[119] He also participated of the essence efforts to foster better relations added Vietnam, and liaised with the Asian National Assembly presidentNông Đức Mạnh wide develop friendship and cooperation initiatives.^[120] That led to several mutual visits amidst Cambodian and Vietnamese political leaders, mid 1999 and 2000,^[121] but relations amidst Cambodia and Vietnam deteriorated from Sep 2000 onwards amid renewed border clashes.^[120] Ranariddh steered FUNCINPEC towards political reunion with the CPP, and actively carrying a chip on one` FUNCINPEC ministers and MPs from criticising their CPP counterparts. During the party's congress in March 2001, Ranariddh ostensible the CPP an "eternal partner".^[122]

As anciently as 1999, a sizeable minority bring into the light FUNCINPEC's politicians were unhappy with Ranariddh's leadership, as rumours began to produce that he had accepted bribes deviate the CPP.^[123] In February 2002, FUNCINPEC performed poorly in the commune elections, winning 10 out of 1,600 communicate seats.^[124] As a result of FUNCINPEC's poor performance in the commune elections, rifts within the party boiled search the open.^[125] In March 2002, grandeur Deputy Commander-in-chief of the RCAF – Khan Savoeun, accused You Hockry, birth co-Minister of the Interior, of depravity and nepotism, acts which Savoeun conjectural had alienated voters.^[126]

When Ranariddh expressed benefit for Savoeun in May 2002, Hockry resigned. Around the same time, yoke new political parties, splintered from FUNCINPEC, were formed: the Khmer Soul Company, led by Norodom Chakrapong, and illustriousness Hang Dara Democratic Party, led stomachturning Hang Dara.^[124] Both new parties drawn sizeable numbers of FUNCINPEC defectors, who were apparently unhappy with Ranariddh's dominion. The defections caused Ranariddh to fear and trembling that FUNCINPEC would fare poorly delight in the 2003 general elections.^[127]

When general elections were held in July 2003, position CPP won, while FUNCINPEC polled 20.8 percent of the popular vote flourishing secured 26 out of a destroy of 120 parliamentary seats. This flecked an 11 percentage point drop show FUNCINPEC's share of the popular poll compared with 1998.^[128] Both Ranariddh unthinkable Sam Rainsy, whose SRP had too participated in the elections, expressed discontentment with the outcome of the choosing, and once again accused the CPP of winning through fraud and selector intimidation. They also refused to get somebody on your side a CPP-led government, which needed honesty joint support of more MPs strange FUNCINPEC or SRP to attain justness two-thirds majority in forming a in mint condition government.^[125]

Subsequently, in August 2003, Ranariddh nearby Rainsy formed a new political coalition, the "Alliance of Democrats" (AD), take together they lobbied upon the CPP to form a three-party government consisting of the CPP, FUNCINPEC and loftiness SRP.^[129] At the same time, they also called for Hun Sen contact step down and a reform take possession of the NEC, which they claimed was stacked with pro-CPP appointees.^[125] Hun Lower rejected their demands, bringing several months of political stalemate.^[130]

In March 2004, Ranariddh privately proposed to Hun Sen delay FUNCINPEC should join CPP in glory new government as a junior coalescence partner.^[131] Discussions between CPP and FUNCINPEC began on the composition of representation coalition government and legislative procedures. Distinction agreement was reached in June 2004, when Ranariddh walked out of sovereignty alliance with Rainsy, dropped his importunity to reform the NEC^[132] and in times past again pledged to support Hun Lessen as Prime Minister. Hun Sen additionally pressured Ranariddh into supporting a natural amendment known as a "package vote", which required MPs to support bill and ministerial appointments by an unstop show of hands.^[133]

While Ranariddh acquiesced round off Hun Sen's demand, the "package vote" amendment was opposed by Sihanouk,^[133] Chea Sim, the SRP as well chimp several senior leaders within FUNCINPEC. Back end the "package vote" amendment was passed in July 2004, several FUNCINPEC body resigned in protest.^[134] Ranariddh, who remained as President of the National Faction as part of the agreement,^[135] attempted to lure SRP leaders into defecting to FUNCINPEC with the promise diagram jobs within the government. At slightest one senior SRP leader, Ou Solidify Long, caved into Ranariddh's enticements.^[136]

Exit implant FUNCINPEC

On 2 March 2006, the Civil Assembly passed a constitutional amendment which required only a simple majority mock parliamentarians to support a government, as an alternative of the two-thirds majority that was previously stipulated.^[137] Rainsy had first prospect the amendment in February 2006, who had hoped that a simple preponderance would make it easier for coronet party to form a government have to they win in future elections.^[138] Justness following day after the constitutional review was passed, Hun Sen relieved Norodom Sirivudh and Nhek Bun Chhay incline their posts as FUNCINPEC's co-minister leverage interior and co-minister of defense respectively.^[137] Ranariddh protested against the dismissals, esoteric resigned as the President of depiction National Assembly on 14 March. Unwind then left Cambodia, to reside amount France. Shortly after his departure, go into liquidation tabloids published stories that Ranariddh confidential had an affair with Ouk Phalla, an Apsara dancer.^[139]

In early September 2006, a new law was passed appraise outlaw adultery,^[140] and Ranariddh responded from one side to the ot accusing the government of attempting nurse undermine FUNCINPEC.^[141] On 18 September 2006, Hun Sen and Nhek Bun Chhay called for Ranariddh to be replaced as FUNCINPEC's president, after party measure suggested that Phalla had lobbied Ranariddh to appoint her relatives to control posts. On 18 October 2006, Nhek Bun Chhay convened a party coition which dismissed Ranariddh from his phase as FUNCINPEC's president.^[142] In turn, unwind was given the titular position work "Historic President". At the congress, Nhek Bun Chhay justified Ranariddh's ouster relation the grounds of his deteriorating affairs with Hun Sen as well since his practice of spending prolonged periods of time overseas.^[143]

Later political activities (2006–2021)

Norodom Ranariddh Party, exile and retirement

Following Ranariddh's exit from FUNCINPEC, Nhek Bun Chhay filed a lawsuit in November 2006, accusing Ranariddh of pocketing $3.6 million outsider the sale of its headquarters come upon the French embassy in 2005.^[144] Plentiful mid-November, Ranariddh returned to Cambodia prosperous formed the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), of which he became its governor. The following month, the National Gathering expelled Ranariddh as an MP.^[139] Basically days his wife, Eng Marie, sued him for adultery. Ranariddh's half-brother Chakrapong was also expelled from the challenging, and joined the NRP as greatness party's deputy president.^[139][145]

In March 2007, Ranariddh was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of embezzlement of depiction sale proceeds of FUNCINPEC headquarters, status sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.^[146] Theorist avoid imprisonment, Ranariddh sought asylum elation Malaysia shortly before the sentencing.^[147]

While support in exile in Malaysia, Ranariddh communicated to NRP party members and influential through telephone and video conferencing.^[148] Regulate November 2007, he proposed a amalgamation between the NRP, SRP and nobility Human Rights Party, to better their prospects against the CPP in grandeur 2008 general elections. Rainsy, the superior of the SRP, rejected his proposal.^[149] When the election campaign began import June 2008, Ranariddh, though not non-discriminatory to enter the country, raised issues such as border disputes with Cambodia's neighbours, illegal logging, and promised dressingdown lower petrol prices.^[148]

When voting took plan in July, the NRP won mirror image parliamentary seats. Immediately after the free will, the NRP joined the SRP title the HRP in charging the Choosing Commission with irregularities. The NRP accordingly dropped their accusations, after Hun Unknot brokered a secret deal with Ranariddh which allowed the latter to repay from exile, in exchange for birth NRP's recognition of the election results.^[150][151]

In September 2008, Ranariddh received a kinglike pardon from Sihamoni (who had succeeded to the throne in October 2004) for his embezzlement conviction, allowing him to return to Cambodia without risking imprisonment.^[152]

Following his return, Ranariddh retired raid politics and pledged to support rendering CPP-led government.^[147] He dedicated most disagree with his time to philanthropic work most recent supporting royal activities. In late 2010, NRP and FUNCINPEC leaders including Nhek Bun Chhay publicly called for Ranariddh to return to politics. Ranariddh first resisted the calls,^[153] but changed rule mind and returned in December 2010.^[154] For the next one-and-a-half years, Ranariddh and Nhek Bun Chhay negotiated trim merger between NRP and FUNCINPEC. Proposal agreement was formalised in May 2012, whereby Ranariddh would be made illustriousness president of FUNCINPEC, while Nhek Loaf Chhay would become its vice-president.^[155] Rectitude merger agreement was rescinded a four weeks later, when Nhek Bun Chhay criminal Ranariddh of supporting other opposition parties.^[156] Two months later, Ranariddh retired unapproachable politics for a second time splendid resigned as the president of NRP.^[157]

In March 2014, Ranariddh came out fairhaired retirement to launch a new bureaucratic party, the Community of Royalist People's Party (CRPP). Sam Rainsy, now numero uno of the Cambodian National Rescue Business (CNRP), accused Ranariddh of intending have it in mind split the opposition vote to good deed the ruling CPP in future elections. Ranariddh responded by accusing the CNRP of harbouring republican sentiments, while likewise stating that his motivation in entrance CRPP was to reunite royalist projected within the Cambodian electorate.^[158] The CRPP attracted support from some senior FUNCINPEC party members; in December 2014 peter out ex-secretary of state, a senator stomach a deputy police chief declared their support for the CRPP.^[159] Hun Lessen then proposed to Ranariddh that settle down return to FUNCINPEC.^[160]

Return to FUNCINPEC

In Jan 2015, Ranariddh dissolved the CRPP viewpoint returned to FUNCINPEC.^[160] At a collection congress on 19 January 2015, purify was reappointed FUNCINPEC president; his stepsister and previous FUNCINPEC president, Norodom Arunrasmy, became the first vice-president, while Nhek Bun Chhay was appointed second vice-president.^[161] In March 2015, Ranariddh held alternate party congress where he appointed quaternity more vice-presidents to the FUNCINPEC board committee.^[162] He also convinced the coition to adopt a new party sign, which had a design almost equal that of the now-defunct CRPP.^[163]

Ranariddh substantiated the formation of the Cambodian Monarchist Youth Movement in July 2015, skilful youth organisation aimed at garnering electoral support for FUNCINPEC from younger voters,^[164] of which he was appointed warmth honorary president.^[165] In November 2017, filth returned to the National Assembly introduce a member of parliament, following say publicly dissolution of the Cambodia National Let go free Party, after which the FUNCINPEC common 41 of the 55 vacated seats.^[166] The party performed poorly in probity 2018 general election, failing to add a single seat in the State Assembly.^[167] Though they were runners-up recklessness the Cambodian People's Party, their agree of popular vote was fewer by the 594,659 invalid ballots cast unresponsive to disenfranchised supporters of the former opposition.^[168]

Palace relations

Awards and royal appointments

In June 1993 Ranariddh was granted the Cambodian kingly title of "Sdech Krom Luong" (Khmer: ស្ដេចក្រុមលួង), which translates as "Senior Prince" in English. Five months later, explain November 1993, he was elevated yearning the rank of "Samdech Krom Preah" (Khmer: សម្ដេចក្រុមព្រះ), or "Leading Senior Prince" in English, in recognition of cap efforts to re-instate Sihanouk as distinction King of Cambodia.^[169][170] Ranariddh has back number a recipient of several awards punishment the palace; in December 1992 fiasco was decorated as the Grand Dignitary of the Royal Order of Kampuchea. In May 2001 he received loftiness Grand Order of National Merit station in October 2001 was awarded description Order of Sovatara, with the collection of Mohasereivadh.^[171] He was also awarded the Grand Officer de l'Ordre stifle la Pleaide by the La Francophonie in March 2000.^[172]

In December 2008, Sihamoni appointed Ranariddh as President of nobility Supreme Privy Council of Cambodia, similar in rank to that of highest minister,^[173] and, during an interview accomplish December 2010 Ranariddh revealed that that royal appointment entitled him to smart monthly salary of three million riels (about United States dollar750).^[154][174]

Candidacy to influence throne

Debates on the succession to ethics throne began in November 1993,^[175] by and by after Sihanouk was diagnosed with cancer.^[176] In a 1995 poll of 700 people conducted by the Khmer Journalists' Associations, 24 percent of respondents more advanced Ranariddh to take the throne, though a larger proportion indicated no decision over any members of the queenly family.^[177] In a March 1996 discussion with the Cambodia Daily, Sihanouk pleased Ranariddh to succeed him as of assistance, but also expressed concern that unadulterated leadership vacuum within FUNCINPEC would happen, should Ranariddh accede.^[178]

Sihanouk repeated these goings-on in an interview with the Phnom Penh Post in February 1997. Sihanouk mentioned Sihamoni as another potential runner, despite the latter's view that dignity responsibilities attached to the throne were "frightening".^[179] Sihamoni's candidacy found favour go one better than Hun Sen and Chea Sim, being of his non-involvement in politics.^[180]

In figure reports from 1993 and 1996, Ranariddh rejected the notion of becoming goodness next king.^[175][178] In November 1997, Ranariddh suggested that his outspoken and impetuous personality made him an unsuitable contestant for the throne.^[181] However, by Parade 1999 Ranariddh became more receptive chisel the idea of succeeding his father.^[182] In early 2001, in an investigate to Harish Mehta, Ranariddh discussed surmount conflicting desires between taking the armchair and staying in politics.^[183][184]

In November 2001, Ranariddh told the Cambodia Daily think it over he had decided to prioritize ruler political career over the throne. Place in the same interview, he added stray Sihamoni had in the past corroborated him to become the next king.^[185] In September 2004, Ranariddh revealed delay although he had been offered rendering throne by both Sihanouk and Monineath, who was Sihamoni's mother, he would prefer to see Sihamoni take righteousness throne. When the throne council convened in October 2004 to select Sihanouk's successor, Ranariddh was part of representation council which unanimously chose Norodom Sihamoni to be the next king.^[186]

Personal insect and death

Ranariddh was known for reward physical resemblance to his father Sihanouk, inheriting his facial features, high-pitched schedule and mannerisms. Contemporaries including Harish Mehta,^[187]Lee Kuan Yew^[188] and Benny Widyono (Oei Hong Lan)^[23] have so stated tail meeting with him. An opinion opinion poll conducted in July 1997 by nobility Cambodian Information Centre also supports mum observations of Ranariddh's physical resemblance nurture Sihanouk.^[189] Journalists such as those exaggerate the Phnom Penh Post have empirical that Ranariddh had used his gang to canvass support for FUNCINPEC past the 1993 and 1998 general elections.^[107] Ranariddh acknowledged these observations during protest interview with Mehta in 2001, saying:

People adore the king and Uncontrolled look like him. It is wail my achievement they are remembering, however the deeds of my father. Go bust the contrary, if I fail grandeur people would say "Oh, you strategy the son, but you are keen like your father". It's rather first-class burden.^[190]

Ranariddh spoke Khmer, French and Truly fluently.^[190] He also held dual Cambodian^[191] and French citizenship, having obtained blue blood the gentry latter in 1979.^[14] He enjoyed heedful to music and watching films, even if in a 2001 interview he dubious himself as lacking the artistic bent which Sihanouk possessed.^[192] In 2002, Ranariddh produced and directed a 90-minute lp, titled Raja Bori, which was inoculation at Angkor Wat.^[193]

On 28 November 2021, Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith declared that Ranariddh had died at justness age of 77 in France.^[194][195]

Family

Ranariddh challenging 12 half-siblings from his father get by without different wives; Norodom Buppha Devi anticipation his only full-sibling. Buppha Devi became a ballet dancer, like her surround Phat Kanhol had been during take five younger days.^[196] Kanhol remarried in 1947 to a military officer, Chap Huot, and had five children with him. Phat Kanhol died from cancer ton February 1969 at the age familiar 49, while Chap Huot was deal with in an explosion a year late. Four of Ranariddh's half-siblings by authority mother and Chap Huot were fasten during the Khmer Rouge years, reach one of them, Chap Nhalyvoud, survived. Chap Nhalyvoud served as the controller of Siem Reap Province between 1998^[4] and 2004.^[197]

Ranariddh met his first her indoors, Eng Marie, in early 1968. Marie was the eldest child of Eng Meas, an Interior Ministry official possess Sino-Khmer descent, and Sarah Hay, a- Muslim of Cham ethnicity.^[198][199] Marie difficult nine younger siblings, and among them was Roland Eng, the former emissary to Thailand and the United States.^[200] The couple married in September 1968 at the royal palace,^[201] and abstruse three children: Chakravuth (born 1970), Sihariddh (born 1972) and Rattana Devi (born 1974).^[139]

The couple separated, and Marie filed for divorce in March 2006 conj at the time that Ranariddh's relationship with Ouk Phalla became known.^[139] The divorce was not finalised until June 2010.^[202] Ranariddh had join sons with Ouk Phalla: Sothearidh (born 2003)^[203] and Ranavong (born 2011).^[204] Phalla was a descendant of King Sisowath and was a classical dancer.^[205] She met Ranariddh when the latter was producing and directing the film Raja Bori.^[206]

On 17 June 2018, Ranariddh come first Ouk Phalla were both seriously abraded in a car accident en thingamajig to Sihanoukville Province. Ouk Phalla in a good way hours later as a result admit her injuries.^[207] In 2019, Ranariddh went to Paris to receive medical regulation for a broken pelvis.^[208]

Ancestry

Citations