Chapter 2:

Cambodia
Instructor: SPO
AY21-22

Here starts the

lesson!
 Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, students will:

1. Understand the political timeline of Cambodia since colonialism
2. Able to recall major political, economic, and social events in Cambodia
since colonization
3. Explore Cambodia’s agenda and priorities in the 21st Century
4. Explore Cambodia’s interests in joining ASEAN
Table of
contents!

1. Country Overview 3. Cambodia in the

21st Century

2. Modern Regimes of 4. Cambodia and

Cambodia ASEAN
 01
1. Country
Overview
 Introduction
Official Name: The Kingdom of Cambodia
Capital City: Phnom Penh
Area Size: 181,035 square km.
Population Size: 16.71 million (2021)
Nationality: Khmer
National Language: Khmer
Religion: Theravada Buddhism (official)
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Economic System: Lower-Middle Income
GDP: 26.96 billion USD (2021)
GDP per Capita: 1,591 USD (2021)
1. Country Overview

Prime Minister Ruling Party

King Samdech Akkak Moha Sena Cambodian People’s
His Majesty King Badei Techo Hun Sen Party (CPP)
Norodom Sihamoni (His Excellency, Lord Prime
Minister, Supreme Military
Commander)
 Contemporary History of Cambodia – Timeline

Democratic
Independence Election Kampuchea Paris Peace Accord
1991 1993 Election
1953 1958 1975

1863 1955 1970 1979 1992 UNTAC

Treaty with France – King Norodom Sihanouk People’s Republic of
Coup
Protectorate Abdicated Khmer Republic Kampuchea
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
The Colonial Era (1863-1940)
Events Leading up to Colonization
• It is important to be reminded that the Khmer
Kingdom was under constant attacks from
neighboring powers.
• In 1553, the Thai King Narasuen attacked
Cambodia to reaffirm the power of Ayudhya after
the assault on his city by the Burmese. Shortly
after that, the ruling class in Cambodia attempted
to harness foreign assistance (the Spanish) to win
internal rivalries.
• The Spanish briefly held great influence, but in
1599, most were massacred, including the king
who favored them was assassinated.
• After that, the Khmer kings began establishing
alliances with neighboring threats, switching
between allying with the Thais and the
Vietnameses as necessary.
• After Vietnam became preoccupied with domestic
rebellion and civil war in the late 18th and early
19th century, the Thai general, Taksin, and King
Rama I took the opportunity to impose their
authority over Cambodia, causing the Khmer
Kingdom to handed Battambang and Siem Reap
to the Thais, while the Cambodian kings held their
subordinate status to Bangkok.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
The Colonial Era (1863-1940)
But why did the French changed
By 1845, under King Ang Duang, Cambodia already paid their minds?
homage to both Bangkok and Hué. Hence, King Ang
Duang was advised by the French missions in Cambodia
New Interests Easy Access
to appeal for French support.
The French captured Cochin King Norodom was seeking
China in 1862, and they planned allies to support him against
In 1853, he sent feelers (letters/proposals) to the French to use the Mekong River for the Thais and domestic rivals
diplomatic mission in Singapore, but the French backed trade with China. of this throne.
off because King Mongkut of Thailand was displeased.

Nonetheless, 10 years later (August, 1963), King
Norodom and the French signed the “Treaty of
friendship, commerce, and French protection”. This
treaty gave France:
- The control of Cambodia’s foreign relations
- The power to open Cambodia’s economy for
international trade.
At first, King Mongkut of Bangkok protested but
reluctantly recognized the French protectorate in 1867.
In 1884, the French forced King Norodom to sign an
agreement to give more power to French officials,
allowing them to have policy control over all
administrative, financial, judicial and commercial
matters, initiating a land-tilting system, and abolish
slavery.
After King Norodom’s death in 1904, the French
established absolute control over Cambodia.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
The Colonial Era (1863-1940)
Positive Negative

Security and Infrastructure

Lost of Natural Resources
Protection Development

The locals had to pay high

Restoration of Lost Territories Abolished taxes to the French officials.
Harsh Treatment
(Battambang & Angkor) Formal Slavery Lost almost all tax revenues
and rights to determine
Cambodia’s foreign policies
Governmental Reforms and Introduction to and development.
Formal Education
Lost of Policy Control
Rooting out Corruption
The French discovered many
History and Research of the lost temples, paid for
restoring them, and decipher
the ancient texts.
 2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
The Colonial Era (1863-1940)
Barriers to Changes and
Development during the
Colonial Era Until the 1970s, Cambodians were relatively
happy during the colonial era. After that,
frustration and resentment in the countryside
Limited Economic Resources started to build up. However, this resentment did
Cambodia’s economic resources were scanty as the not transform into a nationalist movement against
country relied on cultivating rice, timber, pepper, the French immediately.
and rubber.

Human Resource
The French, Chinese, Thais, and Vietnameses considered
Khmers as “lazy”, “ignorant”, “ lacking initiative”, “fatalistic” We are talking about this
and “child-like”. because the movement and
sentiment is essential for
Khmers lacked commercial instincts due to centuries of wars, Cambodia’s independence.
isolation, and an anti-trade ruling class.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
World War II (1940-1945)

The Emergence of Cambodian Nationalist Movement

North-Western Provinces
Were Lost to Thailand Again
1940
After the Japanese
Surrendered, French
The French Attempted to Officials Resumed
Romanize Khmer Writing Authority
1943 August, 1945

Birth of Khmer 1942 1945

Intelligentsia
Organizations (1940s)
Buddhist Institute,
French-Language
School of Protectorate
(Sisowat), Khmer
Newspaper Nagara
Vatta (នគរវត& /អង) រវត& )
Monks and Intellectuals The Japanese Seized
Protested in Phnom Control of the
Penh over the Arrest of A Government
Monk
In mid-1942, Son Ngoc
Thanh went to Japan.
 2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Towards Independence (1945-1953)
After returning to Cambodia, the French opened discussions with King Sihanouk
about limited Cambodian self-government. Why?

Revolution in
The French announced elections for a new National Assembly and
Vietnam might
allowed political parties to form while they retain control of finance,
aroused nationalism
defense, foreign affairs and all key instruments of the government.
in Cambodia
After the election on September 1946, the Democratic Party won. The
Armed groups were party was supported by “intelligentsia elite” - school teachers, minor
emerging in government officials, monks, etc. The result upset the King and
Cambodia (Khmer aristocratic ruling class who tried to maintain the traditional social order.
Issarak/Free Khmer)
under the support By the 1950s, the National Assembly was divided. Major fractions
from the Thai included:
government and - Son Ngoc Thanh’s fraction
Vietnamese - Vietnamese-sponsored Khmer People’s Revolutionary Party (KPRP)
communists.
 2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia under Sihanouk (1953-1970)
In 1952, King Sihanouk dismissed the democratic cabinet and took over the
government.

Later, after failing to convince the Assembly to declare a state of emergency in

response to the rising threat from Son Ngoc Thanh, King Sihanouk declared martial
law and dissolved the Assembly in 1953.

Then, he began touring France, the United States and other countries demanding
independence. In October, 1953, the French granted independence to Cambodia.

After gaining independence, the growing revolitionalist movements in Cambodia

began to subside as Son Ngoc Thanh became irrelevant and the KPRP retreated to
Vietnam.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia under Sihanouk (1953-1970)
In March, 1955, King Sihanouk abdicated and established his own political party
known as the Sangkum Reastr Niyum (People’s Socialist Community), stressing on
socialism and neutrality and non-alignment.

Why Socialism? Why Neutrality and Non-Alignment?

To distance himself from his Considering Cambodia’s

conservative background and geography, Sihanouk feared
attract the leftist-leaning aligning with a bloc may drag
intelligentsia. Cambodia into wars.

Sangkum Reastr Niyum won every seat in the Assembly and the Democratic Party was
dissolved in 1957. From 1955, Sihanouk frequently surprised people with his sudden switches
of policy and his intolerance of opposition.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia under Sihanouk (1953-1970)
Why the Change of Heart?
-
Achievements:
He gave Cambodia a kind of peace that many

-
Cambodians would remember fondly.
He also expanded education as he spent as much as 20%
Because he was convinced that the US want
- of the national budget on the sector.
At the early years of his government, Cambodia saw rapid to overthrown him
economic expansion (later declined).

Because he thought that the communist bloc

-
A Change of Policy: was winning?
In 1963, he rejected the U.S. aid and nationalized banks
and import-export trade. In 1965, he broke off diplomatic

-
relations with the U.S.
Secretly, he allowed North Vietnamese forces to use
Cambodian territory (known as the Ho Chi Minh trail) in Because he trying his best to not drag
Cambodia into wars?
- the fight against the U.S.-backed regime.
Openly, he established diplomatic relations with China
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia under Sihanouk (1953-1970)
Whatever the reasons were, his decisions were costly.

Rejection of the U.S. aid Nationalization Toleration of Vietnamese Forces

Reduced Cambodia’s income Disgruntled business elites,

significantly and disgruntled worsened inefficiency and Disturbed patriotic Cambodian
Cambodia’s conservatives, corruption, and led to economic sentiment.
particularly the military. issues for the people.

Growing discontent about Sihanouk’s policies

In March, 1970, when Sihanouk was overseas, the Assembly withdrew confidence in Sihanouk as the
head of state, and a new government was established in October known as the Khmer Republic.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
War and Revolution (1970-1975)

The Principle Force

behind the Coup:
Sihanouk Communist Insurgents
Sisowath Sirik Matak Began rallying people to fight Many people joined the
Sihanouk’s cousin and for him from Beijing group
deputy prime minister

The Weakening of Lon Nol’s Government:

- The military capabilities were weakened due to the massive
casualties suffered when trying to fight the Vietnamese forces.
Lon Nol
Sihanouk’s long-time - The U.S. aid fostered corruption in the government and military.
associate - Lon Nol suffered a stroke in 1971.
- The U.S. bombing in the countryside drove many to hate the
U.S.-backed government.
 2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979)
Khmer Rouge captured
Phnom Penh and established
Democratic Kampuchea
1975 Pol Potism:
The revolution’s enemies were not only the
class enemies defined by Marx but any foreign
1968 1977 people who degraded Cambodia -
The Communist Party of The Communist Party of
Vietnamese, Thais and Americans - and any
Kampuchea (CPK) was Cambodians who had colluded with them (all
Kampuchea (CPK) was city folks).
set up announced
They used the KPRP They had a vision of building a new Khmer
Influenced by extreme left-
insurgency tactics and society untainted by foreigners and the old
wing theories and Mao’s
started to recruit young elite.
“Great Leap Forward” and
middle-class and educated
“Cultural Revolution”, they
teachers, including Saloth
wanted to build Cambodia
Sar.
from Year Zero.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979)
Why launched attacks on Vietnam?
Life under Pol Pot:
●Cambodia was sealed from the outside world (Pol Pot Although many members of the Khmer
represented Cambodia in the UN). Rouge received trainings from
●Urban areas were evacuated and left to decay. Vietnamese forces, they always perceive
●All Cambodians were forced to become farmers. Vietnam as a threat.
●Markets, private trade and the use of money were abolished.
●Professional activity ceased.
●Books were forbidden and education was abandoned-except The Khmer Rouge sought to redefine the
for propaganda sessions.
●Religion was banned and the monks were dispersed. Many Cambodia-Vietnam border.
temples were destroyed.
●Angkar dictated people’s movements, activities, food
allowances and dress.
●Many of the former members of the Lon Nol’s government and The Khmer Rouge received aids from
ruling elite (as well as foreigners) were executed.
●Attacks were launched at Vietnamese forces. China.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia as “Vietnamese Protectorate” (1979-1991)

On Christmas Day of 1978, the

Vietnamese invaded and captured
Phnom Penh on 7 January, 1979. Heng Samrin Hun Sen
Head of State Became Premier in 1985

Feared of international condemnation, Although it was a one-party state, the

they rapidly established the People’s economy was mostly a free-market one.
Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) under a Nonetheless, Cambodia saw a
government headed by Cambodians. devastating famine shortly after.
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
Cambodia as “Vietnamese Protectorate” (1979-1991)

Major Actors/Fractions:

PRK (Later became SOC) Khmer Rouge

- Was only supported by the Soviet
Union, Vietnam, and neutral states
such as India.
- The U.S., China, Thailand, and other
ASEAN countries demand Vietnam
to leave Cambodia and accused the
PRK to be a puppet government.
- Was backed by China.
- Enjoyed international
recognition as they held
Cambodia’s seat in the United
Nations.
- Maintained guerilla presence
in Cambodia
Khmer People’s National
Liberation Front (KPNLF)
●A non-communist, anti-
Vietnamese body headed by
Son Sann, a former prime
minister.

In mid-1982, a shaky coalition between the three anti-PRK

FUNCINPEC
●An anti-PRK organization established by Sihanouk
and his son, Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
organizations was brokered.
In 1989, Vietnamese forces withdrew from Cambodia due to
international pressures, the lost of Soviet aid, and PRK was self-
sustaining.
 2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
UNTAC and the Royal Government of Cambodia

The Agreements on a Comprehensive United Nations Advance Mission In Cambodia

Political Settlement of the Cambodia UNAMIC (October 1991 - March 1992)
• to maintain their ceasefire during the period
Conflict in 1991 prior to UNTAC

United Nations Transitional Authority

in Cambodia (UNTAC) in 1992
Persuaded the PRK/SOC government and the three ●Consisted of 22,000 personnel (⅔ were
opposition organizations to form a coalition military)
administration pending national elections under the ●Headed by chief of mission Yakushi Akashi
(Japan)
United Nations supervision.
●Force commander lieutenant John
Sanderson (Australia )
●Expenditure in Cambodia $1.62 billion
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
UNTAC and the Royal Government of Cambodia

UNTAC’s Roles in Peacekeeping

●1st phase: to supervise, monitor, and verify the
withdrawal of foreign forces and their non-return
to Cambodia as well as the cessation of foreign
military assistant to Cambodia.
● 2nd phase: involving the demobilization and
cantonment of armed forces of the Cambodia
Parties, supervise the regroup and relocating of all
forces to cantonment areas.
UNTAC’s Roles in Peacebuilding
●Conduct free and fair election
●Promote democracy, human right, and prevent
violation
●Repatriating Refugee
●Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Cambodia and
its economic development

Failures:
Failures:
- Khmer Rough boycotted election
- Political deadlock in 1993
- Military disbarment failed
- Power struggle in 1997
- Failed to persuade Khmer Rough
2. Modern Regimes of Cambodia
UNTAC and the Royal Government of Cambodia
After the election in 1993, FUNCINPEC won the
most seats while the Cambodian People’s
Party (CPP), former SOC or PRK, came second.
Two months later, the Royal Government of
Cambodia was born with Prince Norodom The coalition between Hun Sen and Ranariddh
Ranariddh (FUNCINPEC) being the first prime ruptured in 1997.
minister and Hun Sen (CPP) being the second
prime minister. Violent power Ranariddh fled oversea
struggles
PM Hun Sen’s Win-Win Policy (1998): CPP agreed to hold a new election in 1998 which
- Firstly, grant the amnesty to the former KR resulted in an easy victory for the CPP
leaders and soldiers in exchange for peace
- Second, guarantee the defectors’ safety in There were violence and
terms of life, career and property. accusations of vote-buying.
 3. Cambodia in the 21st Century

A major document, the DOC,

was established for the South CPP won 55%
CPP won 58%
China Sea dispute. Sam Ranisy Party won 44%
Sam Ranisy Party won 22%
CPP lost ⅔ majority
Cambodia’s ASEAN FUNCINPEC won 20% Cambodia’s Third
General Election General Election ASEAN Chairmanship
Chairmanship
2008 2013 2022
2002

2003 2012 2018

General Election
CPP won 47%
Sam Ranisy Party won 22%
FUNCINPEC won 21%
Cambodia’s Second General Election
ASEAN Chairmanship
CPP controls all seats
It was the first time that A year prior, the SRP
ASEAN failed to reach a was dissolved.
joint resolution.
Cambodia was painted
as a puppet of China.
4. Cambodia and ASEAN

Cambodia was supposed to join ASEAN in 1997.

However, a political crisis emerged. This crisis Economic Development Security and Stability
prevented Cambodia from becoming a member
of ASEAN. Cambodia later joined ASEAN on April
30th, 1999.
Rationales behind Cambodia’s quest
for membership in ASEAN

Challenges:
- Economic Challenges: 1) loss of tariff Diplomatic Interests Legitimacy
revenue 2) contribution fund e.g. 1
million (one-time) membership fee,
ASEAN secretariat, ASEAN Science Fund
- Human Resource: need skilled diplomats Prestige
4. Cambodia and ASEAN

Cambodia’s Six Points Principles: Cambodia’s Foreign Policy Direction

Article 53 of its Constitution 1. Protect national independence,
1. Neutrality and non-alignment sovereignty, territorial integrity and
2. Peaceful co-exitance
3. No invasion or non-interference
neutrality; maintain peace, security, stability,
4. Prohibition of joining any military alliance or order, and social unity.
military pact 2. Foster more friendship abroad based on the
5. No permit any foreign military base or own any spirit of national independence
military bases abroad, except peacekeeping 3. Promote economic diplomacy
mission
6. Receive foreign military assistance and training
4. Continue to support and strengthen
for self-defense purposes. multilateralism
5. Enhance the quality, efficiency and capacity
of Cambodian diplomats
 Thank You!
Any questions?