Fireworks in celebration of the 73rd birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni are pictured in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 14, 2026. Dazzling fireworks lighted up the sky over the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace here Thursday night to celebrate the 73rd birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)
PHNOM PENH, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Dazzling fireworks lighted up the sky over the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace here Thursday night to celebrate the 73rd birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
The fireworks were displayed for about 20 minutes and their colorful explosions had caught the eyes of tourists and strollers on both sides of the river.
Blessing messages from national leaders have been read on TV channels and radios, published on newspapers, and posted on online news and social media platforms.
In a message to the king, Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed the monarch's role as the symbol of peace, national unity, harmony, and sustainable development.
He said the king has made great contributions to promoting the country's prestige on the international stage, socio-economic development, religion, education, culture, health, and humanity.
"On this auspicious occasion, I and my wife would like to wish Your Majesty the King good health, strength, wisdom, longevity, and disease-free in order to continue to reign in prosperity, serving as the cool shade for Cambodia and all Cambodian people," Hun Manet said.
Sihamoni was born on May 14, 1953. He was inaugurated and formally anointed as the King of Cambodia in October 2004 after his father, late King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated due to health problems. ■
People visit the Royal Palace in celebration of the 73rd birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 14, 2026. Dazzling fireworks lighted up the sky over the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace here Thursday night to celebrate the 73rd birthday of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)