Timeline: Chronological History of Cambodia

Nov 9, 1853

Cambodia Independence Success

In 1945 Cambodia had briefly driven out France. But, then in November 11, 1953 they successfully had gained independence from French rule

Aug 11, 1863

Protectorate Treaty

Cambodia agreed to have protection from France and even signed a treaty.

Apr 24, 1904

Dynasties switch after Norodom's Death

After he died the dynasties of Cambodia switched. Meaning that the heir to Norodom was going to be a Sisowath but then changed to a Norodom family member.

Period: Sep 1, 1939 to Sep 2, 1945

Occupied By Japan

During WW2 when Sihanouk became King Cambodia gets occupied by Japan.

Sep 2, 1945

French Protectorate Re-Imposed

France re-imposes its protectorate. A new constitution permits Cambodians to form political parties. Communist guerrillas begin an armed campaign against the French.

Jan 5, 1970

Cambodia Re-Named

Lon Nol got overthrown by the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot. Sihanouk became head of state and renamed Cambodia to Kampuchea

Apr 30, 1970

Invasion of Cambodia

The Vietnamese army was set to invade Cambodia and declare war. Then in 1979 they established a protectorate. It lasted for 10 years.

Apr 17, 1975

Sihanouk Overthrown

In 1970 as war spread over Cambodia. King Sihanouk was overthrown by Lon Nol. But then Lon Nol ended getting himself overthrown.

Dec 25, 1978

Vietnamese Invasion Has Come

The Vietnamese had begun their full scale invasion on Cambodia

Apr 30, 1979

Fleeing to the Border

The Vietnamese take Phnom Penh. Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge flee to the border region with Thailand.

Oct 23, 1991

Cambodia & Vietnamese Peace

A peace agreement signed in Paris stopped the war between Cambodia and Vietnam,

Period: Mar 23, 1993 to Mar 28, 1993

Cambodian Election

After getting United Nations protection they held a General Election. Since then Cambodia has been a constitutional monarchy.

Apr 15, 1998

Pol Pot Imprisonment

Hun Sen started a coup against the prime minister. Replaced him with Ung Huot. The coup attracted attention. Then the Khmer Rouge put in jail for the rest of his life. Then he dies in his Jungle Hideout

Apr 30, 1999

Cambodia part of ASEAN

They became a member of ASEAN. Then for the first time after centuries of isolation they became an official member of Southeast Asian Community

Feb 28, 2002

The CFF

US-based Cambodian Freedom Fighters (CFF) members convicted of 2000 attack in Phnom Penh. Group pledges to continue campaign to overthrow Hun Sen.

Mar 20, 2002

First Local Election

Cambodia had their first Local Election to select village and commune level representatives.

Jul 27, 2003

National Election

They saw a shift of balance in power. The CPP(Cambodian People's Party) consolidated their grip on Cambodia

Jul 15, 2004

Hun Sen's Re-Election

After almost a year of political deadlock Hun Sen got re-elected as prime minister with the help of the CPP

Jan 27, 2012

Thailand Tension

Cambodia charges two Thai citizens with spying after they were arrested for crossing the disputed border.

Mar 14, 2013

Ieng Sary Death

Former Khmer Rouge Minister Ieng Sary dies while awaiting trial for genocide.

Sep 15, 2013

Mass Protest

Mass protests in Phnom Penh over contested election results. Parliament approves new five-year term for Hun Sen. Opposition boycotts opening of parliament.

Jul 7, 2014

Cambodian Workers

Cambodian workers return after hearing rumors about Thailand security cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Dec 29, 2016

Sam Rainsy Exiled

Sam Rainsy got sentenced to five years. He made a post on Facebook they accused him of forgery and found guilty for an inaccurate post about the Cambodia Vietnam border

Mar 14, 2017