SIEM REAP: Prime Minister Hun Sen shared that the King of Cambodia was still able to stay at the Royal Residence while in Siem Reap for the SEA Games Torch Lighting Ceremony, despite the fact that a fire broke out at the residence just a week prior.

The Prime Minister clarified that the fire at the Royal Residence in Siem Reap was mostly confined to a small area, so a large amount of building space was unaffected, making the residence still fit for the King’s stay.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 4,705 students of Vanda Institute on Wednesday morning, 22 March 2023, the Prime Minister shared that the King is continuing his stay at the Royal Residence for the time being, and will continue to greet the people of Siem Reap.

"Now His Majesty is staying at the Royal Residence, but there were a few buildings affected by the fire," he said. "It is the place where his mother used to live in 1953. The King continues to stay at the large residence, nothing was severely affected, and that is where a parliamentary meeting was once held."

The Prime Minister added that all the buildings of the Royal Residence are currently being renovated after not being repaired for many years.

The Royal Residence in Siem Reap was where Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and King Norodom Sihanouk resided after the King concluded his Royal Crusade for Independence, reaching its final stage and declaration of national independence from France on 9 November 1953.

The Royal Residence near the Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm shrine in Siem Reap caught fire earlier this month on the night of 12 March 2023. Authorities determined that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.