For this week’s Sunday Stamps, the theme is “fatherly”. And who better to embody this theme than Cambodia’s revered father figure, the late King Norodom Sihanouk? Widely known as Samdech Euv (King Father) after his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, ascended to the throne in 2004, Sihanouk’s legacy continues to shape Cambodia.
Issued in 2001 by the Cambodia Post, the 200-riel stamp commemorates King Sihanouk’s 80th birthday, and depicts the revered monarch – not in a royal pose, but in a surprisingly down-to-earth act: planting a tree.
King Sihanouk was a complex and controversial figure, but his role as a father figure to Cambodia is undeniable. He led the country to independence from France in 1953 and played a significant role through Cambodia’s turbulent modern history. The act of planting a tree on the stamp embodies a paternal quality, nurturing something new for the benefit of future generations. Here, King Sihanouk is not just a king, but a symbol of care and foresight – planting seeds that will grow long after his reign.
The Cambodian Post’s choice of imagery beautifully portrays the King Father’s dual role – his leadership, while celebrating a simple act that benefits the nation’s future. The stamp in itself becomes a window into Cambodia’s respect and appreciation for the King Father. You’ll find his likeness on some denominations of Cambodia’s official currency, the Khmer riel.