Phnom Penh: Cambodia's retired but still revered King Norodom Sihanouk said he wants no gifts, correspondence or other fanfare for his 85th birthday, his royal office announced today.

In a statement posted on Sihanouk's official Web site, Royal Secretariat Director Srey Nory gave no reason for the former monarch's request for a low-key birthday, which falls on October 31.

The secretariat director said Sihanouk has in the past issued statements asking admirers and dignitaries to stop deluging him with congratulatory messages and gifts.

"But they keep on ignoring those communiques," Srey Nory complained in the statement on Sihanouk's behalf. Sihanouk is again asking people, including members of the royal family, to heed his words "to not call on him, to not dispatch to him messages of greetings and congratulations, even on the occasion of his birthday," the statement said.

Sihanouk hopes to avoid "gifts, fruits, cakes, culinary dishes and other things." Sihanouk's request also applies to Christmas, the international January 1 New Year and Cambodia's traditional Khmer New Year, celebrated in April, the statement said.

Sihanouk abdicated in October 2004, citing poor health. He was succeeded by Norodom Sihamoni, one of his two sons with former Queen Monineath. But he is still widely revered by many Cambodians. 

Source : PTI