Cremation of Former King Set for Early February

Cambodian royal officers carry the coffin of former king Norodom Sihanouk to 

put it on a royal truck during its arrival at Phnom Penh international airport October 17, 2012. 

Tens of thousands poured into Cambodia's capital to witness the procession.

The remains of former king Norodom Sihanouk will be cremated on Feb. 4, ahead of the Chinese New Year, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Thursday.

Hun Sen spoke at the inauguration of a national road, funded by a loan from China, connecting Kandal province with the Vietnamese border.

There will be no formal or official reception hosted by King Norodom Sihamoni, who is in mourning for his father, Hun Sen said in a speech.

Officials say they expect the ceremony to be attended by millions of people. Hundreds of people continue to gather near the Royal Palace each day, following Sihanouk’s death in Beijing in October.

Some representatives of the government and of civil society will be allowed to pay respects at the Royal Palace, Hun Sen said.