The 81-year-old king -- one of the longest-serving top political leaders during the last century -- had been due to return home Oct. 7, but in a letter, dated Oct. 6, Sihanouk told the country's political leaders not to ask him to sign decrees, "because Norodom Sihanouk has retired and so cannot respond to give permission or not."

Norodom Sihanouk

The king, who first ascended the throne as an 18-year-old, had abdicated once before nearly 50 years ago and had repeatedly threatened to do so again since leaving the country in January.

He was furious about being sidelined after trying to resolve a yearlong political crisis following inconclusive national elections in July 2003 and was concerned about his successor.

Diplomats and observers said they believed the king's decision could be seen as his last big push to influence the naming of his successor.

Cambodia's monarchy is not hereditary but is elected by a nine-strong council from one of three royal bloodlines.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 16, 2004
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