The National Bank of Cambodia officially issued a new 1,000-riel banknote (in equivalent to 25 U. S. cents) in order to remember and dedicate to late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

A sub-decree on the issuance of the new 1,000-riel currency was signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday.

The new note displays a portrait of late King Father Sihanouk on the obverse and a picture of a golden swan-shaped float that transported Sihanouk's body on the reverse.

It main colors are pink and blue.

During his life time, Sihanouk's photos were printed on the current banknotes of 5,000 riels, 10,000 riels, 50,000 riels, and 100,000 riels.

Sihanouk died of illness at the age of 90 in Beijing on October 15 last year. His body is now lying in state at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh for the public to pay tribute.

The body will be moved from the Palace to a custom-built crematorium at the Veal Preah Meru Square next to the Palace on February 1 and kept it for another three days at the site before it is cremated on February 4.

About 1.5 million mourners are expected to attend the funeral, which will be safeguarded by some 11,000 security forces.

Born on Oct. 31, 1922, Sihanouk ruled Cambodia from 1941 to 1955 and again from 1993 until his voluntary abdication on Oct. 7, 2004 in favor of his son, the current King Norodom Sihamoni. Endi

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