Historical Events tagged with "cambodia"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Koh Pich Stampede During Water Festival

November 22nd, 2010 14 years ago

During the Cambodian Water Festival in Phnom Penh, a stampede occurred on Koh Pich Island resulting in 347 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The chaos unfolded as festival-goers attempted to cross a crowded bridge, leading to severe overcrowding and panic. Emergency services responded quickly, but the event marked a tragic moment in the celebrations that usually embody national unity and culture. The tragedy raised awareness about safety protocols during large public events.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Typhoon Ketsana Strikes Southeast Asia

September 26th, 2009 15 years ago

Typhoon Ketsana, also referred to as Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines, made landfall in the region, unleashing torrential rain and causing severe flooding across the Philippines, Vietnam, and neighboring countries. The storm notably affected Manila, leading to one of the worst flooding disasters in Philippine history, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. The typhoon resulted in severe fatalities, with at least 700 reported across all impacted countries, affecting communities and prompting international humanitarian assistance.

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Accidents & Tragedies

PMTair Flight 241 crashes in Cambodia

June 25th, 2007 17 years ago

On June 25, 2007, PMTair Flight 241 crashed into the Dâmrei Mountains in Kampot Province, Cambodia, killing all 22 people on board. The domestic flight was operating from Phnom Penh to the coastal city of Sihanoukville when it lost contact with air traffic control. The aircraft, a Let L-410 Turbolet, encountered adverse weather conditions, which likely contributed to the crash. Search and rescue operations were initiated, leading to the discovery of the wreckage in a remote area.

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Politics & Government

Khmer Rouge Leaders Offer Apology for Genocide

December 29th, 1998 26 years ago

In a notable reconciliation gesture, leaders of the Khmer Rouge publicly expressed remorse for their role in the Cambodian genocide, which took the lives of over one million people. This event occurred in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, key figures of the regime, acknowledged the suffering caused during their rule from 1975 to 1979. Their admissions were seen as a critical step toward a national healing process.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Vietnam Airlines Flight 815 Tragedy

September 3rd, 1997 27 years ago

Vietnam Airlines Flight 815, a Tupolev Tu-134, crashed while approaching Phnom Penh airport, resulting in the deaths of 64 individuals. The aircraft was on a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian capital when it encountered difficulties during its descent and ultimately failed to land safely. The incident occurred in poor weather conditions, contributing to the crash's severity.

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Politics & Government

Pol Pot Orders Execution of Son Sen and Family

June 10th, 1997 27 years ago

In a brutal power struggle within the Khmer Rouge, leader Pol Pot ordered the execution of his defense chief, Son Sen, along with eleven of Sen's family members. This act of violence occurred amidst escalating tensions within the party as Pol Pot sought to consolidate power while fleeing his northern stronghold in Cambodia. The killings underscored the depths of betrayal and paranoia that characterized the regime during its final days.

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Politics & Government

Norodom Sihanouk's Restoration as King

September 24th, 1993 31 years ago

Norodom Sihanouk was restored to the Cambodian throne, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to rebuild after years of conflict and turmoil. Following the Paris Peace Accords, the restoration was part of a broader initiative to bring stability to Cambodia, transitioning from a period of civil war to constitutional monarchy. The ceremony took place in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, where Sihanouk was crowned amid a backdrop of hope and national pride, unifying the country under a constitutional monarchy. The international community, hopeful for a new era of peace, heavily supported this restoration.

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Politics & Government

Return of Prince Norodom Sihanouk to Cambodia

November 14th, 1991 33 years ago

Norodom Sihanouk, the former King of Cambodia, returned to Phnom Penh after 13 years in exile. His return marked a significant moment for a country that had endured years of turmoil and conflict. Sihanouk, who had previously been a pivotal figure in Cambodia's political landscape, came back amidst hopes for peace and national reconciliation. Thousands gathered to welcome him back, celebrating his pivotal role in the peace process that would help guide Cambodia towards stability.

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Politics & Government

Signing of the Paris Peace Accords

October 23rd, 1991 33 years ago

Representatives from Cambodia, Vietnam, and the UN signed the Paris Peace Accords in a historic ceremony aiming to end decades of conflict in the region. The agreement sought to establish peace, national reconciliation, and the withdrawal of foreign troops, particularly those from Vietnam, while paving the way for democratic elections in Cambodia. This culmination of negotiations involved multiple parties, emphasizing respect for Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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