The elections held in 2003 were recognized as the most successful in Cambodia’s history up to that point. While the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) emerged victorious, the opposition parties, including the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) – the closest representation of a liberal party in the country – and FUNCINPEC, garnered significant representation.

In October 2004, shortly before his 82nd birthday, Norodom Sihanouk made a surprising announcement to abdicate the throne due to age and health concerns. With Prince Ranariddh having already withdrawn from the line of succession (not hereditary in Cambodia), the Throne Council swiftly convened to select Norodom Sihamoni, the last surviving son of Sihanouk and his wife, Monineath, as the new king. This decision was largely accepted without controversy.

National elections took place again in 2008, where, as anticipated, Hun Sen’s CPP secured its position with nearly 60 percent of the vote. The SRP, led by Sam Rainsy, finished second, receiving just under 22 percent of the votes. However, tensions with Thailand escalated later in 2008, as both nations deployed troops to the disputed regions surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, resulting in cross-border exchanges that led to fatalities on both sides.

In early 2009, Duch, one of five prominent Khmer Rouge leaders arrested in 2007, began his trial for war crimes, marking a significant step in Cambodia’s pursuit of justice for its dark past.

The year 2012 proved to be pivotal for the nation. In July, Thailand and Cambodia reached an agreement to withdraw their troops from around Preah Vihear, signaling a potential resolution to the longstanding conflict and a return to peace in the area. Almost simultaneously, the last three surviving members of the Khmer Rouge leadership faced trial for war crimes. Later that year, in October, Cambodia’s self-proclaimed “King Father,” Norodom Sihanouk, passed away in Beijing from a heart attack just days before his 90th birthday, marking the end of an era in modern Cambodian history.