DAP: The breaking news in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 Kyodo - Former King Norodom Sihanouk passed away in Beijing early Monday morning, government officials said. He was 89.

Nhiek Bunchhay, deputy prime minister and secretary general of royalist FUNCINPEC Party told Kyodo News that King Norodom Sihanouk who is in Beijing for medical check-up died of heart attack early Monday morning.

"I have just received information from Beijing and that I was told that His Majesty (the former King Sihanouk), he had heart problem and was sent to hospital where he passed away there," Nhiek Bunchhay said.

Prince Sisowath Thomico, personal assistant to Sihanouk told Kyodo News, "It is true that His Majesty passed away by heart attack in Beijing at 2:25 am (Beijing time)," he said.

"Because of his heart is weak that is why His Majesty continued to stay in Beijing for treatment since January this year," he added.

Nhiek Bunchhay noted that his birthday was coming later this month. Sihanouk was born on Oct. 31, 1922.