Kossamak (1904–1975)

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Kossamak (1904–1975)

Queen of Cambodia. Name variations: Sisowat or Sisowath Kossamak Nearireath; Kossamak Nearirath also seen as Nearyreath, Nearrireak, or Nearirat. Born April 9, 1904, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; did April 27, 1975; dau. of Sisowath Monivong, king of Cambodia (1875–1941, r. 1927–41, died April 23, 1941) and Norodom Kanviman Norleak Tevi (dau. of Norodom Hassakan, 1876–1912); m. Prince Norodom Suramarit (1896–1960), 1920, king of Cambodia (r. 1955–60); children: one son, Prince Norodom Sihanouk (b. 1922), king of Cambodia (r. 1941–55, 1993–2004), prime minister (1952–53, 1955–63) and head of state 1960–70, 1975–76, 1992–93).

Ruled jointly with husband (1955–60), having survived a bomb attack with him in an enclosure in the Royal Palace blamed on the Khmer Serei; when son was overthrown with the rise of the Khmer Rouge (1970), fled to Beijing (Peking) with the royal family (Nov 5, 1973).

See also Women in World History.