Cambodia will have a new head of the National Supreme Council of Border Affairs (NSCBA) after former king Norodom Sihanouk quit his position as president, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday.

Hun Sen told reporters on Monday that he had already sent a letter to King Norodom Sihamoni asking him to rename a new head of the council.

"Because the National Supreme Council of Border Affairs was set up according to the agreement reached by the CPP (the Cambodian People's Party) and FUNCINPEC party," the premier added.

At the same time, the premier denied the speculation that he has any conflict with the former king, accusing some people 's random guess.

Former King Norodom Sihanouk announced his resignation from the National Supreme Council of Border Affairs on Thursday.

"On this Aug. 25, I resign from the position as president and member of the NSCBA without any return," said Norodom Sihanouk in a letter sent to Royal Palace Minister Kong Sam Ol from Beijing, where he is receiving medial treatment.

The retired King requested Kong Sam Ol to forward his resignation to the heads of the National Assembly, the Senate and the government.

The Border Council was established in April by a royal decree to negotiate and solve disputed border issues with Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. But the Council only serves as an advisory body to the government.

Although the former king did not give any reason for his resigning, opposition lawmaker Keo Remy said he understands why Norodom Sihanouk stepped down, as he had no real authority, according to local media.

Om Yentieng, an advisor to the prime minister, expressed regret over Norodom Sihanouk's decision but said Cambodia would continue to tackle border issues and the government would still assume responsibility for these problems.

Source: Xinhua