A message posted on October 5 on the website of King Father Norodom Sihanouk and titled "The end of the Monarchy in the Khmer land in the not so distant future," presents an ominous prediction for the future of the Royal family and of Sihanouk's state of health.

"Thanks to the efforts and political manoeuvers of Their Royal Highnesses, the Princes Thomico and Chittara Sisowath, a CPP personality recently has made it known that our respected, admired and well-loved leadership could put an end to the Monarchy restored in 1993," the message reads.

The message continues with the King Father's musing's on his own future.

"If I don't die here or there, it will be necessary that I find a 'sanctuary' somewhere. In order not to embarrass my largest benefactor the People's Republic of China, it will be necessary for me to be admitted, with my wife... in a sanctuary for very old people (I will be 85 or 86 or 87 years old) in... Paris, like the [situation of]...my first cousin, Samdech Norodom Norleak."