King Norodom Sihamoni will leave for Beijing later this month for a medical check-up, said Prince Sisowath Thomico yesterday.

Both Thomico, who is adviser to the King, and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath will also be going along with the King for his scheduled twice-yearly check-up.

Thomico did not give a specific date of departure, but he added that the visit is not politically motivated.

However, Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said he knew unofficially that China had invited both the Queen Mother and the King in a bid to improve ties after the death of King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

To contact the reporter on this story: Meas Sokchea at [email protected]