Franco-Siamese treaty of 1867 and the French protectorate over Cambodia

Background. After France established a colony in Cochinchina in 1862, King Norodom of Cambodia requested a French protectorate over his kingdom. On 11 August 1863, Norodom signed a treaty acknowledging the protectorate, giving France control over Cambodia's foreign relations in exchange for personal protection against his enemies. Siam later renounced suzerainty and officially recognised the protectorate.

Treaty Terms. Siam later recognised the French protectorate over Cambodia after France ceded the Cambodian province of Battambang and recognised Thai control of Angkor. The supplied passages do not date these concessions specifically to the 1867 treaty, so the connection between the territorial arrangements and the 1867 agreement remains uncertain.

Political Implications. After French military pressure, the Siamese reluctantly returned the crown jewels to Cambodia, and the French crowned Norodom, finally freeing Cambodia from Siamese control in 1867. Under the protectorate treaty, the Cambodian monarchy was allowed to remain, but power was largely vested in a resident general to be housed in Phnom Penh.