Phnom Penh University students continued to boycott classes and occupy classrooms on Monday (20 March). They were protesting over what they termed a lack of political progress since the ousting of Prince Norodom Sihanouk two years ago.

A resolution at Monday's meeting in the university was the strongest passed in a week of demonstrations. Students leaders accused the government of being a dictatorial regime and condemned what they termed "any feudal dictatorial and militarist organisation that depends on personal power".

The Khmer Republic's new 18-man cabinet, introduced by Marshal Lon No 1 after his takeover of power, does not include Lieutenant General Sirik Matak. His resignation from politics in the face of student agitation helped precipitate the crisis.