 In 1856, under instructions from French diplomat Louis Charles de Montigny, Miche unsuccessfully petitioned King Ang Duong of Cambodia to accept French protection to free his country from the influence of Siam.Duong's death in 1860 triggered a political crisis when his successor Norodom's brothers, Sisowath and Si Votha, rebelled.Norodom was forced out of the country and into Siam.