It ceased being the Cambodian national flag on 7 January 1979, when Vietnamese forces captured the capital Phnom Penh and effectively ended the Khmer Rouge government.

However, the flag was retained by the exiled, Khmer Rouge–led Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea, which was recognised by the United Nations.

The design is a red field charged in the centre with a yellow silhouette of a three-towered temple.

Article 16 of the Constitution of Democratic Kampuchea describes the design of the flag and gives its colours and symbols the following significance:[1] The background is red, with a yellow three-towered temple in the middle.

The red background symbolises the revolutionary movement, the resolute and valiant struggle of the Kampuchean people for the liberation, defence, and construction of their country.