Cambodia Officials Inspect Site of Resistance Against Khmer Rouge, Emphasizing Lessons for Future Generations

Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum, a Privy Councillor to the King and Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), and H.E. Vong Soth, Second Vice President of the National Assembly, on September 11, 2026, visited a historical site in Ponhea Krek district, Tboung Khmum province, which was once a battlefield for national liberation. They were joined by numerous former combatants. The delegation arrived at Srah village, a key command center where Pol Pot implemented his plan to purge cadres from the Eastern Zone in May 1978. This purge plan was reportedly executed by Mr. Ka Pok. H.E. Vong Soth recounted, "Key leaders and cadres were summoned to meetings, arrested, and sent to places of no return." The events of May 1978 marked a significant historical turning point and the beginning of the Eastern Zone people's uprising against the genocidal Pol Pot regime. Ka Pok's purge plan forced remaining leaders, cadres, and local residents to flee into the Tatok forest at the end of May 1978, forming the structure of the resistance force against this brutal regime. The inspection of the historical site provided the delegation with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the actual locations and events that occurred in the past. It also served to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of former combatants and citizens in the region. Furthermore, remembering and documenting history will contribute to educating future generations, fostering patriotism, national unity, and solidarity. This will enable younger generations to better understand the value of peace, which is a crucial foundation for building and developing the nation towards progress and prosperity.