CASE STUDY: Cambodia

extermination of population — Khmer Rouge regime

Angkor Wat — temple in Cambodia (UNESCO)
Chaktomuk (4 faces) — Phnom Penh
gorilla fighters — partisans

Angkor Wat is an enormous Buddhist temple complex located in northern Cambodia. It

was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across
more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the
world. Its name, which translates to “temple city” in the Khmer language of the region,
references the fact it was built by Emperor Suryavarman II, who ruled the region from
1113 to 1150, as the state temple and political center of his empire.

The Cambodian have a king — King Norodom Sihamori

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 90% of Cambodia are Khmer
95% Buddhist (Theravada)

💬 CAMBODIAN GENOCIDE — 1.5 - 3 million casualties —> Khmer Regime

POL POT — Khmer political leader who led the Khmer Rouge totalitarian
regime (1975–79) in Cambodia that imposed severe hardships on the
Cambodian people. His radical communist government forced the mass
evacuations of cities, killed or displaced millions of people, and left
a legacy of brutality and impoverishment.

About 50% of population is very young because of the regime.

🏠 WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY AND TAKE NOTES: BULLET POINTS

1. Cambodia

A country with impenetrable jungles and fabulous ruins.

A land of Kings-turned-gods and monks seeking peace.

Recently opening up to reveal its dark beauty.

2. The Khmer Rouge

Controlled Cambodia in 1975, initiating an era of suffering.

Estimated 1.5 million people died in their extermination camps.

Last stronghold was in the Cardamom Mountains.

3. Koi Pet

A town on the Thai-Cambodia border.

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 Known for a notorious rare animal market.

A place with illegal trade in rare animal parts.

4. The Unicorn

Mention of a mythical creature known as the "Keating War" or "Cambodian unicorn."

Believed to have a two-horned structure, sought after for traditional medicine.

A rare and possibly mythical animal.

5. Angkor City

The ancient city of Angkor, known for its fabulous ruins.

Once ruled much of Southeast Asia in the 9th to 13th centuries.

One of the largest pre-industrial low-density cities.

6. Pol Pot

Pol Pot's background, born in 1928, raised as a monk.

Became a leader of the Khmer Rouge.

Responsible for an estimated 1.5 million deaths in Cambodia.

7. The Killing Fields

Reference to the extermination camps and mass killings during Pol Pot's regime.

8. The Last Stronghold

The Cardamom Mountains mentioned as a last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge.

A remote, heavily land mined region.

9. Pol Pot's Grave

The location where Pol Pot's body was burned and buried: Anlong Veng province.

The absence of a significant monument.

10. Wildlife Conservation

Efforts to protect wildlife, prevent illegal logging, and conserve the forest.

Use of camera traps to document rare animals.

Need for protected forests to preserve biodiversity.

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 11. Landmines

Cambodia's heavy landmine presence, posing a threat to people's safety.

Efforts to help landmine victims and provide artificial limbs.

Initiatives like silk production to empower those who lost limbs.

12. Limbs

The creation of a low-cost artificial limb factory.

Providing jobs and livelihoods for landmine victims.

13. The Mekong

The Mekong River, a vital waterway in Southeast Asia.

The challenges of navigating the river, including pirates.

The beautiful landscapes and communities along the riverbanks.

14. Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh as a vibrant, bustling city.

A mix of Southeast Asian and European culture.

Reference to French colonial influence and the Royal Palace.

15. The Museum of Genocide

A visit to Tuol Sleng, once a high school turned into a Khmer Rouge torture
chamber.

Estimated 20,000 people killed in the prison.

Evidence of the horrors and suffering inflicted by the Khmer Rouge.

16. Phnom Penh Karaoke

Cambodian people's love for karaoke as a form of entertainment.

The journalist’s karaoke performance in Phnom Penh.

17. Cardamom Mountains

Mention of the Cardamom Mountains as the last great wilderness area.

Threats to the region, including illegal logging and refugees.

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 The importance of preserving the unique biodiversity of the region.

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