Let me start by saying that Cambodia is a stunning country worth visiting. Not only is it home to the infamous temples of Angkor Wat, but the people are friendly, there are untouched islands and beaches, and it offers an incredible amount of history and culture.
However, there is a dark side to Cambodia, and the day I visited the "Killing Fields" was a day etched in my heart and mind forever.
It was silent that day. Westerners and Asian tourists are all not saying a word (not typically the case at a tourist location). But today, all of us were gathering to experience the history and story behind the horrific genocide of Cambodia.
A Brief History of the Cambodian Genocide
"Pol Pot" is the face of this South Asian genocide and is often referred to as a "genocidal tyrant."
Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge (his administration) was responsible for the killing of around 2-3 million people.
Through the evacuation of cities and the creation of death camps, this genocide is one of the most horrific in modern history. This was all carried out by Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge, and with the approval of the Chinese Communist Party and the support of Mao Zedong.
A "Classicide" - The Target of Classes
The Khmer Rouge singled out the classes of society in Cambodia. Choosing educated persons, professionals, and intellectuals was their way of addressing any resistance. Pol Pot's sole purpose was to create an agrarian (agricultural society) socialist state.
The Target of Ethnic Groups
Specific ethnic groups were targeted as well. The Thai and Chinese minorities, Cambodian Christians, and Muslims were also included as targets in the genocide.
Using Children As Soldiers
The Khmer Rouge was famous for indoctrinating children as soldiers. Thousands of children participated in the armed conflict as child soldiers.
Killing Fields of Cambodia
There are over 388 killing field sites scattered across the country of Cambodia. Bodies were dumped into these mass graves on farms, and at least 19,733 mass graves have been identified.
The victims died from execution, starvation, disease, and overwork. To avoid using ammunition, the use of poison or weapons such as sharp bamboo sticks, hammers, machetes, and axes were used.
A Visit to Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) in Phnom Penh
The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a former orchard and now a mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge. The memorial was built around the mass graves, most of whom were interrogated at the S-21 prison (also referred to as Tuol Sleng) before their execution.
A walk through the grounds will leave you speechless. Taking photographs was something I didn't find easy, as the emotional feeling of overwhelm and sadness filled the moments I spent during my visit. I had to use a few of the photographs from Shutterstock, and those are labeled.
To complete your visit to the killing fields and the history of the genocide, a visit to Tuol Sleng is a must. The Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre costs around USD 6 for admission and modest dress is required. No sleeveless tops and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
A Visit To Tuol Sleng (S-21 Prison)
Before Tuol Sleng was a prison, it was a High School in Phnom Penh. The Khmer Rouge turned it into a prison during their reign of terror.
The genocide museum here comprises four buildings with a courtyard in the center. I also highly recommend the audio guide on your tour. The tour costs around USD 8, and the audio guide is included.
Tuol Sleng is the location where the victims were interrogated and then transferred in the middle of the night to Choeung Ek for execution.
How The Genocide Ended
Vietnam invaded Cambodia and conquered the Khmer Rouge.
Learn More About The Cambodian Genocide
Want to read and learn more about the killing fields and the genocide? Check out some resources here.
Movie: First They Killed My Father, Netflix.
Books
"The Killing Fields of Cambodia" by Sokphall Din
"Survival In The Killing Fields" by Haing Ngor
"Children of Cambodia's Killing Fields: Survivor Memoirs" by Dith Pran
Genocide Museums in The United States
A survivor from the genocide opened a museum in Seattle, WA. More information is available here at the Cambodian Cultural Museum.
A genocide museum is also located in Chicago, IL. Find out more here at the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and Killing Fields.
All my best to the people of Cambodia who endured this horrific part of our world history.
XOXO
Marla