In Memories of:

1. Her Majesty The Queen Soama, who is the first [female] leader of Khmer people. (The visiting Chinese ambassador Zhou Daguan to the Khmer Empire [or Nokor Phnom] in circa 1296 many centuries later sinized her name to Liv Yi).

2. His Majesty The Emperor Jayavarman VII, a devout Buddhist, Emperor of the Khmer Empire and Builder of Angkor Thom, circa 1150 to 1181? Additional informations, click here for full text.

3. Heroic Oknha Khleang Moeung, Khmer national hero, a 15th century legendary army commander, who sacrificed his life to defend Cambodia against the Siamese soldiers in 1482 (presently Thai).

4. Heroic Oknha Son Kuy, Khmer national hero, Governor of Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom, brave warrior, dies to save the Khmer Nation and Theravada Buddhism from annihilating by exchanging his life with his enemy in 1821. VN ruler executed him by beheading him. He serves the country bravely at age 20.

The Words of Oknha Son Kuy in 1821 before His Final Breath on this Earth
Oknha Son Kuy makes his final statement toward the Khmer Buddhist monks and citizens, which all Khmers must remember them in our hearts, “I am moved very much to have seeing [our] compatriots and Buddhist monks before I depart this life. I beg for your forgiveness from [our] compatriots and their Venerable Buddhist monks for I do not possess sufficient ability to serve our Motherland any more.
Therefore I must end my life so that our [Khmer] Nation lives on without a bit of remorse. Now our custom, tradition, culture and Khmer Buddhism have returned after the demand. Therefore, may Your Venerable Buddhist Monks and all compatriots preserve, defend, protect and guard them religiously from perishing. May Your Venerable Buddhist Monks and compatriots remember and understand clearly that our Khmer race used to be superior and widely known throughout the world. Therefore we must be firm and united always, do not believe the enemy’s tricks, do not sell yourself to any enemies so that they can kill your own nation and compatriots for personal interest. In the end, I believe clearly that I, as an individual, die, but...there will be millions of future Khmer children and compatriots, who are highly patriotic and bravely willing to sacrifice, die, defend, protect, guard and preserve the national sovereignty, liberty, Buddhism and Khmer race so they can live on.”

Approximately 42 years after the death of Oknha Son Kuy, colonial France, one of the superpower nations from Europe, colonizes and turns the Kingdom of Cambodia into French Protectorate. Part of Kampuchea Krom today is renamed to French Cochinchine or French Cochin China by the French colonialists. When colonial French arrive on the shores of Kampuchea [Krom] then, the Khmers and Vietnamese are still fighting.

5. Heroic Oknha Krola Hoam Kong
Former Buddhist monk, nationalist, anti-colonial French administration that colonizes Cambodia for about one century.

6. His Holiness Samdech Nil Teang, the Great Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, circa B.E.2366-2456, Wat Ounalaom, age 90. Courtesy: jendhamuni.com

7. His Holiness Samdech Indathero Ker Ouk, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, Mohanikay Buddhism, circa B.E.2393-2579. Wat Ounalaom, age 86. Courtesy: jendhamuni.com

8. His Holiness Samdech Jandathero Prak Hin, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, Mohanikay Buddhism, Wat Saravon Dejo. Courtesy: jendhamuni.com

9. Heroic Buddhist Monk Ghanda Dhammo Kim Toc Chon
The Most Venerable Ghanda Dhammo Kim Toc Chon, Preah Trapeang Provincial Buddhist Chief of Mohanikay Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom; died for the Khmer Nation and Buddhism; arrested, imprisoned and executed by lethal injection by VN government in 1985 for his activism in the fields of human rights and religion.

10. Heroic Buddhist Monk Dhamma Viriyo Kim Sang
The Most Venerable Dhamma Viriyo Kim Sang, Patriarch of Theravada Buddhism of Kampuchea Krom; died for the Khmer Nation and Buddhism, imprisoned by the Vietnamese government in the communist re-education center called Camp T82; murdered while in detention in 1982.

11. His Holiness Samdech Dr. Jotannano Chuon Nath, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, circa B.E.2427-2513, CE. March 11, 1883 - September 25, 1969 on Tuesday, lunar period – 11th day of Roaj, month of Phallakun, year of the Monkey Chhasak, Buddhist year 2427 in Kamrieng village, Roka Koh commune, Koang Pisey district, Kampong Speu province, Cambodia (then the country is a French protectorate - - - 1863 – 1953). Mohanikay Buddhism, Wat Ounalaom, age 86.

Ahead of his passing, the doctor and numerous students bestow near his recline begging the Samdech to lessen his working hours to no avail.

Samdech Chuon Nath states, “ [Our] Self…unforeseen, but we have to work hard to be productive, be minded that, we get to live a thousand years.”

Samdech Chuon Nath had passed away on the 14th day of lunar month, Phaktrobot, year of the Rooster Ekasak, Buddhist year 2513 at hour 20, minute 20 in his great residence within the compounds of Wat Ounalom (capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia) due to old age and hard works in regard to Khmer language, Theravada Buddhism, etc.

Courtesy: A Philosophy of Sangharaja Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath, B.E.2546-C.E.2002
Unofficial translation from Khmer language by KKC staff

12. Heroic Buddhist Monk Preah Balat Ghosaneak Hem Cheav
The Revered Ven. Preah Balat Ghosaneak Hem Cheav, Human Rights and Democratic Activist, ordained as a Buddhist monk at age 20.

The venerable's master is Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath.

Heroic Ven. Hem Cheav is a nationalist. He died for the Nation and Religion. Colonial French administration arrested, forced Him to defrock and imprisoned Ven. Hem Cheav. He died while in prison on Koh Tralach Island in the middle of South China Sea. Ven. Hem Cheav ceaselessly remained a Buddhist monk even in the colonial French administration’s prison. Ven. Hem Cheav fasted or had meal once a day like a Buddhist monk. He uphold or observed the 8 Sila (Dharma). The Cambodian government grant Ven. Preah Balat Ghosaneak Hem Cheav a state funeral 30 years after he lost his life in one of the most desolate places on earth, Koh Tralach Island. Ven. Hem Cheav was just an ordinary Buddhist monk living in one of the ruthless colonialist regimes in the world, colonial French. Colonial French colonized Cambodia [and Kampuchea Krom].

13. His Holiness Samdech Vajirapanno Huot Tath, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia, Mohanikay Buddhism, circa B.E.2435-2519, age 84, Wat Ounalaom. Courtesy: jendhamuni.com

14. His Holiness Samdech Dr. Maha Ghosananda, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism, Human Rights and Democratic Activist, May 23, 1913 - March 12, 2007 in Takeo province, Cambodia (Then the country is a French protectorate). He is also known as "The Gandhi of Cambodia." Age 94.

His Pali monastic name, Maha Ghosananda, means "great joyful proclaimer". Samdech Maha Ghosananda received his Doctor of Philosophy in Buddhist Theology from the Nalanda University, in Bihar State, Republic of India in 1957.

Samdech's master was Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath. He spoke 15 languages, Hindi, Bengal, Sanskrit, Pali, Sinhalese, Burmese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai, Japanese, French, English, Dutch (German), Chinese, including his native Khmer language.

Samdech organized and led non-violent and peaceful march throughout Cambodia 16 times to spread peace, non-violent, human rights and democracy in the post eras of the Khmer Rouge, Vietnamese occupation, the lead up to and the post-1993 UNTAC-organized national elections. The first historic election in the country.

Samdech Maha Ghosananda was a 4-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

15. Her Majesty The Empress Indradevi, a devout Buddhist, wife of Emperor Jayavarman VII. She lived in the 12th century in what is now Siem Reap province, Kingdom of Cambodia. She was a famous writer and leader of a nation.

16. Yeay [or Grandma] Mao, visitors travel to seacoast Sihanoukville and Kampong Som province must stop to pay respect.

17. Yeay [or Grandma] Khan Khiev, the wife of Oknha Khleang Moeung. Brave woman.

18. Yeay Yat who is revered by Pailin people in western Cambodia.

19. Yeay [or Daun or Grandma] Penh, the founder of Phnom Penh.

20. Neang [or Lady] Chek Neang Cham who are honored in Siem Reap province.

21. Preah Neang Kong Hing, the Goddess of the Earth.

22. Yeay Tep, who is honored by Cambodian artists, and popular in Pursat province.

23. Dr. Son Ngoc Thanh, Prime Minister of Cambodia, born in Kampuchea Krom [former territory of Cambodia].

24. Ven. Lam Em, President of Theravada Buddhist Monks Association

25. Ven. Thach Nguos, President of Khemaranikay Buddhist Monks Association of Khleang province

26. Ven. Thach Pich, Secretary General of Khemaranikay Buddhist Monks Association of Khleang province

27. Ven. Thach Phoak, Vice President of Theravada Buddhist Association of Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom

28. Ven. Thach Riech, Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association

29. Ven. Thach Sor, Abbot of Wat Kanjoang Kampong Leav, Kanjoang district, Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom. The Vietnamese authorities murdered him on November 16, 1976.

30. Ven. Son Vorng

31. Ven. Thach Ngin

32. Ven.Thach Nhieng

33. Ven. Thach Thanh

34. Dr. Thach Hanh Sovann, Khmer and Pali language Professor

35. Ven. Ngo Siv, Provincial Chief of Khemaranikay Buddhist Association

36. Ven. Thach O, Preah Trapeang Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

37. Ven. Thach Cung, Khleang Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

38. Ven. Tran Danh, Pol Leav Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

39. Ven. Diep Thanh Minh, Tuk Khmau Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

40. Ven. Thach Nhien, Prek Russey Deputy Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

41. Ven. Danh Binh, Mort Chrouk Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

42. Ven. Danh Snguon, Kramuon Sor Provincial Buddhist Chief of Theravada Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

43. Ven. Thach Visal, President of Buddhist Monks Association of Thkov district, born in Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom.

44. Ven. Thach Hai, Insighted Teacher

45. Ven. Giang Phat, Abbot (Chief Monk of Temple)

46. Ven. Thach Diek, Abbot

47. Ven. Chau Kun, Abbot

48. Ven. Thach Neo, Abbot

49. Ven. Thach Ry, Buddhist Theology Teacher

50. Mr. Thach Sang, Buddhist Theology Teacher

51. Mr. Thach Chan, Buddhist Theology Teacher

52. Mr. Thach The, Buddhist Theology Teacher

53. Ven. Thach Chuong, Abbot

54. Ven. Son Lung, Teacher

55. Mr. Tran Sok, Student

56. N7vice monk Kim Samnang, Student

57. Novice monk Kien Chan, Student

58. Mr. Thach Den, Student

59. Mr. Tang Hung, Student

60. Mr. Tang Rinh, Student

61. Ven. Tran Don, First Deputy Provincial Buddhist Chief

62. Ven. Thach Uk, Advisor

63. Ven. Thach Serey, Second Deputy Provincial Buddhist Chief

64. Ven. Thach Suon, Advisor Chief

65. Ven. Son Yu, Teacher of French language

66. Ven. Thach Samung, Provincial Disciplinarian

67. Ven. Thach Uy, Provincial Disciplinary Chief

68. Ven. Son Khun, Inspector

69. Ven. Thach Tua, Secretary General of the Provincial Religious Department

70. Ven. Thach Cuonvintak, Secretary General Assistant of PRO

71. Ven. Son Keun, President of Buddhist Monks Association of Cau Ngang district, Preah Trapeang
province, Kampuchea Krom

72. Ven. Lam Suon, Pali Teacher

73. Ven. Thach Sao Sokhom, Secretary

74. Ven. Kim Sao, Abbot

75. Ven. Thach Nhut, Abbot

76. Mr. Kim Savann, Temple member

77. Mr. Kim Keo, Dharma-Pali Teacher

78. Mr. Kien Samon, Teacher

79. Mr. Son Nho (called Nene Sophy), Teacher

80. Ven. Kim Son, Teacher

81. Ven. Thach Hiene, Teacher

82. Ven. Ly Kot, Teacher

83. Ven. Kim Sen, Teacher

84. Ven. Son Dam, Teacher

85. Ven. Thach Vansuong, former Secretary General

86. Ven. Thach Duong, Buddhist Clergy (Sangha) Administration of Cau Ngang District, Preah Trapeang
province, Kampuchea Krom

87. Mr. Thach Suong, Teacher

88. Mr. Thach Ngoc Lanh, Teacher

89. Mr. Kim Son, Teacher

90. Mr. Thach Chuong, Teacher

91. Ven. Thach Soi, Deputy District Buddhist Chief of Cau Ngang district, Preah Trapeang province,
Kampuchea Krom

92. Mr. Thach Rong, Teacher

93. Mr. Thach Sok, Teacher of Khmer and French languages

94. Ven. Thach Sang, Vice Abbot

95. Ven. Thach Tu, Abbot

96. Ven. Thach Saonghem, Abbot

97. Ven. Thach Thanh Cong, Propaganda Commissioner of Theravada Buddhist Association

98. Ven. Thach Xung (Chheung), Abbot

99. Ven. Kim Put, Vice Abbot

100. Mr. Son To (called Dinh), Provincial Inspector of Buddhist Education

101. Mr. Thach Minhvat, Teacher

102. Ven. Kim Hien, Abbot

103. Ven. Tang Kechea, Abbot

104. Ven. Diep Tuoi, Vice Abbot

105. Mr. Son Quyen, Teacher

106. Ven. Thach Cham, Abbot

107. Mr. Thach Sang, Teacher

108. Mr. Son Nghi, Temple Committee

109. Mr. Thach Sang, Teacher

110. Mr. Kien Pho Chum, Temple Committee

111. Mr. Thach Hai, Teacher

112. Ven. Luu Lan, Vice Abbot

113. Ven. Thach Sut, Abbot

114. Mr. Thach Tung, Temple Committee

115. Ven. Thach Gong, Vice Abbot

116. Mr. Long Thanh, Teacher

117. Mr. Thai Yone, Teacher

118. Mr. Kien Thia, Teacher

119. Ven. Long Samnang, Abbot

120. Ven. Son Riem, Abbot

121. Ven. Thach Chia, Abbot

122. Mr. Kim Ye, Teacher

123. Ven. Son Chia, District Buddhist Chief of Chau Thanh, Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom

124. Ven. Thach Srong, Abbot

125. Ven. Thach Phuone, Abbot

126. Ven. Sok Sary, Abbot

127. Ven. Kim Gian, Abbot

128. Ven. Thach Hu, Abbot

129. Ven. Thach Phinh, District Buddhist Chief of Tieu Can district

130. Mr. Son Cuong, Leader of Laypeople

131. Mr. Thach Ry, Temple Assistant

132. Mr. Tang Vien Serei, Teacher

133. Mr. Son Kieu, Assistant to The Most Venerable Ghanda Dhammo Kim Toc Chon, Preah Trapeang
Provincial Buddhist Chief of Mahanikay Buddhist Association, Kampuchea Krom

134. Mr. Thach Chum, born in Kampuchea Krom

135. Mr. Thach Jiv, born in Kampuchea Krom

136. Mr. Thach Phan, born in Kampuchea Krom

137. Mr. Thach Kung, born in Kampuchea Krom

138. Mr. Thach Kong, born in Kampuchea Krom

139. Elder Lam Soung, a Buddhist, Human Rights and Democratic activist, born in Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom

140. Ven. Eang Sok Thoeun, approximately age 33, Abbot, Human and Religious Rights Activist, born in Kampuchea Krom. Assassinated on February 27, 2007 in his residence at Tronom Jring Buddhist Temple, Ang Snuol district, Kandal province, Kingdom of Cambodia returned from participating a non-violent demonstration in front of the Embassy of Vietnam to Cambodia demanding the Vietnamese authorities to cease their human and religious rights violations at home in Kampuchea Krom (South Vietnam) upon the Khmer Buddhist monks and Khmer Kampuchea Krom people. He died just for expressing his fundamental rights, the right to assemble, the right to free speech, and the right to practice religion.

Ven. Eang Sok Thoeun is a former Buddhist resident of Samaki Rangsey Buddhist Temple, under the supervision of Abbot Vijaratanapanna Maha Yoeung Sin, located in Trea village, Stung Meanchey commune, Meanchey district, Phnom Penh.

Ven. Eang Sok Thoeun's discipline is in the field of Vipassana or meditation. He studies Vipassana under
the fame Master Buth Savong.

141. Ven. Aggadipo Ly Van, age 91, circa A.D. April 23, 1917-January 12, 2008, Abbot of Glory Buddhist Temple, Massachusetts, United States.

142. Ven. Sovannapanno Thach Suon passed away in United States and cremated in his hometown Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom.

143. Ven. Thach Tuor passed away in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

This is a partial list documented by the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community, a non-governmental organization.

There are millions of unknown heroes and Buddhist monks, who sacrificed their lives for Cambodia, especially Kampuchea Krom.

It is not our intention to exclude them. No available profiles and pictures. We invite you to visit us frequently as you could as pictorial profiles of heroes, heroines and Buddhist monks become available, they would be posted for your views.

We invite you to submit the names and brief backgrounds of Khmer heroes and Buddhist monks that are not on this page by contacting us, KKC, at kkcpressoffice@yahoo.com.

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Please visit Kampuchea Krom History page for details.