About Us
Before Ultra Communist Khmer Rough Regime (UCKRR)
Before 1975, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Field) belonged to Mr. Hoor and Mrs. Ying who used this field for growing longan trees and water melons. This two hectares orchard was in a peaceful lace surrounded by a beautiful lake and rice fields, Mr. Yan To said.
After that Chinese association brought some part of this field for Chinese graveyards, Mrs. Suong Reoun said. She added Cheoung Ek is a commune which is located in Dangkor district, Kandal province. Most of people grew rice and corn in their large fields and they could support their family easily during that time.
During Ultra Communist Khmer Rough Regime (UCKRR)
After overthrowing the Khmer Republic regime during 1975-1979, Ultra communist Khmer Rouge Regime (UCKRR) converted Choeung Ek commune into the most cruel and barbaric killing field on earth. Choeung Ek killing field was the second most important part of the larger Security Prison called S-21 center which included the detention, torture and interrogation center (Toul Sleng Prison), the first main headquarters.
In 1998, Cheung Ek killing field became a significant center to show the brutal and barbaric activities of the UCKRR. At the same time, it was used as a national center for the consecration of the spirits of over 3 million people who had lost their lives in the regime. Therefore, a memorial charnel house was built in order to achieve this purpose. Therefore, a memorial charnel house was built in order to achieve this purpose. Therefore, a memorial charnel house was built in order to achieve this purpose. Therefore, a memorial charnel house was built in order to achieve this purpose. Therefore, a memorial charnel house was built in order to achieve this purpose.
1975-1978: about 20 thousand victims including diplomats, foreigners, intellectuals, officers, soldiers, farmers especially children and women were murdered there, nine of whom were Europeans.
Early 1978: Khmer Rouge soldier and people accused of betrayal were transported to be exterminated with hands bound behind their backs and blindfolded.
January 7,1979: Cambodia was liberated from UCKRR and then the mystery of the killing fields including Choeung Ek were discovered.
1979-1980: 129 mass graves were found, 86 of which were excavated. 8,985 corpses were exhumed. The largest mass grave was a grave containing 450 corpses.
1989:
The Government of Cambodia turned Choeung Ek Killing field into:
- The National Center for preservation of the evidence of UCKRR
- The National Center for recalling and honoring the spirits of victims murdered throughout the country.
- A memorial stupa was constructed as a symbol of the cruel and barbaric homicides committed by the Khmer Rouge Communist Regime.
Present: Choeung Ek Killing Field became a historical museum for humankind and is one of the most popular attractions for both domestic and foreign tourism in Phnom Penh.