The statue of King Jayavarman VIIBy Kim Pov Sottan
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media
Courtesy of http://ki-media.blogspot.com/
On Thursday afternoon, the committee for the preservation of Khmer civilization (CPKC) expressed its concerns about an attempt by a group of Thai researchers to film a documentary about the life of King Jayavarman VII who turned Cambodia into an empire.Moeung Son, a representative of CPKC, said that King Jayavarman VII was a Cambodian Hero-King who ruled the (Khmer) empire and brought in development in all fields. He is concerned that there would be a falsification of history in the attempt to produce the documentary by Thailand.Moeung Son said: “If they are (filming this documentary), we are certain that they will falsify history to serve their interests instead. I want the prime minister who is currently (financing) to film the Sdach Korn movie, to film the story of King Jayavarman VII instead.”The reaction of Moeung Son came after a group of Thai researchers, including Chharon Vadanasin, came to visit Cambodian royal academicians last August to ask for cooperation in providing them with certain documents in the Thai plan to film this documentary.Ros Chantrabot (who was financed by Hun Sen to rewrite the story of Sdach Korn), the vice-president of the Cambodian Royal Academy, indicated that during the 2-hour meeting with the Thai side, the Thai sweet talked about the relationships between the two countries, nevertheless, he rejected the cooperation. He said that, up until now, he is still concerned about this Thai attempt, because, if the Thai films the documentary, then distributes the film all over the world, and only then that Cambodia will issue its diplomatic reactions, it would be too late already. This is the reason why Ros Chatrabot is making additional pleas on this issue.Ros Chantrabot said: “Please think, especially, (Khmer) film producers or those who love the Khmer culture, please pay attention (to this issue), and produce a film (about King Jayavarman VII) that bears the international standard. I am confident that if this is undertaken, we will not lose, it will also become a pride for our nation as well. At that time, I will cooperate (with such Cambodian film producer) and I will provide all the documents, and I will provide full help.”An official from the ministry of culture unofficially said that the Thai film producers plan to film in Siem Reap, but that up to now, the ministry does not know about the progress of this Thai group.Him Chhem, the secretary of state from the ministry of culture indicated that he does not know about this issue, and his ministry did not provide any authorization to produce such film either.It should be reminded that, in 2003, the Thai embassy on Phnom Penh was torched down by several thousands of angry Cambodians following a report printed in a Cambodian newspaper indicating that Thai actress Suwanan Kongying, called Phkay Proeuk (Morning Star), said on Thai TV that Angkor Wat belongs to Thailand.
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