Son Kuy's Biography

Shared By S K MONOHA of Cambodia, France

Oknha Son Kuy

Died for the Khmer nation and religion in 1821

Oknha Son Kuy offered himself to be executed by the invading Vietnamese government in exchange for the invading Vietnamese army not to annihilate the Khmer race, Theravada Buddhism, Khmer national language, heritage, culture, customs, tradition, and a way of life of the Khmers in Kampuchea Krom.

This happened right before colonial France colonized Kampuchea Krom and renamed this part of the Khmer Empire as French Cochinchine or French Cochinchina. Since then the subsequent ruling Vietnamese governments have not kept their promises and human rights violations had been committed unabatedly by the VN government up until today.

Oknha Son Kuy joins the public or national service at age 20. He serves the nation bravely.

Oknha Son Kuy has 5 closest associates in arms, combat and war: [Phuchhuoy or District Administrator] Kong, Mr. Meun Ek, Mr. Ta Mong, Mr. Tesa Saom (Some called him Ansa Saom), and Mr. Ta Mono Ros. They courageously fight to deter the invading Vietnamese army along side Oknha Son Kuy.

Oknha Son Kuy traditionally proposes and marries Miss Phoeun his beloved bride in Preah Trapeang provincial city. Miss Phoeun is the daughter of Khmer farmers.

The Khmer king [King Ang Chan?] decreed Oknha Son Kuy as Governor of Preah Trapeang province, Kingdom of Cambodia [Then the name of Kampuchea Krom did not exist].

Phuchhuoy Kong commits treason. He betrays the Khmers and Oknha Son Kuy by leading the troops into the awaiting ambushed Vietnamese troops. However, the Vietnamese ruler repays Phuchhuoy Kong for loving the Vietnamese people than his own Khmer people by executing him the same style as they have done upon Oknha Son Kuy.

The remains [body] of Oknha Son Kuy still buries in Preah Trapeang provincial city today. His stupa (Chedi or tomb) still stands within the compounds of Bodhisalaraja Buddhist Temple (or popularly known as Wat Kampong).

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 their 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.

Photo of Heroic Oknha Son Kuy taken on June 4, 2007 by KKC staff during the 58th Anniversary of National Mourning Service Honoring Heroic Buddhist Monks, Kings, Heroes, and Patriotic Compatriots and Renewed Remembrance of Kampuchea Krom Loss When Colonial France Gives Khmer Land to Colonial Vietnam, June 4, 1949 - June 4, 2007.
Possession of pictures such as heroes, heroic Buddhist monks or other important figures in Kampuchea Krom is a serious crime. This picture of Oknha Son Kuy is priceless.

Please kindly view the history and biography of Oknha Son Kuy compiled and written on August 20, 1971 by Mr. Keo Sovathi, officer in the Cambodian National Army.

Download historic document and biography of Oknha Son Kuy, click here.

Reprinted in B.E.2549 or C.E.2005 by the Angkor Borei Newspaper based in the state of California, United States of America.

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In Memories of the Khmer heroes, heroines, Buddhist monks, nuns, priests, millions of educated professionals, soldiers, teachers, professors, doctors, mid-wives, scholars, students, craftsmen, farmers, and ordinary citizens of Kingdom of Cambodia and Kampuchea Krom for their sacred defense of our motherland, Khmer race, Buddhism, freedom, human rights, justice, environments, national language, culture, custom, and tradition since the pre-era of Governor Son Kuy to the presence.

We shall never forget you. You are in our hearts, always. Your noble Khmer Krom cause and unmatched courage inspire past, present and future Khmer generations to [continue] carry your nationalist mission.

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

Remember Khmer Heroes, Buddhist Monks, and Patriotic Compatriots for their brave acts in defending, protecting and guarding their Nation, Theravada Buddhism, and Liberty.