The Killing Fields of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre

Rouge Regime: The Darkest Phase of Cambodia history

Cambodia is an exotic, south-east Asian country famous for its religion, culture, architecture, and history. All was not well with Cambodia in the past centuries. Cambodia experienced one of the worst nightmares in human history ever – mass genocide at several detention centers under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Pol Pot was the hardcore dictator who tried to compel the Cambodians to live his Communist dreams. Those who dare to think differently even slightly had to face brutal outcomes. During his dictatorship from 1975-79, he led to mass genocides in several detention centers. Approximately 3 million people died during this time period.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre is exactly 15 km (9 mi) away from the capital city of Phnom Penh. The world came to know about this place and, more specifically, about the darkest phase of Cambodian history, in the movie “Killing Field.” This site is a brutal reminder of the terrible mass genocides at various detention centers of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge Regime. It was a type of execution ground during the Khmer dictatorship time. Earlier, this place used to be an orchard.

In 1980, the government unearthed the remains of about 8,985 people. Some of these bodies were blindfolded and bound. You can witness tattered clothes and bits of human bones scattered all over the place. There is a clear glass panel where you can view more than 8,000 skulls.

Approximately, 20,000 prisoners faced execution here. They used to reach this place, piled up inside the truck. Then the prison guards took them to the dug. They used to bash or mutilate the prisoners before throwing them into the pit. Khmer Rouge did not want to waste precious bullets for killing the prisoners. Bodies used to pile up on one another in the pit. Such was the degraded level of their humanity.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center was one of the largest killing fields in Cambodia. It is a very significant site in Phnom Penh. It has a very dark history attached to it. This killing field is the testament to the brutalities of the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a cruel reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon innocent people of Cambodia. Tourists flock in large numbers to visit this execution site. The ambiance is eerie and gives you goosebumps as you walk across the graves, tattered clothes, bits of human bones, skulls, and so on.

The Process of Execution

Every month a truck would go to Choeung Ek Genocidal Center. There would be 3-4 guards and 20-30 prisoners. After reaching the genocidal; site, the prisoners put the prisoners down from the truck. They then shove the prisoners inside a small building. This building had a galvanized steel roof and wooden walls and floors.

The guards used to carry a "must smash" list. The prisoners used to kneel down. The guards used to hit them with tools such as stick, hoe, cart axle, a wooden club, knives, and so on. After making sure that all the prisoners had died, the guards dropped the bodies into the pit. They used to spread some chemical substances in the pit over the bodies. This would keep the stench away from the decaying bodies. Also, it ensured that every single prisoner died inside the pit. The guards used to wash themselves and the weapons in a ditch near the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.

What to Expect from Choeung Ek Genocidal Center?

The place is incredibly peaceful, as opposed to the violent history it has witnessed. As you enter the site, you will get an audio tour guide. This audio tour guide will tell you the horrible accounts of the past that will send shivers down your spine. This audio tour guide is available in various languages. The audio tour also consists of the stories narrated by Khmer Rouge survivors. Him Huy, one of the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center guard and executioner, narrates about some of the techniques for killing innocent prisoners.

You can also visit a museum nearby. This museum provides vital information about the Khmer rouge dictatorship. On 20th May each year, people observe a memorial ceremony at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center each year for the spirits of those who lost their lives.

You can check out the human bones protruding from the ground, or the dugout pits that still consist of rags of clothes half-buried. You can also witness the trees that the guards used to smash babies against - the stupa with the transparent glass displays around 8,000 skulls.

How to Reach the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center?

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is located 15 km south of Phnom Penh. You can hire a tuk-tuk for US$ 10. Sometimes, the driver of tuk-tuk may demand more money. You need to pay the money to book the tuk-tuk for about half a day. You can also opt for the shuttle bus service of Phnom Penh Hop on Hop off. It picks you up at 8 a.m. in the morning or 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon. The daily pass for Hop on Hop off may cost around $15.

Key Details

•  Entry fees: US $6
•  Visiting Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
•  Visiting Days: Open on all days

Pro-tip: This place is not for the faint-hearted people. Prepare yourself well before visiting this place.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a grim reminder of the darkest phase of Cambodian history. Visit the place to get a more profound idea about the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime.