Troung Thi May - Miss Universe competition in 2013 represented Vietnam
1. Her Majesty The Queen Soma, 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 available.
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. Novice 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
Elder Lam Soung, a Buddhist, Human Rights and Democratic activist, born in Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom
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.
Ven. Aggadipo Ly Van, age 91, circa A.D. April 23, 1917-January 12, 2008, Abbot of Glory Buddhist Temple, Massachusetts, United States.
Ven. Sovannapanno Thach Suon passed away in United States and cremated in his hometown Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom.
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.