In this episode, Kristin and Jen head to one of the darkest places and times in the world’s history: the Killing Fields in Cambodia. We’re starting the show notes and the episode with a trigger warning: We discuss extreme violence, including genocide and torture, including against women and children. Please listen at your own discretion.

Just a generation ago, between 1975-1979, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge systematically killed over a quarter of Cambodia’s population. No one in Cambodia was unaffected and the people and country are still affected to this day.

People considered threats to the regime — intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and, as time went on, anyone who was vaguely “suspicious” — were sent for re-education at one of nearly 200 prison camps throughout Cambodia. We focus on two sites in Phnom Penh, S-21 and Choeung Ek.

Approximately 20 THOUSAND prisoners entered S-21 — and only seven left alive. From there, most prisoners were sent to the Killing Fields. There were hundreds of sites of killing, but the most famous of those is known as Choeung Ek and is approximately 10 miles away.

We discuss visiting S-21, meeting a survivor there, and visiting Choeung Ek — but we also discuss what prisoners of the regime went through, conscripted child soldiers, and more.

There are many lessons to be learned through the story of the Killing Fields, but we are reminded through retelling these stories that they are a stark lesson about the recent, bitter past and to ensure the lives lost are never forgotten. But they also serve to remind us to stay vigilant against the darkness: the darkness that works in the world, and the darkness that lies within each one of us.

Sources

The History of Cambodia’s Killing Fields; The Culture Trip

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/a-guide-to-cambodias-killing-fields/

Khmer Rouge: Cambodia's years of brutality; BBC News

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10684399

Visiting The Killing Fields In Cambodia; Pommie Travels

https://www.pommietravels.com/visiting-the-killing-fields-in-cambodia/

The Killing Fields, Cambodia; Responsible Travel

https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/cambodia/travel-guide/the-killing-fields

The Killing Fields – Cambodia’s Dark Past; Free Two Roam

https://www.freetworoam.com/2019/02/04/cambodian-killing-fields/