LESSON: The Evolution of Cambodian Displacement and the Foundations of Leadership
On January 19, 2026, the Takeo Documentation Center hosted a specialized forum for 28 Grade 12 students (including 16 females) from Chea Sim Takeo High School. The curriculum synthesized two vital themes: the historical drivers of Cambodian displacement from 1975 to 2025, and the strategic preparation of youth for excellence in leadership.
This initiative aimed to achieve a dual outcome: deepening the students’ historical literacy regarding population movements and providing a roadmap for personal capacity building. By doing so, the center sought to empower participants to contribute meaningfully to social development through enhanced leadership capabilities.
The two-hour session began with a guided tour of the center’s permanent photographic archives and an introduction to Khmer Rouge primary documents. This was followed by a formal lecture structured into four modules: an overview of historical forced evacuations and modern displacement; a terminological study of “refugees” vs. “evacuees”; a comparative analysis of displaced populations; and a workshop on leadership competencies.
During the concluding Q&A, students engaged deeply with the history of the Khmer Rouge, inquiring about the regime’s rise, its recruitment methods, and its eventual collapse in 1979. While the students focused their questions on history, the instructor bridged the gap to the present by challenging them to apply leadership principles to their daily lives—a challenge the students met with enthusiasm, noting that they had already begun integrating these values into their routines.
Ultimately, the forum transcended traditional rote learning. By connecting the hardships of the past with the responsibilities of the future, it fostered a sense of national pride and a commitment to visionary leadership as the bedrock of lasting peace.
My name is Tim Son Liza, 17, Chea Sim Takeo High School
Through my studies, I have gained a profound understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime and the immense suffering endured by the Cambodian people. I have learned how the regime sought to “cleanse” perceived enemies and dismantle intelligence groups, ultimately attempting to transform Cambodia into a purely agrarian society. By using the fear of American bombings and the logistics of food transport as excuses, the regime forced city dwellers into the fields.
Comparing Forced Evacuation and Seeking Refuge
I have observed a significant difference between the evacuations of the Khmer Rouge era and the displacements occurring today:
• Khmer Rouge Evacuations: These were forced movements driven by political ideology and war. People had no choice and were subjected to threats and large-scale coercion.
• Current Displacement: Today, people move voluntarily to find safety and survive. They are fleeing the immediate dangers of modern conflict, including bombings and shelling, to seek sanctuary. In this context, they are refugees searching for a way to stay alive.
Leadership and Contemporary Conflict
In my leadership lessons, I have learned that becoming an effective leader requires more than just a title; it demands a foundation of ethics, character, and self-awareness. A good leader must prioritize communication, teamwork, and active participation in social progress.
These lessons are especially relevant given the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. Following initial border tensions in May 2025, the situation escalated significantly by July 24 at Ta Moan Thom Temple. This large-scale clash involved heavy weaponry and F-16 fighter jets, forcing 140,000 civilians to flee their homes. While a ceasefire was signed in Malaysia on July 28 with international support, the resurgence of fighting on December 7, 2025, remains a grave concern, as attacks have now reached various provinces across the country.
My name is Touch Suon Visoth, 16 years old, a student at Jea Sim Takeo High School.
I learned about the Khmer Rouge’s evacuation of Phnom Penh, the immense suffering of the Cambodian people during the genocide, and the underlying motives of the regime. These forced evacuations were a unique and tragic occurrence in Cambodian history, carried out in three stages: first, for “internal cleansing” to eliminate old social structures; second, to force the population into agricultural labor; and third, to clear the cities—which was the only justification the Khmer Rouge provided to the public.
The differences between the Khmer Rouge evacuations and current evacuations are significant. Under the Khmer Rouge, authorities provided no prior notice, no explanation of the issues, and no opportunities for discussion. Furthermore, they failed to provide transportation, suitable accommodation, or food for those being moved. In contrast, during current evacuations, authorities inform the public in advance, discuss the relevant issues, and provide necessary transportation, housing, and food for evacuees.
Regarding leadership, I learned the fundamentals of becoming an effective leader, which include developing skills and knowledge, building strong character and ethics, mastering communication and teamwork, cultivating self-awareness and intelligence, and actively participating in social activities.
I also gained information regarding the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. On July 24, Thai soldiers attacked Cambodian territory. In the Ta Moan Thom area, approximately 700,000 to 800,000 people were displaced and remain unable to return home, while Ta Krabey was completely destroyed. A ceasefire was eventually established with the assistance of the United States and China. Finally, I learned that the Thai army released captured Cambodian personnel on December 31, 2025.
My name is Sot Saksit, a 17-year-old student at Jea Sim High School in Takeo.
I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime, including the factors behind its establishment, its external supporters, the fall of Phnom Penh, the structure of its leadership, and the reasons for its eventual collapse. In particular, I learned that the forced evacuations were carried out in three distinct phases:
• The First Phase: People were forced into the countryside under the false pretext of an imminent U.S. bombing, though the true goal was to eliminate perceived internal enemies.
• The Second Phase: The regime deceived the population by promising food in rural areas, while the actual purpose was to redistribute the workforce for agricultural labor.
• The Third Phase: The Khmer Rouge revealed their intent to abolish urban centers. They evacuated people from the Cambodian-Vietnamese border to the central, western, and northwestern regions due to suspicions of betrayal.
Comparing Historical and Modern Evacuations I have identified clear differences between the evacuations of the Khmer Rouge era and current displacements:
• Khmer Rouge Evacuation: This was a forced, large-scale operation driven by political ideology and military orders. People were threatened and coerced into rural labor without choice.
• Current Evacuation: Today’s displacement is voluntary and driven by the need for safety. It is a self-decided move to flee war zones, often supported by authorities to protect civilian lives. The primary goal is survival rather than a state-mandated political objective.
Leadership and National Security My leadership lessons have taught me that becoming a great leader requires a foundation of continuous learning, strong morality, and effective communication. A leader must master teamwork and remain active in social progress.
These leadership qualities are vital when analyzing the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand that began on July 24. I have learned that Thailand has long held territorial ambitions, with conflicts dating back to 1795 and a history of inconsistent adherence to ceasefires. This recent war has displaced between 700,000 and 800,000 Cambodians and caused severe damage to our infrastructure, civilian homes, and sacred temples. Given these historical and current patterns of aggression, I believe we must remain vigilant and prepared for the future.
My name is Tun Nita, a 16-year-old student at Sim Takeo High School.
Through my studies, I have gained a deep understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime, including the three forced evacuations, the use of brutal torture, and the killing of intellectuals. The regime forced the residents of Phnom Penh into remote provinces to work in the fields, separated families, and abolished formal education—replacing academic degrees with forced labor.
The three historical evacuations were:
• The First Evacuation (April 17 – August 1975): Residents were forced into remote rural areas as the regime sought to eliminate all remnants of the previous social order.
• The Second Evacuation (September 1975 – Late 1977): People were moved again to reorganize the population for intensive agricultural labor.
• The Third Evacuation (Late 1977 – 1978): Communities near the Vietnamese border were forcibly moved to the interior under the false accusation of betraying the revolution and conspiring with Vietnam.
I have observed a clear difference between those events and the current situation: the Khmer Rouge evacuations were forced through violence and torture, whereas current evacuations are voluntary. Today, the government provides recommendations for safety rather than using coercion.
Regarding leadership, I learned that becoming an effective leader requires constant study and the ability to use one’s skills to solve complex problems. Key pillars of leadership include:
• Character and Ethics: Practicing honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline.
• Communication: Mastering teamwork, listening carefully, and encouraging open dialogue.
• Self-Awareness: Controlling one’s emotions and recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Social Engagement: Actively participating in social events and connecting with the people in our communities.
Finally, I have learned about the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand that began on July 24. This war has caused severe damage to our national infrastructure and heritage sites, including the Preah Vihear, Ta Krabey, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Moan Toch temples. The conflict has also destroyed many homes along the border. I am aware that the ceasefire is not being respected, and the use of F-16 fighter jets in various locations has tragically resulted in the loss of many Cambodian lives.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iRZ9KWKxzHj4knm8A