Witness History

The Khmer Rouge take power in Cambodia

Apr 16, 2025
In April 1975, Cambodia faced a chilling upheaval as the Khmer Rouge seized power, leading to a devastating four-year reign of terror. A young boy's harrowing tale reveals the panic and forced exodus of families from urban centers to rural camps. Personal stories illustrate the brutal realities of life in labor camps, where survival often came at a heart-wrenching cost. The regime's impact echoes through time, with two million lives lost and a quest for justice that remains fraught with challenges.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Forced Evacuation of Phnom Penh

  • When the Khmer Rouge soldiers arrived, Youk Chhang was forced to leave his house and join millions walking to the countryside.
  • He recalls throwing away his shoes and bicycle, following his mother's village despite hardships.
ANECDOTE

Brutal Punishments Enforced

  • Youk witnessed a couple punished brutally for falling in love without permission.
  • The execution shocked everyone, yet people were coerced to participate by cheering.
INSIGHT

Forced Uniformity as "Equality"

  • People were forced to behave identically to create "equality," such as eating the same food and thinking the same way.
  • This radical uniformity was the Khmer Rouge's version of social equality.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app