Prasat Phum Pon

Prasat Phum Pon is the oldest Khmer temple located in Sangkha  district Surin(Isaan), “present-day Thailand.”  This sanctuary was built around 5th-6th A.D. during the period of Khmer Chenla and Khmer Nokor Phnom, Funan. Prasat Phum Pom consists of 4 structures, three bricks and one laterite facing North and South direction. The northern complex is still in good condition. There are remaining complex base and one stands the 32 meters beyond in the west part. The laterite based with sandstone door frame, lintel and colonnettes. Gorgeous as it is, this 1,600 years old still erecting proudly stands for her Khmer ancestor’s pride until today.

Isaan is highly  populated with Khmer residents who have been inhabiting  in Surin before Thai invasion. After Thai invaded and took full control over western part of Cambodia, the Thai authorities abandoned Khmer from practice basic right, the right to speak the native tongue.  Khmer language was forbidden by the Thai government from being taught or spoken within the Khmer community. ” It’s part of the Thai government’s “nation-building” project: they try to minimize their “ethnic minority” citizens which share a culture with border nations (Khmers, Laos) from establishing too strong of a solidarity with their sisters and brothers across the borders,” mainland Cambodia.(-quote by FS).

Most Khmer young generation do not speak Khmer neither have knowledge about Cambodian history nor culture. They have been spoken and taught from the glorification of Thai textbooks. It is a big issue for the Khmer community through out ‘present-day Thailand,” most of the children do not know their root. Now Mr.Chai Mongol has decided to open the first Khmer school at Phum Phon temple to preserve their identity. Khmer language school has recently been established on January 19, 2008 followed by an opening ceremony, villagers of Phum Pon and other Khmer joined to make the sacrifice and pay respect to Khmer ancestors.