Chavay Kuy

Chavay Kuy (Khmer: ចៅហ្វាយ គុយ), also known as Oknha Son Kuy (Khmer: សឺន គុយ), was a governor of Trapeang Province (now Tra Vinh). He was beheaded in 1821 by the Vietnamese in order that the Khmer Krom may practice their religion and culture.

He worked as a governor in Trapeang province under the Cambodian king, because Kampuchea Krom was not divided from Kampuchea proper. Oknha Son Kuy joined the national service at age 20. The Vietnamese came and oppressed the Khmers in what is now Southern Vietnam. Oknha Son Kuy had 5 close associates in arms: Phuchhuoy (or District Administrator) Kong, Mr.Meun Ek, Mr. Ta Mong, Mr. Tesa Saom (some called him Ansa Saom) and Mr. Ta Mono Ros. They courageously fought to deter the invading Vietnamese army alongside Oknha Son Kuy. Oknha Son Kuy was married in Preah Trapeang Provincial City to Miss Phoeun, daughter of Khmer farmers.

Death

The Vietnamese behead him. His remains are in Preah Trapeang (Tra Vinh).

Last Words

“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.”

He was said to have planted a rare chheu tree upside down. According to legend if the tree still thrived that would mean Khmer Krom would thrive too.