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Keo, Chetra (audio interview #5 of 5)
<>INTERVIEW DESCRIPTION<> - This is the last of five interviews with conducted over a three month period with Chetra Keo, a friend of the interviewer. In contrast to the previous interviews, this one is shorter. As before, the interview was conducted in Keo's room, late at night. 1/20/1990
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- 2023-01-05
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- <>SUBJECT BIO<> - Chetra Keo was a lycee student at the time of the Khmer Rouge takeover and had been planning on going to France to continue his studies. Keo was born in Phnom Penh to a middle class family. His father was a jeweler by trade but volunteered to teach reading and writing in adult education classes. Like many Cambodians, Keo and his family were very optimistic that the Khmer Rouge would bring peace. His father was rather well informed and kept abreast of political developments. Initially, he was somewhat supportive of the Khmer Rouge as a result of his respect for and friendship with Hou Youn (known later as one of the "Three Ghosts" of the Khmer Rouge leadership), with whom he worked in a provincial election. <p>Keo's family was evacuated, like all the others in Phnom Penh, and joined the long line of refugees, pushing their automobile, which was laden with supplies and some belongings. They were headed to his father's birthplace in the countryside. Initially, the family stayed with relatives, but after his father and brother were taken away and killed, the family was sent to Takao Village, where a kindly Khmer Rouge woman took care of them. <p>Eventually, they were given a piece of land to work and provided a bamboo hut. <p>Note: There are few details about Keo's experiences during the Khmer Rouge years, nor his eventual escape and experiences in the US. <>TOPICS <>- Takao Village; Khmer Rouge woman supports family; and, family separation;
- <>File: seclckeo10.mp3<> <>Audio Segments and Topics:<> <>(0:00-11:52)... Keo's relatives in Prey Veng Village urged the family to leave. After his father and brother were taken away, the fear of losing other family members always loomed. The family was assigned to the small village of Takao, but they were not accepted there. However, a generous woman provided shelter and helped them adjust to this new village life. She was above average and even Angkar Loeu appeared to trust her. She spoke no French, and although she could read and write Keo doesn't believe that she was well educated. He and his family trusted her, and she would be the first person he would look up if the opportunity arose. She was a rare person. Keo recalls that a friend of his second older brother did escape and disappeared. Keo learned in 1988 that he was alive and living in Canada. Keo's brother wanted to escape but his mother would not allow it. <>(11:52-28:06)... During the first few months at the assigned village of Takao, family visitation was possible. It was a four hour walk to the village where his father and older brother were executed. The city people and new people rarely worked together in rice fields. Keo's family was separated for work by age. Keo speaks of the "rare person," the woman who provided food, shelter, and taught the family how to adjust to village life. The family was scared; they were targets and had to rely on her and accept her generosity for their survival. They were suspicious, remained careful, and learned to be "deaf" and "mute" under Khmer Rouge rule. As a part of the "old people", she could have reported Keo's family to Angkar Loeu, but never did. They sacrificed to earn her trust, and shared food with her, as neighbors. <>(28:06-30:49)... Keo's family stayed in Takao Village first with the woman who helped them, and then Angkar Loeu provided them with a piece of land and a bamboo farmer's hut. All the "new people" were housed together. [Keo indicates on a map where the new house was located, relative to the river and Takao Village.] <>End of tape.<>
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