A future stolen: O’Svay Village and the price of genocide

Nestled along the serene blue banks of the upper Mekong River, O’Svay is a small yet historically significant island-based community that carries the weight of Cambodia’s turbulent past.

By Sonisa Sambath

O’Svay Village

Once envisioned as a symbol of progress by his Majesty, the late King Norodom Sihanouk, O’Svay’s perfect geographical location stood poised to thrive as a hub for cultural and economic development.

Its location at the border between Cambodia and Laos made it a strategic site for asserting Cambodia’s sovereignty over the disputed territory and fostering community growth. However, this promising future of O’Svay village was brutally interrupted in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge regime. Leaving the town in ruins, the potential of the town buried beneath years of violence, displacement, and loss. Today, O’Svay (known as Borei O’Svay-Sen Chey) stands as a symbol of both resilience and sorrow- a town haunted by the question: What could it have become if history had taken an alternate path?

In the 1960s, O’Svay was more than a remote village; it was a statement of Cambodia’s sovereignty. In 1964, King Norodom Sihanouk visited O’Svay and gathered people to the village as a demonstration of Cambodia’s commitment to the defense of its borders. Under the King’s direction, retired government officials, including soldiers and their families, were brought in, local infrastructures were built, and a sense of national pride blossomed. According to a 79-year-old district advisor in O’Svay, Roth Son, the King’s effort to establish Khmer cultural dominance over this border town likely prevented its annexation by Laos.

“The King’s vision was to unite and empower us,” said Roth Son. “If the genocide never happened, O’Svay would have been a shining example of Cambodian resilience– a town thriving with infrastructure, education, and a flourishing farming industry.”

Instead, the Khmer Rouge’s brutal regime unleashed a wave of devastation for the nation that would forever reshape O’Svay. Policies of forced labor and displacement tore families apart and mass executions silenced countless voices and left scars that remain to this day. The town’s infrastructure, built under King Norodom Sihanouk’s vision, was reduced to rubble. The Khmer Rouge caused the abandonment, if not the destruction of, most of the physical landmarks of construction during this time period, and with it they destroyed the very spirit of progress these structures used to symbolize. The vibrant hope that once defined O’Svay– its potential as a thriving hub of life and prosperity--was lost to the unimaginable violence and terror in the same way countless other communities in Cambodia were abandoned or destroyed under the regime.

For those who lived through the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge period, the memories of what was lost are as vivid as the dreams of what might have been. Survivor stories from this period paint a picture of a community that was shattered by the Khmer Rouge regime. Chib Sim, a 78-year-old farmer, recalls the King’s efforts to build roads and houses. “If the Khmer Rouge had not existed, O’Svay would have been prosperous, with thriving markets and well-paved roads. The genocide, however, took my family and the town’s future with it.”

Chea Chanthay, now 70, had envisioned O’Svay as a tourist destination with markets and hotels, reflecting the King’s legacy. Instead, her father and uncle were victims of the regime, leaving her to endure displacement and hardship. “We could have been happy, living better lives with good roads, hospitals, and opportunities for everyone.”

Even survivors who were only children during the Khmer Rouge carried the weight of what was lost. Seang Sarang, now 70, recalled how the town, once a flourishing symbol of Cambodian sovereignty, was reduced to ashes. “The farming industry would have thrived, and our infrastructures would be far ahead of what they are now,” he said.

These personal stories are more than just accounts of pain; they are reminders of the resilience and vision that remain deeply rooted in O’Svay’s people. They speak not only of a tragic past but a hope for a brighter future.

Despite the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era, O’Svay is slowly reclaiming its identity, driven by the resilience of its people and the support of modern initiatives. In 2019, Her Majesty the Queen Mother funded the construction of essential infrastructure, including a school, hospital and other local facilities--reigniting hope in a community long overshadowed by its tragic past. These contributions are not just buildings; they are symbols of a modern effort to renew the late King’s vision and remind O’Svay’s residents of their enduring strength and the potential for a brighter road ahead.

Civil society organizations, like the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), have also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the town. DC-Cam’s projects, such as building docks and providing boats for local residents, have improved transportation and connectivity for a community spread across six islands. These efforts have begun to address the challenges of daily life, enabling easier access to education, healthcare and local trade.

Yet, the work is far from over. Genocide survivors like Seav Chun emphasize the need for further investment, particularly in the tourism industry. "Our town has so much potential, especially along the Mekong River. Developing tourism could transform our economy and bring more opportunities to our people.” Others advocate for additional markets and enhanced educational facilities to strengthen the town’s foundation.

These efforts, though modest, signify a huge turning point. They reflect a collective determination to honor O’Svay’s history while building a future that aligns with its original promises. As the community continues to rebuild, its story becomes one of resilience, proving that even in the darkest shadows of the Khmer Rouge regime, hope can emerge as a guiding light in post-conflict Cambodia.

The question of what O’Svay could have been without war and genocide is not just a reflection on the past – it is a challenge for a better future. The town, steeped in history and resilience, holds far-reaching potential that can only be realized through deliberate and collective efforts.

First and foremost, preserving O’Svay’s history must be a priority. The stories of survivors, the legacy of the late King, and the remnants of the town’s once-thriving infrastructure are vital pieces of Cambodia’s cultural identity. Educational initiatives, such as integrating O’Svay’s history into school curricula and supporting local museums, can ensure future generations understand the significance of this town and its struggles. As Roth Son said, “With education comes development. Our youth must know where we came from to build a better future”.

The Physical Legacy of Sangkum Reastr Niyum, King Father–Queen Mother (Borei O’Svay–Sen Chey) - The Queen Mother Library Documentation Center of Cambodia, Stung Treng Province

Economic development is another crucial step. Investments in tourism, such as improving facilities along the Mekong River, can transform O’Svay into a destination for cultural and eco-tourism. The area is part of land that has been designated as protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Especially as Waterfowl Habitat). Expanding markets and enhancing local industries, like farming and fishing, in addition to eco-tourism, would not only boost the town’s economy but also provide sustainable livelihoods for its residents. These initiatives require collaboration between local communities, the government, and international organizations to create long-term growth.

Above all, the next generation must carry the torch of hope and progress. Survivors consistently stress the importance of education and hard work in building a brighter future. “We need our children to be ambitious, and to dream of what O’Svay can become,” said Seang Sarang, a farmer who lived through the genocide.

The road ahead may be challenging, but the spirit of O’Svay’s people has already proven to be enduring. By preserving its history, fostering economic opportunities, and empowering its youth, the town can reclaim its legacy and become a symbol of resilience and renewal. The time to act is now, to turn the echoes of “what could have been” into the reality of “what will be.”

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Sonisa Sambath is a DC-Cam CamboCorps volunteer, and she is currently majoring in Media and Communications at Melbourne University, Australia.

Photo by Sreang Lyda, Ly David and Von Rothviksal Documentation Center of Cambodia's Archives