Captain Van Nay: Former Khmer Rouge Messenger Becomes a Model Soldier for Cambodia’s Youth

Captain Van Nay’s journey began as a "Khmer Rouge child," leaving his hometown in Takeo province to serve as a messenger for the Region 5, Northwest Zone during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979). He later served as a Khmer Rouge soldier in the Malai region from 1981 until 1996.

Captain Van Nay

Background and Military Integration

Following the 1996 integration with the Royal Government of Cambodia, Van Nay became an officer in the Engineering Unit under Infantry Brigade 42. During the armed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in late 2025, Van Nay demonstrated a high spirit of sacrifice in defending territorial integrity and rescuing young soldiers, serving as a noble role model for the next generation of Cambodian soldiers.

Early Life and Family

Van Nay was born in 1967 in Kor Village, Prey Kabbas District, Takeo Province. His parents, Khin and Sab, are both deceased. He is the sixth of nine children. His wife, Chhin Ry, was formerly a traditional dancer for the Khmer Rouge stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border. They have three children:

• The eldest son serves in Infantry Brigade 42.

• The second son works for a cassava company in Anlong Veng.

• The youngest daughter remains at home in the family's care.

Childhood and the Path to Service

At age 11, Van Nay left home to live with his second older sister, a medic at the Chrey Ou Pnov Security Center. After three months, he joined a vehicle repair unit in Tram Khnar. In late 1978, his sister was transferred to Svay Sisophon (Region 5), and he followed. There, he was selected by Ta Chay, a leader of Region 5, to serve as his personal messenger. After the regime collapsed in 1979, he continued as Ta Chay's messenger for three months before reuniting with his sister along the border in Ou Chrou District.

From the Khmer Rouge to Integration

In 1981, he joined the Khmer Rouge's 450th Division in South Sisophon until 1996. After integration, he served as a police officer in Malai District (1996–1998) before transferring to Infantry Brigade 42. Though he initially trained as a medic and served briefly in a communications unit, he eventually found his permanent place in the Engineering Unit, where he rose to the rank of Captain.

Guardian of the Temple Border

Between 2000 and 2001, Van Nay cleared land to build a home near the Ta Moan Temple area. He acted as an active scout, reporting Thai military movements to local and provincial authorities. In 2008, amid rising tensions at Preah Vihear, he observed Thai troops encroaching near Ta Moan Thom Temple and alerted the Banteay Ampil district police. His timely intelligence allowed Cambodian forces to prepare for the incursion.

"As Cambodians, it is natural for us to act as the eyes and nose for our nation," Van Nay remarked.

His reports laid the foundation for the official deployment of Infantry Brigade 42 to protect the Ta Moan Temple area.

The 2025 Border Clashes

While major skirmishes occurred in 2011, a significant clash took place between July 24 and 28, 2025. Cambodian forces successfully pushed Thai troops back, but a second clash occurred from December 8 to 27, 2025.

On the afternoon of December 20, 2025, Captain Van Nay was stationed at a crossroads leading to Ta Moan Thom Temple, managing supplies. He received a radio report that three young soldiers were wounded in a frontline trench. Without hesitation, Van Nay hopped on his motorcycle to reach them. He was dressed only in a T-shirt and shorts, unarmed.

As he rode toward the trench, an enemy sniper opened fire on him. Van Nay accelerated, swerving through thick brush before ditching his bike and diving into the trench. Finding the young soldiers' injuries were not life-threatening, he advised them to wait until nightfall to evacuate, as the sniper fire was too intense. They survived the afternoon by eating ambok (flattened rice) sent by elderly supporters from the mainland.

Wounded but Unbroken

Tragedy struck at 5:00 PM when a 106mm artillery shell fired from a tank exploded near the trench. Shrapnel struck Van Nay, severely breaking his left leg. It wasn't until 7:00 PM that a fellow soldier, Sam Oeun, reached them. Under the cover of darkness and dodging enemy drones, Sam Oeun drove a motorcycle with Van Nay and another soldier — three men on one bike — down the mountain.

The motorcycle had no key and was started by hot-wiring. Due to the rough terrain, the wires disconnected and the bike stalled. They were forced to abandon it and find another way. Moments after they left the bike, an enemy shell hit it directly, blowing it to pieces.

Van Nay underwent surgery in Siem Reap to place metal plates in his leg. He is currently recovering at the Brigade 42 headquarters in Samraong. Although he suffers from pain during cold weather and swelling, his spirit remains unbroken.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

As a veteran, Van Nay believes the presence of older soldiers is vital for guiding the youth. He emphasizes that:

• Young soldiers must learn geography and strategic points.

• Discipline and internal unity are paramount.

• "The trench is a soldier's strongest armor." Never underestimate the enemy and master the art of concealment.

Captain Van Nay remains proud of his service. For his bravery and role as a mentor, he has received recognition and support from the Cambodian government and the Ministry of National Defense.

By Keo Sophy: A Staff of 817MJP, Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam)