The Dreams of Heroes : A Story of Cambodians Killed by Thai Aggression

Defining a hero in a time of aggression: How do we define a hero? Must a hero be a soldier who is killed in war, an officer, or a leader of men? Must he be highly trained, educated, or even smart?

The contemporary world recognizes heroes as social media icons, athletes, movie stars, or other elite cultural figures. However, the definition of a hero is not embodied in these fleeting, fickle, or trivial pursuits of the human experience.

A hero is someone who sacrifices themselves without any expectation of return. A hero’s worth is not measured by strength, ability, intellect, or fame. Heroism is sacrifice.

Here is the story of Sam Sokongchat, a young Cambodian soldier—just one among many brave individuals who have dedicated themselves to the defense of the nation. His story is one of great heroism and is illustrative of countless others who continue to sacrifice their happiness for a greater purpose.

Sam Chhun, Sam Sokongchat’s aunt, describes his heroism. Sam made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation at the age of 19.

Sam Sokongchat was a courageous young soldier, born on December 4, 2006, in Tuol Prasat village, Bak Anloung commune, Trapeang Prasat District, Oddar Meanchey Province. He died on the Ta Krabei front line on July 26, 2025.

Sam Sokongchat was the eldest child in his family, with three siblings: one girl and two boys. Born into a poor family, he held high hopes and aspirations throughout his life. He went to live with his grandmother and completed Grade 7 in his hometown.

Later, when his grandmother could no longer afford to support his secondary education, she entrusted his care to his aunt, Sam Chhun, who lives in Chhuk village, Krasang commune, Chong Kal District, Oddar Meanchey Province.

Despite the distance from his aunt’s home, Sam Sokongchat pursued his secondary education at Techo Sen Samrong High School with determination and resilience.

Each morning, he woke early to prepare rice and pack his own food before setting out for school—often returning home late in the evening after a long day of study.

When he reached Grade 12, Sam Chhun asked her mother-in-law for permission to let him live with her for a year so that he wouldn’t face difficulties with his studies, especially during the crucial period of preparing for his high school graduation exam. Despite these challenges, Sam Sokongchat worked hard and managed to finish Grade 12 with good results.

He received a scholarship in electrical studies at an institute in Battambang Province. Deciding to continue his studies there, he lived in a dormitory with other students from Anlong Veng District.

While studying electrical engineering, Sam often told his aunt that he was afraid of heights and the dangers of electric shock. Even though he was studying electrical engineering, his determination to join the army was strong. He constantly pleaded with his aunt for permission to enlist. She consistently refused, explaining that nearly all the men in their family were front-line soldiers who were rarely home. She wanted him to become a teacher because he was good at math. Yet, Sam Sokongchat never gave up his aspiration to serve. Eventually, he applied for and was accepted into the army, leaving behind his electrical studies in Battambang to begin military training in Siem Reap Province. From that day forward, Sam never returned home.

His courageous spirit as a soldier never wavered, even as war unfolded around him. This was his first combat experience—defending his homeland and fellow citizens against Thai military aggression.

On the first day of battle, he told his aunt, “So many bombs dropped today. The noise is deafening… and I’m a little bit scared. I’m just waiting to hear the commander’s orders.”

The next day, he said, “Today I’m alone in the trench, just me and a snail. The gunfire and explosions are still deafening; it’s not quiet.” On the third day (July 26, 2025), he told his aunt, “There’s even more bombing today. Don’t worry about me. This time, I have a partner in the trench. I’ve been eating instant noodles to keep up my strength, as the food supply team hasn’t been able to reach us. I’m only eating enough to stay strong and keep fighting.

The sky is heavy with fog, and visibility is low—we couldn’t detect the Thai military drones. I’m still waiting for the commander’s signal.”

On July 26, 2025, Sam Sokongchat was severely wounded and lost his life in combat. The following day, July 27, 2025, his aunt, Sam Chhun, organized a traditional funeral ceremony for him, even as many villagers fled to seek safety. The ceremony could not be fully conducted, as bombs continued to fall relentlessly. The village was deserted, and there was no way to use loudspeakers or perform ritual music.

Sam Chhun described him as a young man of strong character—hardworking, compassionate, and always mindful of others’ hardships. A quiet fighter, he was remarkably resilient.

Before leaving for his studies in Battambang, Sam Sokongchat expressed his wish to volunteer at the Anlong Veng Peace Center, located in his home district. Even while studying, he regularly participated in community volunteer work to serve the people of Anlong Veng.

The Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) and the Anlong Veng Peace Center are honored by the heroism, selflessness, and sacrifice of Sam Sokongchat. This is the story of a hero’s dreams.

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Written with permission from his family by Youk Chhang and Un Sodavy Documentation Center of Cambodia