Frequently Asked Question About Khmer Krom

1. Who are the Khmer Krom?

The Khmer Krom people are the indigenous peoples¹ living in the Mekong Delta and the surrounding areas of Vietnam. 

2. Where are they located?

Kampuchea-Krom (KK)  means the “lower or southern land of Kampuchea”. Once known as Cochin china² during the French occupation of the area, KK is the southernmost territory of the Khmer empire and covers an area of 76, 700 km squared³. 

3. What language do they speak?

The Khmer language is the mother tongue of Khmer Krom, however most are bilingual and are able to speak Vietnamese and or Chinese.

4. What is the population? 

The Vietnam government estimates about 1.2 million Khmer Krom⁴, however the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF) estimates that there are over 8 million. 

5. What is the religion of the Khmer Krom?

Most Khmer Krom people practice Theravada Buddhism, a name for the school of Buddhism inspired by Pali Canon or Tipitaka. Theravada Buddhism is deeply rooted in the Khmer Krom culture and with five hundred plus temples scattered across the Mekong Delta, the Buddhist monks play an important role in helping to preserve and transmit the culture, customs and language to the next generation of Khmer Krom.

6. What rights are they trying to fight?

The Khmer Krom people are seeking the right to be recognized as the Indigenous Peoples of the Mekong Delta. They continue to fight for their basic fundamental rights and freedoms such freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. Those that advocate for these rights are often defrocked (if a Buddhist monk) and jailed or be closely monitored and harassed. To see a list of issues that the Khmer Krom people face, check out UNPO. 

7. How can I help?

There are many ways you can help. If you are a Khmer descendent and would like to learn more about the Khmer Krom, let’s connect here or Facebook. If you are interested in becoming an activist or a volunteer, check out this article on ten reasons why you should join the KKFYC. You can also support the important advocacy work of the KKF by becoming a member or you can donate here. 

8. Where can I find more information?

You can find the latest updates on the advocacy of the Khmer Krom via the KKF website. Tune in Voice of Kampuchea-Krom for Khmer news. Follow the KKFYC Facebook Page or join the Khmer Krom Youth FB Group. 

Stay tuned for a list of resources coming out soon!

References:

1. https://unpo.org/members/7887

2. https://www.britannica.com/place/Cochinchina

3. https://khmerkrom.org/a-brief-history-of-the-kampuchea-krom/

4. https://vietnam.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Ethnic_Group_ENG.pdf