Sunday, December 16, 2007

Concerns over a Thai company filming the life of King Jayavarman VII

15 December 2007
By Kim Pov Sottan
Radio Free Asia

Translated from Khmer by KI-Media

On Thursday afternoon, the committee for the preservation of Khmer civilization (CPKC) expressed its concerns about an attempt by a group of Thai researchers to film a documentary about the life of King Jayavarman VII who turned Cambodia into an empire.

Moeung Son, a representative of CPKC, said that King Jayavarman VII was a Cambodian Hero-King who ruled the (Khmer) empire and brought in development in all fields. He is concerned that there would be a falsification of history in the attempt to produce the documentary by Thailand.

Moeung Son said: “If they are (filming this documentary), we are certain that they will falsify history to serve their interests instead. I want the prime minister who is currently (financing) to film the Sdach Korn movie, to film the story of King Jayavarman VII instead.”

The reaction of Moeung Son came after a group of Thai researchers, including Chharon Vadanasin, came to visit Cambodian royal academicians last August to ask for cooperation in providing them with certain documents in the Thai plan to film this documentary.

Ros Chantrabot (who was financed by Hun Sen to rewrite the story of Sdach Korn), the vice-president of the Cambodian Royal Academy, indicated that during the 2-hour meeting with the Thai side, the Thai sweet talked about the relationships between the two countries, nevertheless, he rejected the cooperation. He said that, up until now, he is still concerned about this Thai attempt, because, if the Thai films the documentary, then distributes the film all over the world, and only then that Cambodia will issue its diplomatic reactions, it would be too late already. This is the reason why Ros Chatrabot is making additional pleas on this issue.

Ros Chantrabot said: “Please think, especially, (Khmer) film producers or those who love the Khmer culture, please pay attention (to this issue), and produce a film (about King Jayavarman VII) that bears the international standard. I am confident that if this is undertaken, we will not lose, it will also become a pride for our nation as well. At that time, I will cooperate (with such Cambodian film producer) and I will provide all the documents, and I will provide full help.”

An official from the ministry of culture unofficially said that the Thai film producers plan to film in Siem Reap, but that up to now, the ministry does not know about the progress of this Thai group.

Him Chhem, the secretary of state from the ministry of culture indicated that he does not know about this issue, and his ministry did not provide any authorization to produce such film either.

It should be reminded that, in 2003, the Thai embassy on Phnom Penh was torched down by several thousands of angry Cambodians following a report printed in a Cambodian newspaper indicating that Thai actress Suwanan Kongying, called Phkay Proeuk (Morning Star), said on Thai TV that Angkor Wat belongs to Thailand.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ros Chantrabot IS A VERY GOOD MAN.
He was a teacher of my father.
I have bought a very good book of him and I will buy all his books.

Thank you Mr. Ros Chantrabot for your books.

Anonymous said...

There is nothing wrong with Thai Co. helping. Yuon does worst than Thai no one seem to care or worry. Yuon lives free in Cambodia today. How many Thais live in Cambodia. If change the past history; so what about Yuon changes today history.
Yuon and Hun Hen are so happy when Khmer people fight with Thai; so they get away free. Don't let Yuon and Hun Sen change the issue.

Anonymous said...

I hope that the Khmer film will be very good and long enough (not only 1 DVD) also translated to english and french so that the world can know the khmer history.

Anonymous said...

6.16PM, I agree, nothing wrong if we cooperate with the thai in all the stages of teh filiming, cerftified by scholars as correct before proceeding.

They allowed the yuons to film all sorst of propaganda stuff, worst then this thai project. se, how Ros Chantrabot is now only helping his boss for the yuon. he just finished his his Sdech Korn's project glorifying Hun Sen as Sdech Korn, and now he is doing it for his yuon boss again.

Anonymous said...

All Khmer need to think which one is more evil. Thai and youn are evils to Khmer. Both Countries use Khmer for their profits. According to Hun Sen and his gangs, youn is always good. Even youn's poisoned food products are still good to Hun Sen and his gangs while it being sold in Srok Khmer to kill Khmer.

Anonymous said...

I would really love to see a film of hollywood standard on Cambodian history!

It is would be harsh for me to call our officials close-minded, but our country is still very sensitive to everything that seems to deal with our culture since we lost the capacity to represent ourselves by the lost of great scholars, researchers and film-makers.

However, I see this is a very good opportunity to visualize Javarvarman's life. Thai companies are very good film-makers. They have amazing scripts and stories behind their King Nareusum and the film itself is stunning.

If could be very successful. Frankly i don't have any confidence in Cambodian film-makers today to make any film worth watching. We have a long way to go before our film is even close to Thai or Hollywood standard.

The concern of the official could have easily be resolved. What's the harm in helping finance some Cambodian group and the Thai group to do this? It will help Cambodian producers gain some more international standard film-making.

There would be no harm if you allow the group and academics to produce the scripts first, then you, if you don't agree with in, concerning historical/academics truth that is, then you just do a touch up or cancel the finance and disband the group. Why would you wait until a film is done to react? All films are made with finished scripts before hand. Unless Cambodian officials and researcher can't read? In that case, i believe the Cambodian leader that said no,have looked down on Cambodian people more then the alleged other people.

Its a thumbs up from me.
From an educated person who can read scripts

who would agree with me on this?

Anonymous said...

Good film is one thing, falsification of the film is another. You never know with the Thai. We both have pretty much the same culture. See Preah Co & Preash Kov. Now they ares in their land and it's theirs.

Anonymous said...

Do not let the Thai see or film anything of our documents about Angkor. Do not false trap with their sweet talks. This is a very crucial moment in our history for our decision making. I am pretty sure Cambodia will be sorry again to have them see or film any kind of Khmer history. They will for sure distort and falsify the story of our great Kings.

Anonymous said...

i see my point is still not understood. Falsification stuff can be avoided with close cooperation and financing.

Here a simple breakdown:
1. Cambodia government agree to finance a script and researching team consist of both Thai and Khmer
2. The scripts for the movie will be released for scrutiny by Cambodia and its scholars

3. Depending on the outcome of the scripts, we can determine if the movie will be as accurate as possible or a "falsification" of history.

At this time, the Cambodian government will have opportunity to react and help group edit its script (to make Hun Sen the Hero King instead heheh)

if that does not satisfied still, then go ahead and stop the project.

Is that too hard? I think this give opportunity for more Khmer-Thai cooperation, for us to understand each more. We are neighbors. We cannot live with grude forever.

Anonymous said...

11:17PM

I can see your point of view to improve relation with the Thai. To me this issue is so important that it is not the one to risk for improving relationship with the Thai and the reserve could happen, who knows. The opportunity cost is so great that it is not worth it to begin with; unless you are Thai and you speak for it I don't know.

In the name for Cambodia and for Cambodia history of our great King, let our Cambodian scholars takes care for the history of our nation. We don't need no help from this thief of our culture and land. Don't get me wrong, I am not preaching hatred. I am for improving relationship of all levels but let Khmer scholars writes Khmer history. Now can you hear my point?

Anonymous said...

Shithanouk already made ah HunSen a hero king! It's too late. For the Norodumb--doing bad deeds to human being is all Benevolent.

Anonymous said...

To 12:49 AM
Sihanouk is a cheater, every body knows that.
He smiled and laughed when our beloved fellow men were suffering.

Anonymous said...

When dealing with Khmer history and no foreigners (especially the Thaicong and the Vietcong) should have no role in rewrite, in directing, in filming, or in publishing...Any involvement from the enemies, and they will find ways to alter the content of Khmer history!

There are many independent movie producers around the world and the Cambodian movie producers can chose to cooperate with them and why do they have to cooperate with the enemies to create conflict of interest!

By the way, there is certain Khmer history that is not taught to Khmer children under AH HUN SEN Vietcong government because it might offend the Vietcong master!

The glory of Khmer culture is for Khmer people only because it is the Khmer people who are the creator!

Anonymous said...

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=P0mtjs69nE8&feature=related

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ4F6fgf2OM&feature=related

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=jn7y822XdrI

WE DON'T NEED THE COMMUNISM AGAIN,
THEY HAVEN'T THE RELIGION

King Jayavarman VII is King khmer,He love khmer leu,khmer krom,khmer kandal,khmer surin,khmer boreyram,khmer US,khmer FR...etc khmer du monde.

http://khmervision.free.fr/documents/in-thought03auswitz.htm

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=huZ1oiRMClI

"L'intelligence et coeur est une bonne combinaison pour se r�aliser � ne pas necessairement �tre croyant.Voil� pour moi c'est une religion universelle."

Anonymous said...

1241 no idont hear your point. thai comp is not volunteering to rewrit history but to bring it to life from the documents and research. i stll dont think you got my point. my point is not solely for relations, but that Cambodian have the ability to edit the script and make sure the "history" concurs with whay archeology arlready tells us. you do know films are not made on the spot? it has a story line well written in advance.

my point is to let the iniy\tial project begin with the creation of this story-line script, then we will see. else its just bias and pre-conceived judgement

Anonymous said...

What the hell is Ah Siem doing now? Are they falling in love with the Khmer great history again? F*ck you all of ah Siems. Go make the films about your sorry azzed Kings. If His Majesty King Jayvaraman VII is alive, he would probably be waging wars to reconquer all his lost possessions to you Siem foreigners.

Anonymous said...

I wonder why the thai are keen in makign this film.Maybe one reason is because a lot of thai in thailand nowaday respect J7 as well, according to mitchele tranet J7 statues still command a lot of respect from the thai.

I think we should not categorically deny the thai's cooperation. Schoalrs on both sides must agree to every stage and script before proceeding. The Khmer msut have a priority in interpretation of facts here. I know the thai are good at bullshiting biu8t they have also come a long way too. many decent thai historians also disagree with those con artist historians. Why don't wee get together and do fact finding first.

Anonymous said...

4:12 that's exactly my thought. And this is what i mean cooperations and relations also. Jayavarman 7, build an empire that not only encompasses Cambodia, but also Thailand, so if Thailand wishes to cooperate with the Cambodian government and researchers to resurrect this man's life, then why don't we have a go at it?

Anonymous said...

That is why i said earlier Ros Chantrabot used his heart not his head when he blanketly dennouned the Thai overture.

Choonvawan ( a Thai senator) some years ago admitted that it was about time the thai admitted they borrowed a lot form the Khmer.

I belive this prject will advance the understanding between both nations further, as long as we know how to deal with the thai side.

Anonymous said...

hey it seems there are only one dude in here possibly ah siem disguise to be khmer posted multiple comments supporting his point to allow the filming to go through. khmer people and scholars must have clear head. we had learned enough in our history dealing with thai and the vietnamese. keep them away with anything of our classify documents and history. they are not the one who will tell our future children about us.

Anonymous said...

I just want to share some information regarding to Moeun Son, it sound like he is honestly to Khmer People, Yes maybe in term of culture prevention with Foreigner but only if he could not get benifit. In term of Business, he is unethical business man. He does not care about ethical or unethical as long as he earn the money. He can change his word without respect his promise if he will get benifit. You all can ask Siem Reap's People even the Tourist Driver, they all known Moeun Son as Un-Honestly Man. Khmer Word said "Kro Lek Kro Loch"

Anonymous said...

Fuck You, Moeun Son. You should close your Damnak Angkor Village Hotel where use khmer people like hell. I personnelly declare that who stay with this Hotel mean You kill Khmer. Please stop satying with this Hotel and help to forward this info to as many people as you know. Moeun Son is not true person. Moeun Son is unethical Khmer French. Having Money can talk with him in any manner.

Anonymous said...

I feel great that our brothers and sister's constructive comment,I personally prefer the Holly Wood film makers as one of our brother mentioned above then we have no critics.
ANGELA JOLIE she is my most favored movie star and she is very helpfull to orphan in Cambodia she might has interest to help Cambodian history by helping make the J7 life movie by Holly Wood.
Cambodian film producers should approach her.

Anonymous said...

If it is happened that Thai com.in making King J VII we would like all Khmer actors and actress.

Anonymous said...

I say NO. THAI JUST MIND THIER OLD AND DYING KING BUT NOT J7. we dnt need you. he is our pride and his story must not be messed up with the siam.

Anonymous said...

Gentleman

Angkor wat has inspired people all over the world. Many visitors came to see Angkor and number is increasing yearly.

I believe Thai sees this as an opportunity to reap a big profit, and I hope that bribery will not turn our official blind letting Thai company steals cambodia own history.

Angelina is rich enough and has all facility and skills to produce that film. And also she is more independent and some proceedings would be within reach for cambodians deserved.

This is cambodian history and cambodian heritage of intellectual property. It is a copy right of cambodia.

Neang SA

Anonymous said...

One day Moeun Son asked me a signing to suport Sihanouk.In 1993 ,I heard a tape that my father gave me.He said:People believed IN TAM...........................

REAL JUSTICE AT FIRST

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=xorptXAakNo

Anonymous said...

don't need to say much thing, just tell the fucking Thai leave Khmer history alone, if fucking thai so interested about history, why not film about vietnam, indonesia or maylaysia why always want from us???? just get lost and fuck off.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the Thai can see the end of Cambodia very soon and will be a part of Vietnam.
They can protect very well preah co&preak kov.
Now they want to protect the great king Jayavarman 7 because khmers leaders are stupids and unable to protect the country.

Anonymous said...

exactly,then no longer,Vietnam will
swallow also Thai.

Anonymous said...

We want to give to the thai the right to make a film of King SIHANOUK and they can keep him in Thailand.
Khmers will keep King JAYAVARMAN 7.
Fair enough?

Anonymous said...

DEAR PEOPLE IT IS NOT EARSY TO COLLECT THE TRUE FILES,PLEASE LEARN
AND THANK TO MR BERNARD HAMEL.

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=xorptXAakNo

I LIVED WITH KR FROM 1970 UNTIL 1979.IKNEW QUITE WELL.

Anonymous said...

When dealing with the Thaicong and the Vietcong and there is no compromise because Cambodia has lost so much to them already and they can no longer take away what is left of Cambodia today!

Fuck them all!

Anonymous said...

Even if we work on the scripts of the film and make sure that they are correct, the film could be easily changed or altered without our khmer permission. They can always make copy of the original and change it a little to their favors and then distribute them via black market. Then, what? we protest...that wouldn't do us any good. They should stay away from our history. Remember,the thai and viet constantly intrude into Cambodia and her internal affairs--always want somethings from us and always have other hidden motives.

Anonymous said...

I'm Screaming. NO! NO! NO! THE FUCKING THAIS JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY OUT OF KHMER HISTORY. THEY ARE TRYING TO ROB US AGAIN, USING DIFFERENT TACTICS. WHERE WILL THE PROFITS OF THE FILM GO? TO THAIS, NOT KHMER. FUCK THAT! WE CAN WAIT FOR ANOTHER DECADE IF WE WANT TO MAKE A FILM ABOUT OUR J7 RATHER THAN GETTING HELP OF THE SNEAKY THAIS. AT BEST THEY MAKE MOVIE ACCORDING TO KHMER SCRIPT, BUT THE PROFITS WILL GO INTO THAIS. AT WORSE, THOSE FUCKING THAIS WILL MANIPULATE SHIT AROUND AND SCREW WITH KHMER HISTORY. PROBABLY MAKE IT LOOK LIKE JAV VARAMAN 7 WAS THEIR KING INSTEAD.