Western and Northern Map of Cambodia in 16th Century "Long Vek Era"
In the 16th century, Cambodia bordered with Siam (Thailand) along the Moul River (Mun River) where the south east territory of Thailand today still belonged to Cambodia and all citizens living there was Khmer, called Khmer Surin. This territory covers nearly 70,000 square kilometre. During that era, Khmer King and Siam King signed a treaty to demarcate the border for both Kingdoms where they put ancient magic column "Shei Ma" on the site of border. Today, this stone could be seen in Nokor Reach Shei Ma Province (Today Korat or Nakhon Ratcha Sima), Nokor Neayuok Province (Today Nakhon Nayok), Steung Chrov Province (Today Cha Cheong Sao), and other provinces in Korat Plateau. Even though Siam controlled this regions today, but there are Khmer People living in those provinces and others provinces which belonged to Khmer Empire in Angkor Era. According to Thailand's reports, Khmer speaking community is widespread in these provinces and other nearer province with the population of over 1,300,000 people. However, this population did not include Khmer People speaking Thai instead of Khmer Language. In contrast, population of Khmer people in this area is estimated to be over 5,000,000 people based on Khmer Surin's report, but some Khmer people gave up their identity to be Khmer and only speak Thai Language. Most Khmer Surin can speak Khmer, but hardly for writing since there is limitation on Khmer Language education program. Khmer speaking community could be found in Surin, Trat, Chanthaburi, Prachinburi, Bangkok, Lopburi, Rayong, Chonburi, Sakaew, Buriram, Obunratchathani, Sisaket, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnatcharoen, Mahasarakham, Chayaphum, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Udonthani, Kalasin, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, and Saraburi.
During the Long Vek Era in the 16th century, all Khmer provinces in north-west area of Cambodia are:
- Royong Province (Rayong Province)
- Chan Borey Province (Chanthaburi Province)
- Trach Province (Trat Province)
- Chul Borey Province (Chonburi Province)
- Steung Chrov Province (Chacheong Sao Province)
- Paschem Borey Province (combination of Prachinburi Province and Sakaew Province)
- Nokor Reach Sheima Province (Nakhon Ratchasima Province)
- Neang Rong Province (part of Buriram Province)
- Borey Rom Province (part of Buriram Province)
- Sang Keak Province (part of Surin Province)
- Srindr or Surin Province (Surin Province)
- Kok Khan Province (combination of Sisaket Province and Obun Ratchathani Province).
By: POK Panhavuth
Khmer Speaking Community Along Border of Cambodia and Other Not Shown Small Khmer Speaking Community in Other Nearer Provinces
Today Map of Eastern Thailand
