Koy Thuon

Alias : Thuch, Khuon¹

KOY Thuon (1933-1976) was Minister of Commerce and member of the Central Committee. He was interrogated by Duch at S-21 and subsequently executed.

Explore the Khmer Rouge hierarchy to understand his role in the secretive system.

Key Findings

The Trial Chamber in Case 002/01 and Case 002/02 found that Koy Thuon:

Was a member of a joint criminal enterprise with CPK leaders with the common purpose to “implement rapid socialist revolution through a ‘great leap forward’ and defend the Party against internal and external enemies, by whatever means necessary.” ¹³
Held meetings in his Zone concerning implementation of the Party’s line and attended meetings at which the Party line was decided upon. ¹⁴
Shelled Phnom Penh with rockets and other ordnances with forces under his joint command with Son Sen. ¹⁵
Was implicated in S-21 confessions, arrested by S-21 staff at Duch’s house, and sent to S-21 where he was interrogated by Duch, following which hundreds of people were arrested, detained, and killed from the North Zone in early 1977. ¹⁶

Disclaimer

Koy Thuon was not a suspect, charged person, or accused in any proceedings before the ECCC. Therefore, the findings of the Extraordinary Chambers cannot be equated to findings of guilt against him.

Some information may be sourced from confessions which were obtained under torture. The reliability of such information should be treated with caution. See Decision on Evidence Obtained Through Torture.

Drag

1933

Born.²

1970

5 May

Became Vice-Minister of Economy and Finance in the newly formed the Royal Government of the National Union of Kampuchea (“GRUNK”).³

1971

September

Appointed to the Central Committee as alternate member at the Third Party Congress.⁴

1974

June

Met other CPK leaders in Meak village in Prek Kok commune to discuss plans for the final assault and evacuation of Phnom Penh and other urban centres.⁵

1975

Before 17 April 1975

Acted as Secretary of the old North Zone (Zone 304).⁶

17 April

Transferred to Phnom Penh and became Minister of Commerce.⁷

October

Assigned responsibility of “Domestic and International Commerce.”⁸

1976

March

Appointed by the Standing Committee to assist Khieu Samphan in the examination and preparation for merchandise which must be purchased from China and examination of “the matter of banks.”⁹

1977

Before January 1977

Expelled from the Party and placed under house arrest for eight months.¹⁰

January

Sent to S-21, where he was personally interrogated by Duch on Pol Pot’s orders and was watched by two special guards to ensure he did not commit suicide.¹¹

After March 1977

Executed at S-21.¹²