Suoy in Cambodia

The Suoy have only been reported in Cambodia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

There are six small people groups in Cambodia which are linguistically related: the Chong, the Por (Peur, Pear), the Samre, the Saoch, the Somray and the Suoy (Suy).These groups are both linguistically and ethnically distinct from the Khmer majority. Together they total less than 10,000, with some of the groups numbering just a few hundred. The Chong people are also found in Trat and Chantaburi Provinces in Thailand. Historically, they were early inhabitants of Cambodia and probably pre-dated the Khmers. During the Angkor period it is quite likely that some of these groups served as slaves. They were also known as cultivators and gatherers of cardamom. The Khmer Rouge severely persecuted some of these groups. Some lost their traditional lands during the decades of conflict. Presently they are scattered in pockets west of the Mekong River. Most also speak the national language, Khmer, and are becoming increasingly assimilated into Cambodian society. Many younger people from these groups now use only Khmer. In some cases only a few elderly people still speak the language. It is likely that in a generation these unwritten languages will become extinct. Information about these groups is very limited. A recent survey trip for the Chong failed to find any people from that group. Although there are historical references to them, they may no longer be present in Cambodia.


What Are Their Lives Like?

They live in small, remote, isolated villages that are often located in heavily forested areas. Mostly they practice subsistence rice farming. Their fields are usually some distance away in the forest and every couple of years or so they will move them. They are very dependent on the monsoon rains and in flood or drought they will face food shortages. They also grow a few vegetables and bananas, and gather forest products such as resin, firewood and charcoal. Some still live in the Cardamom mountains and collect cardamom from the forest. They mostly live in humble, short stilted, one room houses with the roofs made from leaves and walls made from leaves, bamboo and occasionally wood. They dress similarly to rural Khmers which is basically western style. Most are non-literate. Educational opportunities are quite limited and conducted in the national language, Khmer.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pearic people are primarily animistic. They worship Neak Ta or Arak whom they believe are powerful spirits which can harm them and require sacrifices to appease them. They often practice traditional medicine which is a mixture of spiritism and the use of medicinal plants gathered from the forest. However, most of these practices are not helpful and some are even harmful. They are very superstitious and live in great fear of the spirits. For example, those who live next to the Cardamom forest have very specific "rules" about how they must behave while collecting cardamom in the forest.


What Are Their Needs?

They are extremely poor and looked down upon by the Khmer majority. They lack access to education and health care. They most importantly need someone who will take them the Good News.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Suoy in Cambodia.


Profile Source:   Cambodia Research Network. Click to email CRN inquiries and corrections  Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

People Name General Suoy
People Name in Country Suoy
Alternate Names
Population this Country 1,700
Population all Countries 1,700
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
People ID 15126
ROP3 Code 109615
ROP25 Code 307758
ROP25 Name Suoy
Country Cambodia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Kampong Speu and Pursat provinces: Phumi Krang Trachak area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2018
Country Cambodia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Kampong Speu and Pursat provinces: Phumi Krang Trachak area..   Source:  Ethnologue 2018
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 12.00 %)
14.00 %
Ethnic Religions
86.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Su’ung (1,700 speakers)
Language Code syo   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Su’ung (1,700 speakers)
Language Code syo   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Su’ung

Primary Language:  Su’ung

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Cambodia Research Network. Click to email CRN inquires and corrections   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission
Profile Source Cambodia Research Network. Click to email CRN inquiries and corrections  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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