Kolab Pailin

Kolab Pailin (Khmer:កុលាបប៉ៃលិន) is a Khmer novel that was written by Nhok Them in B.E 2504 1936 A.D.^[1] Along with Sophat and Phka Sropoun, Kolab Pailin is considered one of the three classic novels of modern Khmer literature.^[2] The story does not focus on any religious elements of Hinduism or Buddhism. It portrays the struggles of the people of Cambodia during French Colonial administration. The story centers on an orphan boy named “Chao Jit” whose late father upon death sent him to Cambodia’s northern province of Pailin to work at a diamond mine where he shows kindness and above all loyalty towards his employer. Although, it does not present any self-independence concept, it illustrates some ideas for young Khmer women relating on how to choose their husband.

Plot Summary[]

In an old house, Mr. Choeum, who is the father of Chet, is sick due to serious disease. He is being cured by a doctor named Sa'at. Before dying, he tells his son to depend on his own to live like a Khmer proverb Atahi Atanoh Nea-thoh (Khmer: អត្តាហិ អត្តនោ នាថោ).^[3]

After his father's death. Dr. Sa'at recommended him to work as a mine worker in Pailin with Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath (khmer:ហ្លួងរតនសម្បត្តិ). When he gets the job, he works very hard and is liked by other workers.

One night, Chet sings a song in his worker cottage. His voice impresses Khun Neary (Khmer: ឃុន នារី), who is the only daughter of Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath. She comes to meet Chet, but she retorts him when she knows that he is just a normal worker. However, he doesn't mind her because he starts loving her.

In the next morning, Chet helps Mr. Son, the chauffeur of Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath, to repair the car. Then Mr. Son teaches Chet to drive. After that, Mr. Son asks permission from his master to be absent in driving for a short time because he is busy with his family and asks Chet to drive instead of him. Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath agrees to his request.

One day, Chet drives his both masters and Mr. Balat (Khmer: លោក បាឡាត់) to the market. Unfortunately, when he drives back, the car is broken. Thus, Balat blames him of this although in fact, he is jealous Chet of being close with Khun Neary.

All of them stay in the forest all night. Chet and Khun Neary chat each other and become closer. While chatting, there are robbers appearing and attempting to rob them. Chet fights with the robbers and protects his master. After fighting, he defeats them, but he wounds and is sent to the hospital. His courage makes Khun Neary stops discriminating him and starts loving him. When his health becomes better, he is promoted to be the manager in the mine site.

One day, Balat brings Mr. Phan to buy the gems. Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath brings him to see the mine site and leave Khun Neary home alone. Balat tries to rapes her, but Chet comes and helps her. He fights with Balat and saves her successfully. Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath is absolutely furious and warns them to be never there again and lets them go.

After seeing a lot of advantages, commitment and honesty of Chet, Mr. Luong Ratanak Sambath allows him to marry his daughter, and they live happily.^[4][5]

References[]