The Phnom Penh Post
Kong Kia, aka White Bow, prepares to treat the sick using the magical methods he learned at Kolean mountain and Preah mountain in Kompong Speu province. By touching his skin to hot metal and incense and placing his hands and feet on his patients, Kong Kia claims to be able to cure disease and discomfort. He’s one of thousands of people to have a bizarre or magical talent featured on the Cambodian TV show House Number 11, which screens every Sunday night. For the full story on the crew behind the show, see page 11. Photo by: TOUCH YIN VANNITH
Kong Kia said it all started when he was hit by a magic spell at the young age of 10. Though born in Treang, Takeo province, he moved to Kompong Cham province where he trained as a monk for five years.
“When I was a monk, I was a novice. I always spoke the truth; I have never looked down on someone and told a lie, because that would put me in trouble," he said.
But Kong Kia gave up the life of a Buddhist monk, and began studying magic at Kolean mountain and Preah mountain, in Kompong Speu province. With this education, he started treating the sick in Kompong Cham.
To cure pain and disease, Kong Kia has an elaborate ritual. He heats his iron bar over a fire and touches his palms and feet to it, before resting them on the patient.
