Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Pokemon at S-21 not appropriate, some say

Pokemon at S-21 not appropriate, some say

A Phnom Penh Post reporter views a Pokemon using the Pokemon Go app inside Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum yesterday.
A Phnom Penh Post reporter views a Pokemon using the Pokemon Go app inside Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum yesterday. Athena Zelandonii

Pokemon at S-21 not appropriate, some say

As darkness fell last night outside the walls of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former Khmer Rouge torture facility from which an estimated 14,000 Cambodians were sent to their deaths, the Pokemon Go players were still going at it.

US-based software developer Niantic on Saturday launched the augmented reality mobile phone application in the Kingdom, which allows players to visit physical locations in a bid to capture Pokemon characters that are visible on their smartphones.

A screenshot from the Pokemon Go app shows Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum designated as a Pokemon "gym".
A screenshot from the Pokemon Go app shows Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum designated as a Pokemon "gym".

As of yesterday, the former S-21 security centre is one of those locations, playing host to two Pokemon “gyms”, four “Pokestops” – one based squarely at the Tomb of Victims of Torture Memorial – and countless wild Pokemon.

And while the company, amid public outcry, has begun eliminating Pokemon Go features from sensitive locations including the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Memorial in Japan and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, no such provision has yet been made for the former Khmer Rouge facility.

During a visit to the museum yesterday, which is free to Cambodians, the Post quickly spotted two young Cambodians playing the game within the compound. Rain Kun, 21, said he didn’t see a problem with playing Pokemon on museum grounds.

“I’ve been a big fan of Pokemon since I was a child,” said Kun who was born and raised in Phnom Penh. “For me, it’s an attraction to visit the museum. I never came here until Pokemon Go.”

A French couple visiting the Museum expressed less enthusiasm. Fazia said she was “shocked” and her companion Edouard similarly said he couldn’t understand why people would play Pokemon there.

Youk Chhang, director of Khmer Rouge historical research body DC-CAM, strongly condemned the presence of the game in the museum. “I think it should be deleted immediately,” Chhang said last night. “We must send a clear message to young people that this is not appropriate.”

Chhang added that he didn’t blame the youth for their nonchalance, but rather held the adults of society responsible.

“We failed to educate them”, he said, blaming their actions on ignorance.

Niantic could not be reached for comment last night.

The main photograph's caption has been updated to identify the person using the Pokemon Go app in the photo as a reporter for the Phnom Penh Post.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.