Hou Yuon

Hou Yuon (1930 – possibly 1975) was a Cambodian politician and economist. He was a prominent member of the Khmer Rouge, serving as Minister of Economy and Finance in the Democratic Kampuchea regime.

Hou Yuon was educated in France, where he studied economics and law. He became deeply involved in left-wing politics and communist ideology during his time there. Upon returning to Cambodia, he became a vocal critic of the Sihanouk government, advocating for radical social and economic reforms to address the widespread poverty and inequality he observed.

Along with Khieu Samphan and Son Sen, Hou Yuon was considered part of the intellectual core of the Khmer Rouge. He articulated the economic policies that the regime would eventually implement, emphasizing agrarian collectivism and self-reliance.

After the Khmer Rouge takeover in 1975, Hou Yuon held a significant position in the new government. However, reports suggest that he faced internal dissent within the regime due to his more moderate stance on some policies.

The exact circumstances of Hou Yuon's death remain unclear. He disappeared sometime in 1975, and it is widely believed that he was purged by the more hardline faction within the Khmer Rouge. While some accounts claim he was executed, others suggest he died in prison due to illness or harsh conditions. His death highlights the internal purges and brutality that characterized the Democratic Kampuchea era.