Khlung

Khlung is a term that can refer to several distinct entities, often geographical locations or cultural groups, primarily within Southeast Asia. The most common reference is to a region and ethnic group in Cambodia and Thailand. In Cambodia, Khlung is a province located in the southwestern part of the country. This province is known for its agricultural output, particularly rice cultivation, and its coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. The Khlung people, who inhabit this region and also areas of neighboring Thailand, are a distinct ethnic minority with their own language and customs. Their cultural heritage is influenced by both Khmer and Thai traditions.

In Thailand, the term Khlung can also denote a district within Chanthaburi province, situated on the eastern coast. This Thai Khlung district shares many similarities with its Cambodian namesake, being a coastal area with a significant fishing industry and agricultural activities. The ethnic composition of this region also includes people of Khmer descent. The historical interactions between these two Khlung regions are notable, with cultural exchange and sometimes political entanglement throughout history. Depending on the context, therefore, Khlung can pinpoint a specific administrative division or a broader ethno-linguistic group with a shared history and cultural identity in the border regions of Cambodia and Thailand.