Khmer Loeu
ខ្មែរលើ
Pronunciation: kh-mai leu
Term literally meaning “Khmers from above” — collectively designates the indigenous peoples of the northeastern highlands of Cambodia (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng, Kratie provinces). Main communities: Bunong, Kreung, Jarai, Kachok, Brao, Tampuan.
These peoples, ethnically and linguistically distinct from the lowland Khmers, practise forms of slash-and-burn agriculture and maintain animist and ancestral traditions. Several international NGOs (WWF, WCS, VVOB, Care International) work in Ratanakiri in partnership with these communities to protect their land rights and preserve their forests.
Not to be confused with the Khmer Krom (ខ្មែរក្រោម, “Khmers from below”), which refers to Khmers from the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.