ABSTRACT
Remnants of the Lon Nol police, lower political administration, and military escaped execution after persevering in hiding for a while, then fighting their way to the border. For most of these men who went to the Thai border to evade Khmer Rouge units and to seek refuge with Thai patrons and sponsors, or in Thai border military or police units, basic survival was their primary interest and symbolized their strength. Battle experience, invulnerability destined by fate, and proven bravery are therefore propagated as the main and most valuable resources in the military field. During the earliest wave of purges, members of the Lon Nol political and military apparatus were the first on the lists to be 'smashed'. Spiritual and magical powers were constantly stressed as being part of an ideal soldierly conduct and force to collect strength and power. There were various items in use during the years of civil war.
