How a 64‑Year‑Old Cambodian Thinks Scarecrows Can Stop Covid‑19
In the quiet village of DECHO near Phnom Penh, a woman named Ek Chan has turned an age‑old superstition into her personal COVID‑19 defense. She’s swapped masks for ting mong—traditional scarecrows crafted from rice straw, bamboo and old clothes—hoping they’ll keep the invisible enemy at arm’s length.
Meet Ek Chan and Her “Magic” Mini‑Army
- Ek Chan is 64, lives in Kandal Province, and has a research‑grade fear of pocket‑sized viruses.
- Her two scarecrows—one male, one female—stand guard at her home’s gate, ready to “splash” any invisible agent straight into the next block of jungle.
- They’re armed with tiny sticks and, according to Ek Chan, a little “big‑jaw” of a knife for added intimidation.
The Cambodian COVID‑19 Landscape
Cambodia is one of the lowest‑hit countries in Southeast Asia. With only 307 reported cases and zero deaths as of the latest tally, officials have shut down large gatherings after a foreign visit sparked a local chain reaction. Prime Minister Hun Sen and other officials also faced precautionary isolation.
Fast‑fact: While most of the world has embraced vaccines, the local grapevine remains focused on “ancient” solutions.
Science or Spirituality?
Ek Chan admits she knows little about virology, but her faith in ting mong runs deep. She says the scarecrows have already “kept the virus from mingling with her family.” She’s hopeful, though: “once the free vaccine arrives, the virus will vanish from Phnom Penh.
What People Are Doing Elsewhere
Near-civil wars over tradition, other Cambodians have taken to similar measures:;
- Painting drums in bright colors to keep spirits away.
- Wearing mustache‑clad masks made from recycled newspapers.
- Holding karaoke nights to “sing the disease away.”
Even though the world may pause, the heart of Cambodia keeps beating with a blend of old‑world charm, modern fear, and a pinch of humor.
