Barom Reachea II
Borom Reachea II or Ponhea Ton was the King of Cambodia after his formal coronation at Srei Santhor in 1596 CE. His full regnal title was "Preah Reach Ongkar Borom Reachea".
During his reign, the Portuguese adventurer Diego Beloso arrived in Vientiane, the Lan Xang kingdom, seeking to bring back Ponhea Ton and members of the Cambodian royal family held by Voravongsa I of Laos. The Lao king refused unless Ponhea Ton, as Cambodia’s representative, signed a treaty ceding two territories—Pakse and Attapeu—to Laos. As a result, these provinces came under Lao control, where they remain to this day.
Cambodia during the Reign of Borom Reachea II
Prince Ponhea Ton, the second son of King Satha I and younger brother of Chey Chettha I, returned to Cambodia from Vientiane in 1596 with the support of Diego Beloso and Blas Ruiz.He appointed Beloso as governor of Ba Phnom and Blas Ruiz as governor of Treang. Both served as intermediaries for trade with foreign merchants.
In 1598, the Cham people organized a major rebellion at Ba Nam led by commanders Po Reak and Lak Smorna. Beloso attempted to suppress the revolt but was killed in battle when Cham forces ambushed his troops. The Cham rebels then attacked the cities of Roang Damrei and Prey Nokor, taking control.
King Borom Reachea responded by sending 20,000 troops to quell the rebellion. The royal army prevailed, capturing the two Cham leaders and bringing them to Srei Santhor for judgment. The Cham commanders pleaded for mercy and offered to serve the king. Out of compassion, Borom Reachea accepted their plea and allowed them to perform a traditional Cham drama in the royal palace. During the performance, the Cham used concealed weapons to assassinate the king.
The royal guards retaliated, killing the Cham rebels, including their leaders. Thus, King Ponhea Ton died in 1599 during this coup. He was succeeded by Barom Reachea III, his cousin—the nephew of Srei Suriyo Phorn and grandson of Borom Reamea II.