[1] Along with Sophat and Phka Srapoun, Kolab Pailin is considered one of the three classic novels of modern Khmer literature.
The story centers on an orphan boy named "Chauchet" whose late father upon death sent him to Cambodia's northern province of Pailin to work at a diamond mine where he shows kindness and above all loyalty towards his employer.
Although, it does not present any self-independence concept, it illustrates some ideas for young Cambodian women relating on how to choose their husband.
In an old house, Choeum (ជឿម [cɨəm]), who is the father of Chauchet (ចៅចិត្រ [caw.cət]), is sick due to serious disease.
Before dying, he tells his son to depend on his own to live like a Khmer proverb Attāhi Attano Nātho (អត្តាហិ អត្តនោ នាថោ).
[3] After his father's death, Dr. S'at recommends work as a mine worker in Pailin with Luong Ratanasambath (ហ្លួងរតនសម្បត្តិ [luəŋ rɔətanasɑmbat])to Chauchet.
After seeing a lot of advantages, commitment and honesty of Chauchet, Luong Ratanasambath allows him to marry his daughter, and they live happily.