The Cambodian government has launched an unprecedented nationwide fundraising, claiming the funds will be used for “Border Infrastructure Development.” However, the government has yet to provide clear plans or demonstrate transparency regarding the use of these funds.
According to Hun Manet’s speech, the government has successfully raised more than $19 million within 11 days, from 400,000 citizens who contributed to the fund. Meanwhile, of the total 2,660 kilometres of border roads, over 1,300 kilometres remain unfinished, requiring another 10 years to complete at an estimated cost of over $200 million.
This initiative coincides with the one-year anniversary of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s (Aug 22) rise to power through a hereditary transfer from his father, Hun Sen. It appears to be a response to growing protests by Cambodians abroad, demanding Cambodia’s withdrawal from the CLV Development Triangle Area cooperation due to concerns over potential loss of territory and sovereignty to Vietnam. Despite these protests, the Cambodian government has maintained its stance not to withdraw from the cooperation.
