A series of free weekend package tours of Cambodia's northeastern provinces – funded by Prime Minister Hun Manet – has come to an end, with 2,400 people enjoying the opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s border regions.

The tours were originally announced in response to public concerns about a potential loss of territory tied to Cambodia’s participation in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) agreement.

The government went to some lengths to dismiss the allegations, which were widely circulated in July, largely by overseas-based opposition groups, and eventually formally removed the Kingdom from the agreement, with Senate president Hun Sen explaining that the decision was made to “disarm the opposition”.

The first of the tour groups set off on September 7, with the final, eleventh party arriving back in Phnom Penh on Sunday, December 22.  

Each trip accommodated over 200 citizens who travelled to Tbong Khmum, Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces – all at no cost.

Despite Cambodia’s withdrawal from the agreement, the trips aimed to foster greater public understanding of border management and sovereignty efforts.

Organised by the Ministry of Information with support from the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit and the Secretariat for Border Affairs, the excursions provided “firsthand experiences of border management and promoted national unity”, explained ministry spokesperson Tep Asnarith.

He described the tours as a unique opportunity to foster national solidarity and provide citizens with knowledge about Cambodia's robust border management and sovereignty protection.

“Out of the 4,406 applicants, only 2,400 could participate in this inaugural series of excursions,” he said.

“These tours were unprecedented in Cambodia and possibly in the region, offering participants a chance to witness the reality of border management and protection by the Royal Government,” he added.

He emphasised that the trips played a vital role in dispelling doubts and affirming Cambodia's commitment to defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Researcher Chhort Bunthang highlighted the significance of the northeastern region, which is often perceived as remote and at risk of territorial loss. 

“By seeing these areas [in person], people can clear their doubts and restore their confidence in the government’s work,” he said.

He added that addressing the secrecy surrounding border areas prevents political exploitation.

“When places are accessible, they are no longer a mystery. This makes them less likely to become tools for political manipulation,” he explained.

Bunthang also urged continued infrastructure development, such as road construction in border areas, to enhance accessibility and transparency. 

“If a place is hard to reach, people can say anything about it, and others may believe it,” he warned.

In addition to understanding border issues, participants also gained insights into the region's culture, traditions, environment and natural resources. The programme, Bunthang noted, fostered a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s landscapes and resources, which are every bit as beautiful and abundant as those in other countries.