Children visit a border post in Mondulkiri province in 2022. FB/Chan Sophal
Prime Minister Hun Manet officially announced the establishment of the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development. The initiative is designed to provide an opportunity for all Cambodian citizens worldwide to directly contribute to the government's efforts to build and protect the nation.
A statement from the prime minister's office today, August 26, stated, “The prime minister calls on all Cambodian citizens, both inside and outside the country, to donate generously to the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development. This collective effort will help maintain national unity, peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as promote the sustainable development of border areas.”
.jpg)
Contributions to the fund can be made via bank transfers using the provided QR codes or directly at the Office of the Council of Ministers.
“Let’s come together to build the infrastructure along our borders through the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development. I encourage all Cambodians, both at home and abroad, to actively participate in this national effort to strengthen and develop our border areas,” Manet posted on social media.
The creation of the foundation follows ongoing discussions and concerns regarding the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA), with some citizens worried that the country might lose territory to Vietnam.
Following the announcement, various government officials and the general public began making contributions.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), welcomed the establishment of the foundation, viewing it as a mechanism to gather resources for developing much-needed infrastructure in border areas.
He also noted that it would contribute to strengthening Cambodia's border defence activities.
“To ensure these resources are used effectively and for the nation’s benefit, the government should outline specific projects and establish mechanisms for the transparent and accountable use of these funds,” he said.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasised the importance of openness in managing the resources raised through the initiative. He stated that there should be clear accountability, from how the funds are used to the quality of the projects.
“The names of donors should be publicly displayed, with daily balance updates posted, perhaps on billboards along major roads, so that citizens can see them. The use of funds must involve clear bidding processes for each project to ensure public awareness, as the citizens contribute to this fund in addition to the taxes they already pay to the state,” he said.
