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.
Pen Bona, Chief of the Government Spokesperson Unit (RGSU), told Thai PBS World that the construction of infrastructure along the border, particularly the border ring road, has been a long-term initiative by the government. According to him, this project has already achieved significant progress due to continuous efforts over the years.
“The reason the government allows citizens to contribute as fund participants is due to requests from the people. They want to participate in developing our border areas to accelerate growth,” Bona said.
Since official announcement of Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development on Aug 26, the fund has received huge support from various sectors, including the King, the Queen Mother, national leaders, monks, government officials, armed forces, teachers, students, workers, employees, businesspeople, farmers, and Cambodians from all walks of life, both inside and outside the country.
“It is not because the government lacks money or is seeking funds from the people. This is a voluntary contribution; the citizens wish to have a clear and transparent share out of patriotism, which is why they join with the government,” he added.
During a graduation ceremony for lawyers on September 5th, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the creation of a committee to manage and publicize the plan for using the fund, aimed at ensuring transparency in its use. Additionally, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to directly observe the road construction activities along the border.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, during a graduation ceremony for lawyers on September 5, 2024.
Photo: PM Hun Manet’s Facebook
"Citizens can go and see for themselves whether it is being done, and how much has been completed. We will make everything clear—there will be no ambiguity about the construction of the border roads! We will specify clearly from which point to which point, from which milestone to which milestone, and the distance that requires the use of this fund," Hun Manet stated.
He also mentioned that this participation is an invaluable contribution that cannot be measured in money. It reflects the deep love and patriotism of the Cambodian people, who are always prepared to make sacrifices for national causes. This includes efforts to build, protect, and develop the motherland of Cambodia, “guided by the spirit of national defence in every situation”, he added.
Posting Bank Slips to FBID on Social-Media Becomes Trendy
Sharing donation screenshots on social media has become a popular trend among Cambodians. Transaction slips are proudly posted on Facebook to show that they have contributed to the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development (FBID).
Prime Minister Hun Manet is sending thank-you letters to all citizens who donate to the fund, even if the donation is as small as 100 riels (0.025 USD). These letters are meant to be cherished as a reminder of their patriotic spirit for future generations.
Transaction slips of contribution to the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development (FBID).
Photo: PM Hun Manet’s Facebook
Dr. Meas Nee, a social development researcher and analyst, pointed out that while contributions to the fund are voluntary, some people might feel social pressure to donate if others around them are doing so. However, he sees the plan to build a border ring road as a positive step but is uncertain if neighbouring countries, like Vietnam, will fully support the project.
"If this contribution is truly voluntary, there’s nothing wrong," said Meas Nee. He also urged the government to allocate more funds to accelerate the project, noting that the current 10-year timeline is too long.
Free trip for citizens to northeastern region along the border areas
The Cambodian government is also organising free tours to the northeastern region every Saturday to provide citizens with the opportunity to see firsthand the concrete development along the border areas, including the construction of border ring roads and overall development in the northeastern region. These tours start on September 7 and continue until the end of 2024.
Due to the fact that these tours are offered for free, some contributors to the border infrastructure fund have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the budget they donated. In response, Pen Bona, clarified to Thai PBS World that,"There is no impact on the national budget, nor on the fund dedicated to these tours. The program is sponsored by the Prime Minister and First Lady, with sponsorship from many donors who support the Premier."
Government gave 3 different northeastern tours in Cambodia. The first tour will involve a full-day tour of the border area between Tbong Khmum, Kratie, and Mondulkiri provinces. The second tour will include a night's stay and a tour of the border area between Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces. The third tour will involve a night's stay and a tour of the border area between Stung Treng and Ratanakiri provinces.
Each tour will accommodate 200 participants. The organising team will host a briefing for participants, conducted by officials from the Secretariat of Border Affairs, to provide detailed information about the tour program and other necessary documents.
The first full-day tour of the border area between Tbong Khmum and Kratie province on September 7, 2024.
Photo: Cambodia Government Spokesperson Unit
Royal Cambodia embassy in Thailand accept donations via Thai Bank
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Thailand has announced that Cambodian workers and citizens living, working, and studying in Thailand who wish to contribute to the "Border Infrastructure Development Fund" can now do so through the Embassy. Contributions can be made to the Embassy's Baht account at Kasikornbank (Kbank). After making a donation, contributors are asked to send their bank slips to the Embassy's social media channels on Telegram or Line under the name "Cambodian Embassy in Thailand."
However, some donors, like Kem Chamroeun, have opted to transfer directly from Thai banks to Cambodian banks, bypassing the Embassy's Thai account. Chamroeun noted that Cambodian nationals in Thailand can make cross-border donations without fees by scanning the QR code for the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development using Thai banks like SCB or KTB.
In addition, the Thai QR code scanning feature via the Bakong app in Cambodia allows for free payments from any accounts in Khmer Riels.
Thai PBS World has reached out to the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand for clarification on the current fund balance and the methods to ensure transparency in fund usage but has yet to receive a response.
