Houses in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) along National Road 76 in Mondulkiri province. STPM
The government plans to distribute land to impoverished and landless citizens in border areas within the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA).
This move was revealed through a social media post by Senate president Hun Sen, who also called on citizens to contribute to a fund for building infrastructure along the border.
In the post, published last night, Hun Sen expressed deep appreciation for the public's support of the Foundation for Border Infrastructure Development, stating that this participation reflects the true spirit of national unity and defence across all strata of Cambodian society.
He added that the fund serves as a testament to whether those accusing the country of ceding four provinces – Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri and Kratie – to Vietnam are willing to contribute financially.
"If they truly fear losing land, now is the perfect time for them to participate by helping build roads, schools, hospitals and water wells in the new villages where the government will allocate land to landless citizens for settlement,” Hun Sen wrote.
"We expect that landless citizens will receive land for cultivation, supported by infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, schools and hospitals.
Furthermore, national defence will be strengthened through the presence of citizens living along the border, serving as a living and robust boundary far superior to multiple layers of concrete or metal fences, and more effective than deploying troops and weapons for protection,” the post continued.
Hun Sen appealed to citizens to donate to the fund and urged them to observe whether those who allege land loss to Vietnam will contribute.
Expert opinions and recommendations
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, commended the government for providing land to those in need but emphasised the importance of accompanying infrastructure, as outlined by the fund's objectives.
He also suggested offering additional support to land recipients, such as teaching them farming techniques and assisting market development.
"This approach enables people to sustain their livelihoods effectively. It's not just about having land; they need to know where to cultivate, where to sell their produce and how to engage in business activities because people require trade for their household economy,” Peou said.
When asked whether opponents of the CLV-DTA would contribute to the infrastructure fund along the border, Peou stated that it depends on two groups: those politically opposed to the project and those who oppose it due to a lack of comprehensive information about the cooperation.
"The first group may not participate in the fund because of their absolute political stance, while the second group, upon understanding and recognising the project's importance, may contribute according to their financial capabilities," added.
On August 22, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that since 2023, the government has allocated approximately 1.4 million hectares of social land concessions to border defence forces and impoverished citizens, benefiting a total of 490,000 families and constructing around 8,200 houses.
However, he did not specify plans for land distribution along the CLV border. Nonetheless, he has previously mentioned that citizens serve as a strong pillar of national defence.
