For more than a month, disagreements between some members of the public and the government regarding the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperation have persisted. 

Despite the fact that the agreement was initiated 25 years ago, public interest has recently surged, apparently due to a perceived lack of detailed information about the agreement, coupled with historical grievances over lost territories and instigation by opposition groups.

On August 11, many expat Cambodians living in South Korea, Australia and Japan held protests against the CLV-DTA, demanding that the government withdraw from it.

Several individuals also took to social media, calling on people in Cambodia to stage a protest against the agreement in Phnom Penh on August 18 and even suggesting that they follow the example of Bangladesh, where recent protests – which resulted in the deaths of hundreds – led to the toppling of the government.

On August 13, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice warned citizens to avoid participating in the proposed protests, noting that the organisers could face charges of “attack” (punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison) under the portion of the Kingdom’s Criminal Code which covers breaches of state security, while participants could be charged with “plotting” (punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison).

The authorities were on high alert and well prepared to prevent any possible protests, but no large-scale demonstrations materialised. However, more than 30 people were arrested in connection with sharing information about the planned protests or attempting to travel to join the riots, as incited by groups abroad.

According to a court statement, most of those arrested have been charged with plotting, while some face charges of incitement to cause serious chaos in society. The number of arrests and charges could increase, according to the justice ministry.

Although the arrests may continue, opposition groups abroad are proceeding with their plans, setting September 1 as the date for renewed protests, and once again calling for public participation.

What is the CLV-DTA?

The CLV-DTA cooperation was first initiated in 1999 by the leaders of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam and formalised in 2004. It aims to support the development of the border regions of the three countries through transportation infrastructure and the promotion of trade, as well as the prevention of natural resource and cross-border crimes, among other benefits, according to an explanation by the government and the documents which are included in the agreement.

The CLV-DTA documents specify that although the three countries agreed to facilitate the transportation of goods, the agreement emphasises respect for all existing laws regarding border crossings.

This is specified in Article 12, Paragraph 1 of the 2016 agreement, which states, “People engaging in trade activities in the CLV-DTA shall comply with the respective laws and regulations of each country”.

Nevertheless, opposition to the CLV-DTA has become a political issue and sparked heated debates among Cambodians both domestically and abroad, as highlighted by Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy.

“It is extremely dangerous for Cambodia if any group takes advantage of this situation and exploits the deep-seated nationalistic feelings among Cambodians by using the CLV-DTA issue to incite unrest within Cambodian society, through protest or rebellion in any form,” he said.

Regarding the arrests, Chanroeun acknowledged that authorities have a duty to ensure public safety. However, he urged that law enforcement adhere strictly to principles of justice, avoiding wrongful arrests or false accusations against young people, which could lead to injustice and damage their futures.

Possible solutions for a positive outcome?

Pa Chanroeun suggested that the authorities thoroughly investigate each of the youths involved to determine whether they participated in the protests with their will or were perhaps misled by misinformation or the propaganda of certain overseas-based groups.

“Prosecuting young people with heavy penalties is not a good approach and could harm Cambodia's reputation on the international stage. I believe both the youths and the government should take a step back and explore new ways to address the CLV-DTA issue and identify the root causes of the protests. Are there appropriate ways to express dissent and how can the government better respond to citizens' concerns?” he asked. 

He called for wider discussions between the government, civil society, and all other relevant sectors to expand understanding of the agreement, rather than arresting those who protest against it.

“If the crackdown on citizens continues because of this issue, it will not end, and it will become a lingering political issue that affects social stability, as well as the investment, business and tourism sectors,” he said.

Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, noted that there is nothing wrong with developing the CLV area, but believed the problems appear to have arisen from a lack of understanding or insufficient explanation from the outset. He urged the government and all other relevant institutions to continue to disseminate information and engage in dialogue to ensure that the public is well-informed.

He added that the current situation makes Cambodia vulnerable to division. Therefore, all parties should seek ways to improve the situation, ensure citizens have sufficient information about the CLV-DTA, and listen to the concerns raised by the other side.

“I believe that everyone wants successful development with transparency and benefits for the people living in that region and for the nation as a whole,” he said.

Am Sam Ath, operations director of LICADHO, a human rights organisation, noted that civil society organisations working on human rights have been concerned from the beginning regarding the reaction to the CLV-DTA, including the protests both abroad and domestically, and the security forces' announcements about suppressing those who attempted to gather on August 18.

“As civil society organisations, we have witnessed past experiences, such as the events of November 9, 2019, and other events, where those who suffered and were detained were the citizens,” he said, referring to a declaration by exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy that he would return to Cambodia. The announcement sparked the arrest of many of his supporters.

“What is important is that as human rights workers, we want to see politicians prioritise national and public interests and avoid using citizens as political tools, because this ultimately results in them being the ones who suffer. We want to see politicians resolve this through peaceful political means.

“We see that the government has taken steps to explain and clarify the CLV-DTA issue. We want to see it continue to do so, to ensure that citizens both here and abroad understand the issue more clearly,” he added.

Misguided patriotism?

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, believed that the protests against the CLV-DTA reflected the rising national spirit of the pure hearts of the people and the government. Both the state and the people place a high priority on borders, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity issues.

“Both the state and the people are concerned about this matter. Therefore, if the state works with the support of the people, our country will endure for a long time. Let the pure national spirit flourish in the hearts of all Cambodians, and let us avoid the divisive groups that bring discord to our nation,” he said.

Phea called on those who have been influenced by external instigators to come forward and confess their wrongdoings and urged citizens not to be swayed by the propaganda of extremists. As for those who were misled and arrested, he suggested that they should be granted clemency by the government.

“The government should educate them and drop the charges, allowing them to return home with a promise and a message to others who have been influenced by extremist politicians. I think this is the best option,” he said.

“Those who believe in this love their country, but they lack sufficient information and understanding. Because of their love for the nation, the land, the forests and natural resources, they were misled by propaganda that sowed distrust between the government and the people,” he added.

He expressed a desire to see Cambodia as a peaceful society where citizens live happily, cared for by the government. He emphasised the need for the government to foster a sense of national unity and avoid divisions caused by extremist propaganda.

“I urge each of our compatriots to confess their mistakes and appeal to others who hold erroneous views about the government. The government should show leniency towards them, educate them and allow them to return to their normal lives, which would be better for all,” he concluded.