Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified that the funding for citizen tours to the northeastern border provinces of Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakkiri, and Mondulkiri does not come from the national budget. Instead, it is covered by a separate fund from Samdech Thipadei and his family, unrelated to either the national budget or the Border Infrastructure Fund.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Sep. 5) during a certificate presentation ceremony for nearly 2,000 law students and trainees at OCIC in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei explained that the tour is open to the general public, with Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra preparing to depart on 7 September 2024. Over 1,000 people have already registered online for this free trip to the northeastern provinces, organized by the Royal Government.

"Registration, travel, food, and accommodation are all free of charge […] so please be cautious of fraud. The budget for this tour is not from the national budget, nor does it affect the funds allocated for infrastructure construction along the border. My family, along with several other philanthropists, have contributed to this initiative," the premier underscored.

At the same time, Premier Hun Manet also noted that many philanthropists have joined the Royal Government in supporting the tour by providing food, discounts, and free accommodation for participants during the weekend trips.

It should be recalled that in a special statement marking the one-year achievements of the Royal Government under the 7th legislature of the National Assembly on 22 August 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet appointed Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra to oversee the organization of these tours. The tours, which provide free transportation and food, will run every weekend from September until the end of 2024, allowing citizens—especially young people—to visit the four northeastern provinces and witness the ongoing development along the borders, roads, and within local communities.
=FRESH NEWS