Cambodia: Experts Warn Against Illicit Protests for Funding by Opposition Groups

Geopolitical and security analyst Thong Meng Davit has strongly urged Cambodian citizens living abroad, especially those in the Republic of Korea, to refrain from donating money to the demonstrations led by the extremist group headed by Mr. Sam Rainsy. He pointed out that these groups are attempting to raise funds from citizens to be used as capital for their illegal movements and activities that harm national interests abroad. Mr. Davit stated, "Their political activities require a lot of money for various missions abroad. Therefore, they have no choice but to use demonstrations or campaigns to deceive citizens. This demonstration is no different from previous ones; it will not bring any solutions but will only damage the reputation of our own country on foreign soil." He further appealed to citizens not to be deceived by the protest leaders' scams and not to spend their time, energy, and money on illegal activities that serve the plans of traitors, as they only use the guise of national interest to mask their true intentions. Meanwhile, Sam Suon, a social and political development watcher, commented that the protest leaders are always adept at following current events to organize demonstrations and collect money from their activists, engaging in populist politics. "If we observe closely, their activities appear patriotic, but if we follow them from the beginning, they create activities to raise money and exploit politics by deceiving our brothers and sisters abroad." Mr. Suon added that if a substantial amount of money is raised, the protest leaders should demonstrate transparency in its expenditure so that the donors do not have to wait for the results of their financial contributions. Generally, the money raised is used for activities such as mobilizing people for demonstrations and preparing for the "color revolution" plan in Cambodia. This watcher urged citizens and those who have been deceived in the past to wake up and stop being fooled by the protest leaders and their extremist associates. They should instead turn to cooperate with the current government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local