Cambodia Withdraws from Regional Pact with Vietnam and Laos Following Protests

Prime Minister Hun Manet cites concerns over foreign interests and public unrest as reasons for the decision.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the country's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) agreement.
The decision follows protests and social media criticism about land concessions in border areas, especially with Vietnam.
Authorities arrested at least 66 people in connection with planned rallies against the agreement; most were later released, but leaders face charges.
Hun Manet labeled opposition groups as extremists, accusing them of slandering the government and confusing the public.
The CLV-DTA, formalized in 2004, aimed to facilitate trade and migration cooperation in northeastern Cambodia and border areas of Laos and Vietnam.