Pol Pot's former bodyguard Sok Leun is helping CBCDO's efforts to help Pailin's rural poor. Leun is a strong supporter of the Khmer Rouge but believes enemies should put their differences aside to help the area.

THE POWER of CBCDO to unite is proved by Pailin resident Sok Leun.

He was a bodyguard to Pol Pot and believes Cambodia would be a better place if the

Khmer Rouge were still in charge.

But even this ex-soldier says people living in the border must unite against poverty.

Speaking through a translator he said: "I support this organization. People

here are very poor so I want to help them live better lives.

"Transport is a priority because people living on remote farms cannot sell their

produce if they cannot take it anywhere.

"Something needs to be done about sickness and malaria, we need wells and to

educate people on better sanitation. We also need to teach better farming methods

because fruit and vegetables imported from Thailand are very expensive"

He said the government had made promises to fund medical supplies and improvements

to the border area's infrastructure, but the current stalemate in forming a new government

had caused delays.

"When the election was coming they promised everything for this area but now,

I just don't know. They could be empty promises.

"When I have visited remote villages near Pailin I have seen the poorest people

and I ask myself, why is this person living like this? I regret all the violence

that has happened in this country.

"I still believe in the Khmer Rouge philosophy, and believe the Khmer Rouge

will one day be successful.

"Until then I will work hard to support my family and when I can try and educate

others. I am optimistic that in five years time this will be a good place to live."