Denationalization Vs Nationalization of State Property

In Cambodia, the government has divided its property into two types: state public property and state private property. These two types of property can be reclassified through denationalization or nationalization.

What are these two types of property? and how do denationalization and nationalization work?

State public property refers to the immovable property of the state being used for public benefit. Public property includes but is not limited to bridges, roads, parks, public schools, public hospitals, temples, lakes, rivers, seas, forest, and administration buildings, among others.

According to Articles 15 and 16 of the Land Law, this type of property cannot be traded.

Meanwhile, state private property refers to the state land that no longer has public usage. Simply put, this type refers to state land that has been transferred to the private sector. The transfer can be done in form of economic or social land concessions.

This type of land can be sold, rented out, or transferred, but under limited conditions. (Read more)

These two types of property can be reclassified through denationalization or nationalization.

According to Law on State Property Management and Use, denationalization of state property refers to the reclassification of state public property to state private property.

Denationalization can be done only if the state public property loses the qualifications to serve a public interest.

For example, the act that the government reclassifies and grants Boeung Ta Mok land to the private sector is called denationalization. This can be only because the lake itself has already had no public usage. (Read more)

The same applies when the government grants forested land to the private sector. The forested land denationalization can proceed only when the land has lost its forest for a long period of time already.

Meanwhile, the nationalization of state property is the opposite, referring to the reclassification of state private property to state public state. This is enforced when state private property is valuable for public interest or service.

The nationalized property will no longer be the object for sale, exchange, concession, right transfer, and lease.

Both processes of denationalization and nationalization of state property are determined by law but denationalization is made only for properties that are already listed in the state property inventory.

 

 

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Cambodia’s Land Ministry Expands Legal Framework with Over 230 Regulatory Instruments to Upgrade Construction and Urban Standards

Ministry enacts 65 legal codes and advances 165 draft regulations to ensure safety, structural quality, and sustainable urban development across the Kingdom Phnom Penh: Establishing a comprehensive legal framework and clear technical guidelines remains a foundational priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia in regulating urban development and building practices. In early September, the Ministry […]

Ministry of Public Works and Transport Partners with EU4PFM Project to Establish Standard Operating Procedures for Public Investment Management

Permanent Secretary of State H.E. Koy Sodany convenes key consultative meeting to strengthen transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline across national infrastructure projects Phnom Penh: Strengthening public financial management and optimizing capital allocation remain cornerstone objectives for Cambodia’s sustainable socio-economic growth. On the morning of Thursday, August 27, 2026, H.E. Koy Sodany, Permanent Secretary of State […]

Cambodia Accelerates Legal Reforms Through National Workshop on Regulatory Impact Assessment and Good Practice Regulation

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth leads multi-agency session with British experts to refine regulatory drafting and enhance economic competitiveness Phnom Penh: Modernizing Cambodia’s legal ecosystem and improving the efficiency of regulatory frameworks achieved a key institutional benchmark aimed at strengthening public administration and fostering a predictable business environment. On August 25, 2026, the Office […]

Authority to Launch Sewerage Service Fee Collection After Policy Review and Approval

In an important move to streamline the collection of sewerage service fees, the Council of Ministers convened a closed meeting on December 26, 2025, to discuss a draft sub-decree outlining the procedures for this process. Chaired by HE Liv Sovanna, Vice President and Chairman of the 4th Working Group of the Council of Lawmakers, and […]

National Council for Building Technical Regulations Takes Significant Steps Towards Enhanced Standards in Cambodia

HE Say Samal leads the meeting to approve the draft technical regulations to ensure safety and sustainability in the construction sector The National Council for Building Technical Regulations convened a significant meeting under the auspices of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, according to the meeting held on 18 December 2025. This […]

The Gov’t Announces New Public Bus Lines to Techo International Airport to Ease Traffic Congestion

In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and improve travel convenience, the Phnom Penh City Bus Autonomous Administration (CBA) has announced plans to launch two new public bus lines to Techo International Airport starting September 9, 2025. This initiative aims to provide residents and visitors with an efficient transportation option to one of Southeast Asia’s […]