In Myanmar, connections with
the military are important, while in Cambodia the most
prominent tycoons have close connections with the
ruling Cambodian People’s Party (Milne 2015; Global
Witness 2007; 2015). In Laos and Vietnam, wealthy
business figures have emerged and tend to have strong
Party connections. However, as one-party states, the
relationship is based less on patronage and more on
relationships built around corruption and gatekeeping.
These private bases of power built on relationships
with public authorities are discussed below in reference
to interactions inherent in land deals.