The growth of the sugar industry in Southeast Asia resulted in the displacement of many small farmers. But some farmers in Cambodia are finally trying to get compensation for their losses, and, in some cases, violent harassment by sugar producers. A class action lawsuit in Thailand filed by Cambodian farmers is considered to be a major landmark for this part of the world. New
Teng Kao tells of his community’s efforts to get their land back, and the high price they paid for a state-led ‘development’ scheme which prioritised corporate profits over their rights.