Koh Kong

The two adjoining sugarcane concessions in Sre Ambel, Koh Kong province were granted in August 2006 to Koh Kong Plantation Co. Ltd and Koh Kong Sugar Co. Ltd.   Ly Yong Phat is named as the Director of Koh Kong Plantation Co. and Mr. Chamroon Chinthammit, CEO of Thai sugar firm Kohn Kaen Sugar (KSL), is named as the Director of Koh Kong Sugar Co. Ltd.   In reality, the two approximately 10,000 hectare concessions form one sugarcane growing and milling operation, which was reportedly initially owned by a joint venture comprising KSL (50%), the Taiwanese firm Ve Wong Corporation (30%) and Ly Yong Phat (20%).  In its 2010 annual report, KSL indicates that it obtained Ly Yong Phat’s share, giving a controlling 70% interest in both companies.

Multiple requests by concerned NGOs and lawyers representing affected people in Sre Ambel to initiate a dialogue with KSL have been ignored.

Read the Clean Sugar Campaign’s response to Ve Wong Corporation’s statement issued on July 18, 2012 in response to the campaign.

Kampong Speu

The two adjoining sugarcane concessions in Kampong Speu province were granted in February 2010 to Phnom Penh Sugar Co. Ltd and Kampong Speu Sugar Co. Ltd.  Ly Yong Phat is named as the Director of Phnom Penh Sugar Co. Ltd.  His wife, Mrs. Kim Heang, is named as the Director of Kampong Speu Sugar Co. Ltd.

Oddar Meanchey

The three sugarcane concessions in Oddar Meanchey province were granted to Angkor Sugar Co. Ltd, Tonle Sugar Cane Co. Ltd. and Cane and Sugar Valley Co. Ltd.  These concessions, totaling more than 19,700 hectares, are all clearly all connected, as all three companies applied for the concessions on the same day, received approval from the Council of Ministers on the same day (and in the same letter), and signed the concession contract on the same day.  A search of the directors of the three companies reveals they are all senior figures in the Thai sugar giant Mitr Pohl.  Mr. Buntoeung Vongkusolkit (Managing Director) and Mr. Krisda Monthienvichienchai (President), and Mr. Tat Wanakornkul (Vice-President).

On December 17, 2010 human rights groups Bridges Across Borders Cambodia and LICADHO wrote to the directors of Mitr Pohl seeking their explanation for the forced evictions and other human rights violations committed in conjunction with the concessions registered in their names.  The letter can be downloaded here.  No response was ever received.