"Thai Court Fixes May 9 Hearing for Oddar Meanchey Villagers Versus Global Sugar Producer Case", 29 March 2024

Three villagers from Cambodia traveled to Thailand to file documents against one of the world’s largest sugar manufacturers, Thai-owned Mitr Phol Sugar Co Ltd, at a Thai court ...

The villagers, who are the plaintiffs, and Mitr Phol, were required to submit evidence …, according to Sor Rattanamanee Polkla, a Thai lawyer representing the trio…

“Thursday was evidence examination day in which both parties brought their documents to present in court. Both sides also need to check the documents,” Polkla told ...

The parties requested for time to go through the documents, she said, adding that the court fixed May 9 for hearing.

Plaintiffs usually appear in court on testimony day although they are allowed to sit through the whole trial. This is one way for the plaintiffs to understand the process and be part of the case at every stage, she said.

Ma Oukchoeun, a victim from Oddar Meanchey, told … that the communities were affected by Mitr Phol and had been seeking support from local and international NGOs to file complaints within the Thai legal system and outside Thailand…

“I cannot assume that the case with the Thai court would yield results but we need to file all the documents for examination…

“This is a landmark case where we seek collective justice for the affected families, not just individuals. It will show the world that we are suffering due to this company. I hope the Thai court will do us justice,” Oukchoeun shared…