SternAAlbifrons wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 7:53 am

willyhilly wrote: ↑Thu Sep 12, 2019 7:29 am Maybe they are just running out of trees and sand.

That is part of the equation for sure.
the power/returns/pay-off ratios are changing,
swinging towards a very different economic geography.

Eventually the rule of law and full participation in the global economy becomes more profitable than robber baron stuff.
especially when the trees have already all gone.

PS. maybe this was planned a few years ago.
That may explain the free hand to the wholesale slaughter of trees that really accelerated 4/5 years ago, especially up north.
Getting the last of them before the big changes come.
???

New trees & sand are called land and economic concessions.

Cambodia’s King Strips Senior Police Officers of ‘Okhna’ Title
2019-12-04
AP
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has stripped 36 senior police officers of their coveted “Okhna” status, a title of nobility increasingly used by those holding it to enable corruption and claim immunity from prosecution following the commission of crimes, according to reports.

Those now losing the title include Deputy National Police Commissioner Kheng Somet, sources say.

The title is given by royal decree to anyone who has contributed at least U.S. $500,000 to Cambodia’s government, and many who hold the title first amassed vast fortunes through successful business ventures in the country.

In August, Prime Minister HE ordered members of Cambodia’s military and police holding the Okhna designation to choose between their official and private titles, with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party acknowledging the move was made to minimize conflicts of interest and unfair advantage in business deals.

Next month, Cambodian Senate President Say Chhum—acting as head of state during the king’s brief absence from the country—stripped the title from 75 top military officers.

Speaking to RFA’s Khmer Service, environmental activist Heng Sros said however that many holding Okhna status outside the military and police also commit crimes, encroaching on village land and engaging in illegal logging.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambod ... 70520.html

Arget wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:44 am I am in awe of how a third world country can have so many millionaires per square meter yet still be so undeveloped and in need of world aid from any nation that makes contact.

This.

Arget wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:44 am I am in awe of how a third world country can have so many millionaires per square meter yet still be so undeveloped and in need of world aid from any nation that makes contact.

The real issue is how fair is the system. The rich keep their money, and can do what ever they want with no consequences. The poor don't get a fair go.

Arget wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:44 am I am in awe of how a third world country can have so many millionaires per square meter yet still be so undeveloped and in need of world aid from any nation that makes contact.

Aint that something...

Crazy to think that status seems to have more importance than long-term development.