Kimseng Men says it is also increasingly common in Cambodia for people to move away from their families. He says some move to cities to find new jobs. Others borrow money to keep their land. Then they have to work in other areas to repay their debt.

But he says some people are doing quite well in Cambodia.

“Those who are in power, the elite team, those who are very well connected to the leader are the ones who benefit the most.”

These include officials who are in a position to help foreign investors, he says.

“I said, your country, Cambodia, has very good laws. But the problem is, who’s implementing it. Who’s in charge of it? And if those who implement the law put it in a way to serve their own group interest, and then you’re not protecting the people anymore.”

Kimseng Men says ordinary people also have a responsibility. They can find out what changes are happening in their area. They can join with their neighbors and tell the government how they want to manage those changes, he says.

“They should let them know in advance. They should not wait until it’s too late. When they already agree to those investments and then come in with their machinery, it’s hard to pull them away.”

Filmmaker Kalyanee Mam agrees that development can be positive.

“I think that change is inevitable. Changes are, you know, to a certain extent, you know, good for you.”