Burma is the providing source of nearly eighty percent of the world's internationally traded teak wood.  Burma established plantations to produce teak in 1856 and those early foresters had the foresight to make it possible for future generations to reap the financial benefits of the plantations on a sustainable basis.  However, a Burmese military coup in 1962 began a reign of terror and oppression that led to the development of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) that still exists today altered the nature of the Burmese teak industry.  The SLORC utilizes rape, torture, forced labor/relocation, multi-level intimidation, and fear to control Burmese people.  Many of these offenses are rampant in the teak plantation industry.  Protests of the practices and reign of the SLORC often result in fatal blood baths for the protesters. 

 

Burma is home of mainland Asia's last ancient rain forests and the world's last primary teak forests.  Both of these valuable natural resources are being liquidated to assist with funding for the SLORC's reign.  Plantations are also being regulated by entities that promote harsh working conditions and little to no stability for their employees.  These forests are natural habitats for many rare animal and plant species, which are now in danger of extinction.  Capable of becoming a source of great income and pride for the Burmese people, teak plantations and forests are now a source of unsafe working environments, lower rates of pay, child labor abuses and generally unfair working conditions.  Many plantation owners also employ slave labor practices and will terminate workers with no support or explanation.