I actually bought a tuk tuk for Grandma's place in Thailand.

dang wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 8:18 am I actually bought a tuk tuk for Grandma's place in Thailand.

What's Grandma's place? Is that the cemetery?

JDMPRO777 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 26, 2017 11:05 pm I have lived in Siem Reap for one year now. Classic (try not to laugh or judge) case of middle aged american escaping New England winter who later opts out of his return ticket to take care of his new Khmer g/f and impending baby. ]

Did you knock up a local lass on vacation? Maybe the best thing for your girlfriend and child would be for you to move them back to the USA rather than living in squalor in the dog eating, brown rice-eschewing village.

The OP seems like an open guy who has a decent sense of humor about some things that he has found frustrating for understandable reasons.

OP: As an American, you may be extra vulnerable in Cambodia, especially if you dont have a job that provides you with some special security. Your prosperity depends on the graciousness of the locals because they hold the power. There are many people in Cambodia who don't particularly like outsiders in their land, which means your local friends will have to vouch for you from time to time to prevent these types from consuming you. There are certain small things that can raise your standing and keep you in good graces with the locals. One of them is using tuk tuks. A foreigner who uses tuk tuks is seen as contributing to the wellfare of the locals. It also relaxes locals by making it easier for them to keep tabs on you. If you take tuk tuks, eat at local places, put your hands together and show respect for the elders, remain quiet when speaking, especially when drinking, smile all the time, never insult Khmers or the Royal Family, and never flirt with any ofbthe wives of any Khmer men, chances are the local Khmers will keep you somewhat safe.

Sweeter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:25 pm OP: As an American, you may be extra vulnerable in Cambodia, especially if you dont have a job that provides you with some special security.

How are Americans extra vulnerable? Do you mean more vulnerable then Australians, Swedes, etc.?

There are certain small things that can raise your standing and keep you in good graces with the locals. One of them is using tuk tuks. A foreigner who uses tuk tuks is seen as contributing to the wellfare of the locals. It also relaxes locals by making it easier for them to keep tabs on you.

Well this is nuts.

Cam Nivag wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:28 pm

Sweeter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 2:25 pm OP: As an American, you may be extra vulnerable in Cambodia, especially if you dont have a job that provides you with some special security.

How are Americans extra vulnerable? Do you mean more vulnerable then Australians, Swedes, etc.?

There are certain small things that can raise your standing and keep you in good graces with the locals. One of them is using tuk tuks. A foreigner who uses tuk tuks is seen as contributing to the wellfare of the locals. It also relaxes locals by making it easier for them to keep tabs on you.

Well this is nuts.

Probly some elefant begpacker

This is just my opinion having lived in Cambodia ~3 years exclusively with locals. There is a sort of neighborhood watch that extends over much of the country, making determinations about the guests in the land. Many things we may not think are important may be important to locals. There is sometimes a perception that foreigners are more dangerous when driving, which may or may not be fair. In any case, if a tuk tuk is being loud or driving too fast, it's on the tuk tuk and the barang is not faulted. On the other hand, if a barang drives in a way that frightens locals, it could possibly put that barang in especially poor standing. Then there is the issue of thefts, tickets, and maintenance. Depending on one's luck, paying for tuk tuks could be cheaper than owning one in the long run.

Owning a vehicle also has its advantages of course (freedom, fun).

Sweeter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 3:20 pm This is just my opinion having lived in Cambodia ~3 years exclusively with locals. There is a sort of neighborhood watch that extends over much of the country, making determinations about the guests in the land. Many things we may not think are important may be important to locals. There is sometimes a perception that foreigners are more dangerous when driving, which may or may not be fair. In any case, if a tuk tuk is being loud or driving too fast, it's on the tuk tuk and the barang is not faulted. On the other hand, if a barang drives in a way that frightens locals, it could possibly put that barang in especially poor standing. Then there is the issue of thefts, tickets, and maintenance. Depending on one's luck, paying for tuk tuks could be cheaper than owning one in the long run.

Owning a vehicle alsonhas its advantages of course (freedom, fun).

"Do not be the judge of people; do not make assumptions about others.
A person is destroyed by holding judgments about others. "

-Gautama Buddha

Sounds very much like you are saying the majority of the countries people are acting otherwise than in accordance with the countries majority religion.
Maybe its you they are watching because you give them reason to.

others views on this would be beneficial because im not seeing now nor have I previously
we do stand out easily & are easier remembered for it
as for driving its logical to trust foreigners less
in the uk numerous get injured with continental Europeans & americans driving on the wrong side of the road

chorlton wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 3:28 pm
"Do not be the judge of people; do not make assumptions about others.
A person is destroyed by holding judgments about others. "

-Gautama Buddha

Sounds very much like you are saying the majority of the countries people are acting otherwise than in accordance with the countries majority religion.

Do you disagree with that?

Sweeter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 28, 2017 3:20 pm This is just my opinion having lived in Cambodia ~3 years exclusively with locals. There is a sort of neighborhood watch that extends over much of the country, making determinations about the guests in the land. Many things we may not think are important may be important to locals. There is sometimes a perception that foreigners are more dangerous when driving, which may or may not be fair. In any case, if a tuk tuk is being loud or driving too fast, it's on the tuk tuk and the barang is not faulted. On the other hand, if a barang drives in a way that frightens locals, it could possibly put that barang in especially poor standing. Then there is the issue of thefts, tickets, and maintenance. Depending on one's luck, paying for tuk tuks could be cheaper than owning one in the long run.

Owning a vehicle also has its advantages of course (freedom, fun).

It helps to tip tuk tuks and buy them beers.

Most are good fun