" I love your wife" ?

well, I think that applies to all nationalities, if the person speaks English.

Staff working in the service industry are taught (or, should be taught) to always say "Just a moment" and add "I'll be right back" or "I'll be right with you." Then, they should say "Sorry for the delay" or something similar when they are to turn the attention to the waiting person.

Even with friends, you usually at least make it a question: "Can you wait just a second? Thanks."

"its your round"

'You have nothing!'

They hate that. Poverty is regarded like a disease in Cambodia, like Leprosy.

That is why they have to have a new motorbike, a big car, an expensive phone. Nothing else will do. Unless you are so frikin poor there is nothing you can do about it.

Ironic in a country that is poor isn't it?

I can’t repeat it here as it could get a member killed if used in the wrong situation; the 0.01% where it won’t is with Khmers who have known you for years and treat you like family & know you’re just showing that you’ve got a filthy sense of humour & command of the language. Even in that setting, still dangerous.

Why would you want to say something nasty to a local anyway? We’re visitors in this country, have some respect and simply say the usual “fuck off” if you must (tuk-tuks cutting you up or whatever). Beyond that you’re asking for a beating & the police/locals are only going to take one side.

joi moi? I got told never get that mixed up as it could spell disaster

Cabal Ack Ch’kai