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This is a question I've been asked a number of times by khmers during my stay in PP. I've worded it the way it's often expressed.

More recently, I was in a taxi to the airport and the driver spoke english quite well. It was a long drive as the traffic was very busy. And so this guy felt like chatting and he wasn't too intrusive at all, asking the usual questions of: How long you stay Cambodia? etc Then when I told him I lived in PP, he asked did I have a GF or wife. After that he popped the topic question. To be fair, he later asked: And how about girl in your country?

There was another time when I was going through immigration at the airport (and probably given my long term visa extension and multiple passport stamps) the officer said: You like Cambodia girl? That's it...out of the blue..

I've got some ideas on why they ask these questions but I don't want to be pre-emptive given I haven't been living here as long as some members and therefore may not properly appreciate the khmer thinking. So, I'm curious as to what members think is/are their motive(s) when they ask these type of questions and why its seems to be a popular one to ask.

Random Cambodian: Why barang man like girl with dark skin?

Me: I don't know. Maybe because some of us aren't racist?

Sometimes what is meant, i suspect, is
"Are you a sexpat?"
oreven a subtle way of saying
"You are just here for our women, aren't you?"

They resent you being here for their women and can’t help but try and find out why you don’t stick with your own.

Can’t say I recall being asked that question though.

I now tend to answer that yes, i like Cambodia girls but Cambodia girls like Cambodia men more than barangs. When they look surprised, i add that it’s because of better marriage prospects with Cambodia men. Which is not a lie. This answer seems to make them satisfied.

i got told in my first month in cambodia
Barang for Money
khmer for love
its true

PIEMAN wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2020 2:59 pm i got told in my first month in cambodia
Barang for Money
khmer for love
its true

Partly because women love with ears. Learn the local language to talk to them. English doesn’t reach their heart.
I noticed many times that what indecent words they can say in English they are afraid to say in their own language. Because English is unnatural for them. Their own language strikes straight to their heart and soul.

hunter8 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2020 3:02 pm

PIEMAN wrote: ↑Fri Jan 24, 2020 2:59 pm i got told in my first month in cambodia
Barang for Money
khmer for love
its true

Partly because women love with ears. Learn the local language to talk to them. English doesn’t reach their heart.
I noticed many times that what indecent words they can say in English they are afraid to say in their own language. Because English is unnatural for them. Their own language strikes straight to their heart and soul.

And hence why maybe in the barang case (altho probably not exclusively), khmer girls apply the 'actions speak louder than words' dictum ie show me your generosity and true intentions by showering me with gifts. Coz unless we can stimulate them intellectually, and as you say, strike their heart and soul..it is what it is..

Jesus, even at the airport? Maybe you look like a total sex tourist?

Joking aside, I think it simply stems from wondering about foreign women. I think many Khmer men have this notion that women in Cambodia are "purer", as in they're good wives, really soft-spoken and so on, and assume that foreign women are loose, evil, make horrible mothers/wives or something. That's my take on it anyways.

Australian woman no good, to hard, take house!
Reply.....................................Laugh