Cambodia Expats Online: Forum | News | Information | Blog

I'll have to admit that I am not very conversant when it comes to Cambodian politics. At one time, I was very interested in American politics. But what it has become, what we as a people have become is not something that I would choose to converse upon, and if I did so partake, nothing good would be said about the situation anyways.

But what about chatting with other expats about Cambodian politics? Is it a topic which is not broached much because most expats are not so knowledgeable about the topic, we are not interested in the topic, or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad? Listening to, or overhearing, a foreigner's strong opinions on politics or on society does not usually go over well in many places, foreign or domestic.

nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?

I've never understood that thinking.

I treat it like a restaurant: you pay, and you have the right to voice your opinion. In any event, the motivation behind the comment is important; constructive criticism should be welcomed.

I suspect the powers that be would welcome any positive comments, I'm not sure about any negative input, no matter how diplomatically termed.

I talk about it all the time with friends and acquaintances. But after a while, the conversation just run in circle.

vladimir wrote:

nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?

I've never understood that thinking.

In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.

nightmare.believer wrote:

vladimir wrote:

nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?

I've never understood that thinking.

In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.

Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.

OrangeDragon wrote:

nightmare.believer wrote:

vladimir wrote:

nightmare.believer wrote:or feel, like me, that as visitors in the Kingdom, it is not our place to offer opinions about which party or which politician we think are either good or bad?

I've never understood that thinking.

In such situations back in Barangland, I though the foreigner out of place to opine in the negative about domestic issues. Why? None of his damned business. You're in Cambodia as a guest of the country. It's the same thing. You might live there or even have a business, but everything politics is really none of your business. Many countries in Asia have had direct experience with foreigners interfering in past domestic situations, so the government and the people, in this case, would be more sensitive to foreign(ers)' opinions.

Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.

And there is not a single thing you can do about the political situation, and talking about it can only hurt you.

^ just a little Orwellian don't you think, NB?

StroppyChops wrote:^ just a little Orwellian don't you think, NB?

Not for SE Asia.

OrangeDragon wrote: Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.

Yeah but most posters have much less at stake here than you, and therefore don't feel the need or purpose to get too involved in local politics. I can't imagine locals anywhere appreciating foreigners getting involved in their politics. The locals might tolerate anyone who agrees with their own personal views voicing an opinion, but God help you if cross the line and take a position contrary to theirs. Could get quite ugly for you.

Soi Dog wrote:

OrangeDragon wrote: Take me for example. Politics here impact me, my life, my business, my family life, my extended family, etc. I have more than a visitors worth of vested interest in the success and growth of this country.

Yeah but most posters have much less at stake here than you, and therefore don't feel the need or purpose to get too involved in local politics. I can't imagine locals anywhere appreciating foreigners getting involved in their politics. The locals might tolerate anyone who agrees with their own personal views voicing an opinion, but God help you if cross the line and take a position contrary to theirs. Could get quite ugly for you.

I think that's the key - get involved at an arms length. I tried to show an interest in my former Khmer staffs' attitudes and ideals toward politics, and most if not all (and these were a very educated lot) were very coy about giving straight answers, and even told me to be very careful with what I say, not for fear for them, but for any eavesdroppers. I'm not paranoid, so didn't bother me, but it did bother them!