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My gf informs that real Khmer monks:

1. Never walk around soliciting alms except in the morning

2. Never speak to people when they do - they just stand

3. Do not have a string of big beads

4. Do not have a little bell-like bowl

5. They don't give out bracelets or anything else

And that those who do the above are fake.

Is this correct?

If so I've seen a number of fakes in the last week or 2 down on or near the river and up towards st 51. I loudly heckled one who came into a restaurant I was eating in.

Plus two Philippina scammers on a bench on the riverside who complemented me on my t-shirt.

If you change that to 'My gf informs that real monks', then it's probably true.

Your gf is assuming that there are no fake Khmer monks.

Real monks don't go begging in restaurants.

It is so easy to spot real khmer monk. They all own smart phone and other modern devices. I have never given a shit with monk.

I swear that on numerous occasions while intoxicated that I have walked past monks saying the words to Reunion's "Life Is A Rock" to business owners.

Weird bringing this up in a post but today at my local Khmer coffee shop where I hide from the brutal assault the city inflicts one me. Their happened to be this fairly young western guy who has been frequenting my watering hole the last month or so. A "Chinese monk" comes rushing in and literally gets in this guys face trying to sell him beads or some shit. The Westerner was totally startled and I thought he was going to lay this monk out. After brushing him off he sees me and naturally does the something.

Now Mind you...this coffee shop is is completely on the other side of town where foreigners are rarely seen. So if these fake monks are venturing into lets say "none white territory" then we can safely say that the fake monks are multiplying.

Cheers! T.A.J

They never approach you! ( Like "normal" cambodians) , except they want something from you and then:
better walk away, because otherwise you'll be losing your time (and money)!

Samouth, are you a missionary?

Well said and well illustrated, Red Label

Well said and well illustrated, Red Label

Apparently that was very well said and very well illustrated, Red Label.