I've got a long layover in Bangkok airport on my way to Hong Kong so I thought I'd post a bit.
I was interesting talking to the Cambodian people that I met: my guide, driver, someone at an internet place, even a monk at a local temple in town. They want to learn and practice English. I got the impression of pride in their country and they encouraged me to see more of it.
Something on everyones mind is the border dispute with Thailand. This is very important to them. Cambodians really feel like the underdog, and its easy to sympathize.
They are aware of the horrors of the past, but they did not dwell on it. They spoke of it matter-of-factly, but seemed more interested in moving on.
This biggest problem is corruption. I met a young American guy who is a teacher with an NGO, helping poor school kids. He told me that the Cambodian teachers make so little money that they require bribes from students to learn the full curriculum, so if you are poor you don't get an education. That's one example. Hopefully the NGOs work will result in better lives for the next generation.
I was interesting talking to the Cambodian people that I met: my guide, driver, someone at an internet place, even a monk at a local temple in town. They want to learn and practice English. I got the impression of pride in their country and they encouraged me to see more of it.
Something on everyones mind is the border dispute with Thailand. This is very important to them. Cambodians really feel like the underdog, and its easy to sympathize.
They are aware of the horrors of the past, but they did not dwell on it. They spoke of it matter-of-factly, but seemed more interested in moving on.
This biggest problem is corruption. I met a young American guy who is a teacher with an NGO, helping poor school kids. He told me that the Cambodian teachers make so little money that they require bribes from students to learn the full curriculum, so if you are poor you don't get an education. That's one example. Hopefully the NGOs work will result in better lives for the next generation.
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