Lexus SUV in Phnom Penh Night

Lexus SUV in Phnom Penh Night - Chris Coles

It probably cost 100,000 plus USD, more than a lifetime income for most Cambodians, much less what they might save.........it's shiny, invunerable, air-conditioned to the max and takes one of Cambodia's Big Men wherever he wants to go.........

Khmer "Big Man"

Khmer "Big Man" - Chris Coles

There are many Khmer "Big Man" statues scattered around Phnom Penh, none of them smiling..........

Phnom Penh Poster

Phnom Penh Poster - Chris Coles

Hinduism permeates Cambodia...from the gigantic Hindu temple known as Angkor Wat to the role of the "Big Man", the acceptance of place and status, inherited Karma, entitlement and impunity....the religion of Buddha is a distant second...

Wedding Island Hummer

Wedding Island Hummer - Chris Coles

Why park in a normal spot when you can use the sidewalk....isn't that the whole point of being a Cambodia "Big Man" and laying out the 100,000 plus for a Hummer SUV......

"Big Man" Statue Naga Casino Phnom Penh

"Big Man" Statue Naga Casino Phnom Penh - Chris Coles

No reason to leave "traditional Khmer culture" out of the picture just because Phnom Penh's changing.....everyone needs a daily reminder so they don't forget who's the boss.....how Cambodia's organized.....it keeps them out of trouble...

Wedding Island Banquet Hall Phnom Penh

 

Banquet Hall, Phnom Penh Wedding Island - Chris Coles

A thousand guests, all dressed up, sit down to eat, drink and celebrate a hi-end super expensive Cambodian wedding between someone somehow connected to a "Big Man" to someone else connected to another "Big Man"......live band, Khmer pop singer, dancers...lots of gifts, some of them cash stuffed in envelopes....it's the new Phnom Penh, the new Cambodia, rising from the ashes of the Khmer Rouge nightmare....