Love Interest 2026 Update

[hank75]

2 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

At either end of Pub St,  in Siem Reap, there is usually a small group of musicians,  all amputees, said to be casualties of land mines. The music isn't great, but I always give them my loose rials. 

I think someone mentioned to me that they are no longer land mine victims just normal amputees (farming or cat accident) but carrying on the “advertising”. Regardless they still need donations from good hearted tourists such as yourself 

[PeterRS]

2 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

You are shown what is said to be the tree in the Killing Fields.

All babies whose parent or parents entered Tuol Sleng prison were murdered at the Killing Fields. According to Douch, this was so that they would not live to avenge the death of their family. He revealed this detail at his trial.

However, this form of horrific murder was not confined to The Killing Fields. in The Gate Francois Bizot writes that he saw this occur several times in the countryside where he was captured.

[macaroni21]

1 hour ago, hank75 said:

just normal amputees (farming or cat accident) 

Thanks for the warning. I shall be careful with Cambodian cats on my next visit. 🤭

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

At either end of Pub St,  in Siem Reap, there is usually a small group of musicians,  all amputees, said to be casualties of land mines. The music isn't great, but I always give them my loose rials. 

there's also another band of amputees playing at Banteay Samre temple 

[jimmie50]

Well, we didn’t make it to Chiang Mai just yet.  Had to make a change in plans due to illness.  It seems I came down with a touch of the flu, although I have no idea where I would have picked up that bug.  I suppose it could have been anywhere.   Started with chills and a high fever on Sunday and I spent most of that day and Monday in bed.  Cam has been absolutely incredible.  As I have mentioned in other posts, he is very attentive and was even more so with me being sick.  He was very worried and concerned.  Went to the pharmacy to get some medicine and explained to them my symptoms, age, and other medications I take on a daily basis.  He got some type of thing that you put on your forehead and it is supposed to help with fever.  He boiled water with lemon and ginger, then dipped towels in the water to give me a sponge bath and wrapped the towels around different parts of my body.  He prepared some rice porridge trying to get me to eat something.  Basically, he didn’t want to leave my side.  He kept track of when I should take the next dose of medicine…even if it was the middle of the night.  He even called his mother to ask her what he should do to help me.  She was actually concerned that I had somehow contracted dengue fever.  She suggested to him that I should see a doctor and be tested for that.  As a result, when I started to feel a little better Tuesday, he contacted a friend of his in Bangkok who has led tour groups before and has had to take foreigners to see a doctor for medical emergencies in the city.  His friend told him to take me to Bangkok Christian Hospital, so off we went around 11am.

I was very impressed with both the facilities, the level of care I received, and the overall efficiency.  Cam had never been there before, so upon our arrival we were not sure if we should go to emergency or in the main entrance.  The security guard immediately recognized we were not sure where to go, so he helped direct us inside the main entrance and to the registration desk.  Within a matter of minutes I was registered as a patient and send to the second floor medical department.  Again, within just a few minutes the nursing staff had me weigh in, took my temperature, blood pressure and oxygen levels and asked what symptoms I was experiencing…in English, I might add.  I would estimate from the time we arrived until the time I actually saw a doctor was no more than 15 minutes!  The doctor was very thorough with reasonably good English.  Cam was with me the entire time.  He mentioned to the doctor their concern about dengue fever.  Doctor ordered blood work to check for a number of things, including dengue and Covid.  He explained the lab would send him the test results within an hour…that we should wait after leaving the lab and he would review the results with us and determine if any medications were needed to be prescribed.  He also reviewed a list of my current medications and made notes for reference.  Because of heart medication I take, there are some medications I am not supposed to have that will have a bad reaction.  It was a relief to me that he wrote this information down.

Long story short…turns out I have a mild case of influenza.  Doctor said it was currently going around and I could have picked it up anywhere.  Prescribed several different medicines to control fever, body aches, and congestion.  Said take the medicine for five days, and if not better by then I should return.  Total cost for this hospital visit, including all of the lab work and medications was 5000 Baht, or approximately $150 USD.  Just to see the doctor in US would have cost me more than $150!!!   Not only was the level of care and service provided far and above what I would receive in the US, but how little it cost was amazing.  Since I am over 65 and on Medicare in the US, they do not cover any expenses incurred outside of the US.  However, I have supplemental medical insurance for just such a reason and can submit the hospital bill for reimbursement when I return to Denver.

[jimmie50]

On 6/15/2026 at 7:14 AM, Travelingguy said:

If your desire to teach English is more about having something to do and not abut the money, you could do language exchange instead.  An hour with someone.  First 30 minutes is you teaching them English and the second 30 minutes is them teaching you Khmer. 

They don’t need any special training.  You can have magazines and children’s books and they can talk to you in Khmer like you were a very young child.  It is the most effective way to learn a language.  It is called language acquisition.  

It isn’t commercial.  You get as much out of it as them and you make some friends.

Thanks, this is an excellent solution.  It wasn't about needing the money, but more about finding something to do with my time.  I have downloaded an app on my phone and am trying to learn some simple, basic Khmer phrases.  Cam is also helping me learn some words and phrases.  However, it takes a long time to teach this old dog new tricks...it is a work in progress.  lol.  

[jimmie50]

On 6/14/2026 at 5:47 PM, hank75 said:

If Cam is like the other Cambodian boys I know, don’t get him started on whether muay thai is actually Thai or Cambodian. I was thoroughly lectured on the history of “kun Khmer” illustrated by multiple YouTube examples of a Cambodian fighter pounding a Thai fighter into the dust. 

Too late.  I already made that mistake a few weeks ago and had to sit through a host of Youtube videos pointing out the difference between the two...and which came first.  I don't bring that up anymore!!!  

[jimmie50]

On 6/15/2026 at 9:10 AM, PeterRS said:

I am surprised that you mention the urban areas because the Khmer Rouge basically emptied them of all citizens. Millions were marched at gunpoint into the countryside. When there, they were treated dreadfully. There are even true reports of babies being murdered by being thrown against trees.

I mentioned the urban areas specifically for that reason.  His family was already living in the rural areas and not part of that mass exodus from the cities.  From that standpoint, I assume it was somewhat of a better situation for them...if there was such a thing as 'better situation' to be had.  

I have watched a couple of French videos on Youtube within the last couple of weeks that include interviews with Francois Bizot and found them very interesting.  I usually try to watch things like that during the time Cam goes to the gym since I do not want to get him riled up.  After two or three evenings of that...I am very careful what I say and when I watch something that is historical about Cambodia.  

[vinapu]

3 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

...I am very careful what I say and when I watch something that is historical about Cambodia.  

very wisely.

We tend to look at Khmers as victims of unspeakable atrocities, at the same time forgetting conveniently  that those were perpetrated not by invaders but by their own compatriots, who often evaded any penalty. Not only Pol Pot died in his bed. There's quite a chance that smiling granddaddy passing by has story he doesn't want to tell and we don't want to hear   

[kram987]

20 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

Well, we didn’t make it to Chiang Mai just yet.  Had to make a change in plans due to illness.  It seems I came down with a touch of the flu, although I have no idea where I would have picked up that bug.  I suppose it could have been anywhere.   Started with chills and a high fever on Sunday and I spent most of that day and Monday in bed.  Cam has been absolutely incredible.  As I have mentioned in other posts, he is very attentive and was even more so with me being sick.  He was very worried and concerned.  Went to the pharmacy to get some medicine and explained to them my symptoms, age, and other medications I take on a daily basis.  He got some type of thing that you put on your forehead and it is supposed to help with fever.  He boiled water with lemon and ginger, then dipped towels in the water to give me a sponge bath and wrapped the towels around different parts of my body.  He prepared some rice porridge trying to get me to eat something.  Basically, he didn’t want to leave my side.  He kept track of when I should take the next dose of medicine…even if it was the middle of the night.  He even called his mother to ask her what he should do to help me.  She was actually concerned that I had somehow contracted dengue fever.  She suggested to him that I should see a doctor and be tested for that.  As a result, when I started to feel a little better Tuesday, he contacted a friend of his in Bangkok who has led tour groups before and has had to take foreigners to see a doctor for medical emergencies in the city.  His friend told him to take me to Bangkok Christian Hospital, so off we went around 

I am very impressed, I can understand why you like him!!

[jimmie50]

20 hours ago, vinapu said:

We tend to look at Khmers as victims of unspeakable atrocities, at the same time forgetting conveniently  that those were perpetrated not by invaders but by their own compatriots, who often evaded any penalty. Not only Pol Pot died in his bed. There's quite a chance that smiling granddaddy passing by has story he doesn't want to tell and we don't want to hear 

I tread very softly when it comes to this as I know it can be a very sensitive issue.  We do talk about families, and I know both grandmothers are still alive, but both grandfathers have passed away.  I do not know the circumstances, nor do I ask.  It doesn't matter the how, when or why...just to know they have passed.  I did ask one time if his parents ever talked about their experiences as children growing up during that period of time and he basically said 'no' and offered no additional information.  Thus, I dropped the subject.  What they have shared with their children may well be that deep, dark family secret that nobody talks about.  I have a great uncle (maternal grandmother's brother) who, whenever he came to town the drapes and blinds closed tight, we were instructed not to open them until told otherwise, not to answer the door, and not to go outside to play without permission and adult supervision.  To this day, nobody in the family my age or younger has a clue what that was all about.  My grandmother's generation took that secret to their graves.  Whatever he chooses to share is entirely up to him and there will be no 'search for the truth' on my part.  It is history...hopefully we learn from it and move forward.  

[jimmie50]

Today is the last day of medication from the hospital and I am pretty much back to 100%.  Feeling fine now, so we will try again next week for our journey north to Chiang Mai.  To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much the medication was going to help as I was concerned about the dosage.  I had this problem when I was living in Taiwan with my ex and needed to see a doctor.  They are not quite sure how to prescribe the appropriate dosage for someone my size, so it usually ends up falling short.  I was not overly optimistic that it would be any different here, but it seems to have worked so I am pleasantly surprised.  Cam had to provide daily updates to his mother and youngest sister.  It seems everyone was keeping tabs on how I was progressing. I found this somewhat amusing, because I never even bothered to tell my own sister back in Denver that I was sick or had gone to see a doctor at the hospital.  We just continued our daily, brief texts as usual and I never mentioned it at all.

We had a discussion last night about my time in Cambodia while the new house is under construction.  Cam is worried about me being in Battambang so much of the time by myself, as he will need to be at the construction project every day.  He does have a valid point and I ultimately agreed with him.  His brother is a builder and has other projects.  He won’t be able to devote 100% of his time to the new house.  His father will be there, but is older and may not be able to do some of the heavier work.  His mother and youngest sister will be there as well, but I am not sure how much help either of them will be.  Brother and brother-in-law’s not only have jobs but families that will require some attention.  While they plan to hire local labor to help with the actual work, Cam is going to need to be on site every day during construction to supervise and be the point person to deal with any questions or problems that arise.  Battambang is also an hour drive by motorbike one way to his home town.  That is two hours out of his day just for travel when he needs to be focused on construction.  He is worried that I will be angry and miserable most of the time because he will not be able to focus his attention on me or us.  After the serious discussion, we arrived with a compromise solution that we are both happy with and solves the problem.  I will return to Denver in early December just before the new construction begins and spend the holidays with my family.  He and his brother estimate the project will take two months…but I think it will be more like three so am allowing for that in my schedule.  Construction will begin on December 8.  You may be curious as to why this specific date…I know I was.  It is all based upon the fortune teller his mother consulted.  That was determined to be the luckiest day to begin the build.  According to Cam’s schedule, construction should be completed in early February, but I will schedule my return to Cambodia for early March.  If the house does finish in early February, I can always change my return to an earlier date.  We will still look for an apartment in September with a one-year lease or rental agreement and keep the apartment during the construction period even though I will be in Denver.  Cam may need a break from family and can escape to Battambang to hang out with friends as needed.

[hank75]

All very valid but no point overthinking at this stage. Having holidays with your family sounds good and sensible, as it would be a pity to drift from them despite new life and new love. It could be that you enjoy farang-friendly Siem Reap and don’t mind spending time there solo continuing your Khmer language studies, with Cam coming over for weekends. You were independent before Cam and can continue to be even while being ensconced in a relationship with him. Spending some time getting to know Cambodia on your own and forming your own circle of expat or retiree friends would help greatly in settling there long term, this could be the perfect opportunity. 

[jason1975]

1 hour ago, jimmie50 said:

I will return to Denver in early December just before the new construction begins and spend the holidays with my family.  He and his brother estimate the project will take two months…but I think it will be more like three so am allowing for that in my schedule.  Construction will begin on December 8.  You may be curious as to why this specific date…I know I was.  It is all based upon the fortune teller his mother consulted.  That was determined to be the luckiest day to begin the build.  According to Cam’s schedule, construction should be completed in early February, but I will schedule my return to Cambodia for early March.

Yes. When my guy started construction of his house in Vietnam this year, he consulted a fortune teller and could only start on a specific date in late Feb / early March (I can't remember when exactly). There was a ceremony to pray to the gods to bless the construction.

You are wise to provide allowance time for the house construction. My guy's house completion is pushed back two months because all work has stopped now for two months. The contractor has redirected the workers to another construction project (corporate I think) which pay more.

My guy's house is two storeys. Only the first storey is completed. The workers will only work on the second storey next month.

Also, the cost of materials has increased by about 20% (thanks to Trump!) compared to last year when my guy budgeted for his house so he has to take additional loan from the bank.

[PeterRS]

On 6/17/2026 at 3:53 PM, jimmie50 said:

Had to make a change in plans due to illness.  It seems I came down with a touch of the flu, although I have no idea where I would have picked up that bug.  I suppose it could have been anywhere.   Started with chills and a high fever on Sunday and I spent most of that day and Monday in bed.

Quick question. Do you get an annual 'flu shot? I had this recommended years ago and take a few minutes each year to have it done. Never had 'flu since.

[vinapu]

33 minutes ago, PeterRS said:

 Do you get an annual 'flu shot? I had this recommended years ago and take a few minutes each year to have it done. Never had 'flu since.

you are not alone

[kram987]

1 hour ago, PeterRS said:

Quick question. Do you get an annual 'flu shot? I had this recommended years ago and take a few minutes each year to have it done. Never had 'flu since.

I get it every year, and have gotten sick(my job I get high exposure) just nothing serious.

[jimmie50]

1 hour ago, PeterRS said:

Do you get an annual 'flu shot?

Yes.  I have gotten one every year ever since they have been available.  Working with moderate to severe special education students in a school setting put staff at high risk for all sorts of germs.  I have had every kind of vaccine and shot available, and those that are annual are always on my to do list, like the flu shot.  Even though I am now retired, I make it a point to keep up with all of that.  I imagine the flu shot I received last fall has waned in potency, but probably helped this not become a severe case.  

[spoon]

Just a tidbit info about flu shots. There are two different flu shots to cater to the different strains depending on northern and southern hemisphere. Apparently it depends on when is the flu season (usually winter). When i asked google ai the better option for Malaysia and Thailand, it says southern hemisphere is the better option as it aligns with the rainy season.

[jimmie50]

I guess I will need to consider the Southern Hemisphere version once in Cambodia...if it is even available there.  

[Keithambrose]

7 hours ago, PeterRS said:

Quick question. Do you get an annual 'flu shot? I had this recommended years ago and take a few minutes each year to have it done. Never had 'flu since.

Every year, worked so far!

[hank75]

15 hours ago, jimmie50 said:

I guess I will need to consider the Southern Hemisphere version once in Cambodia...if it is even available there.  

You should be able to do a quick run over to Thailand and get vaccinated there, otherwise Royal Phnom Penh Hospital is managed by the Bangkok Hospital Group and uses the same vaccination protocols 

Contrary to other forum members, I had a flu shot a few months ago and have still managed to pick up all kinds of viruses due to high exposure in my work. However I do feel the severity was lessened. 

 

 

[jimmie50]

Finally made it to Chiang Mai, although I am not sure I would attempt such an adventure via private car again.  The car service itself was great.  I just didn’t realize how long it was going to take on the drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and again on the return trip.  With stops, travel time was around 10 hours.  Two full days for travel, so that left us three days for exploring Chiang Mai.  I used the same car service that I use to/from Suvarnabhumi and also used for the trip to Pattaya.  Probably a little pricey, but I have been very happy with the service.  Given Cam’s status, it was more about my peace of mind and need to be sure he was safe.  If we ever visit in the future, hopefully his status will not be an issue and we can go by air or train.

Cannot report on the gay scene in Chiang Mai as we did not visit any of the bars or club.  Pretty much did typical tourist stuff with a local guide.  Enjoyed exploring the Old City, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.  Also traveled to the mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.  Visited nearby hill tribes and learned a bit about the Karen and Hmong communities.  Took a trip up to Doi Inthanon and saw the Two Pagodas.  Stopped at an elephant sanctuary along the way.  Went to several night markets in the evenings, but my favorite was the Night Bazaar.  All in all, it was a great trip.

Back in Bangkok now and realize that our time here is growing short.  Does not seem possible that two months have already passed.  Today is my birthday, so we have invited a few of his snooker buddies to join us for dinner, then we will play some snooker together, and the two of us will probably end up going to the late show at Banana Bar before heading back to the condo.  This will be one of the few times we have gone to Silom on this trip.  We have managed to avoid the area for the most part.  Focus of this trip was to be on each other and away from the gay scene.

While I try to avoid watching Youtube videos now that have anything to do with Cambodian history when Cam is around, he feels very comfortable expressing his opinions around me and there have been several evenings that he has gotten riled up.  Most of the time he has listened to something on TikTok or Facebook that has prompted this reaction.  I have learned the best thing for me to do is simply listen to him vent without making too many comments.

[bkkmfj2648]

Great info - thanks for sharing it with us.

Did Cam like and enjoy the trip, Chiang Mai, etc.?

Has Cam been up north before?

[jimmie50]

23 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Did Cam like and enjoy the trip, Chiang Mai, etc.?

Has Cam been up north before?

That was his first trip up north.  Other than a previous trip to Pattaya with friends and the back and forth to Cambodia on visa runs, he hasn't ventured outside of Bangkok.  He did enjoy the trip and in the future could probably be persuaded to visit again...although minus the long car ride.