In Cambodia kissing in Public, female and male hugging and also holding hands are guestures considered inappropriate.
However, President Emmanuel Macron of France caused a near cultural crash when he kissed a young Cambodian boy.
During his walk along Phnom Penh’s riverside last night, President Macron greeted a young Cambodian boy with a kiss on the cheek.
In France such a guesture is familiar, but less common in Cambodia.
While in Cambodia one is advised to avoid any physical intimacy near temples, schools, markets, or rural villages.
Kissing family members or loved ones on the lips or cheek is not standard practice in Cambodia.
Cambodia people traditionally greet or show affection with a hug or a traditional “sniff kiss” (pressing the nose to the cheek and inhaling gently).
Macron’s gesture has triggered a lengthy debate over local media outlets.
Cambodia is a conservative, Buddhist-majority society, public displays of affection (PDA) are considered disrespectful and offensive.
The French leader begun a tour of Southeast Asia with a 48-hour stop in Cambodia. He will be heading to Malaysia.
