Exclusive - Cambodian Netizens Call Out Duterte's Rude And Disrespectful Manner Upon Meeting With King

Outraged by what they perceived as a rude behavior from President Rodrigo Duterte, Cambodian citizens took their sentiments to social media to criticize the President's behavior and attire.

According to Cambodia News, "Photos and comments with strong criticizing [sic] have been made and shared from one to another [sic] over Duterte’s dress and his sitting attitude while meeting their respectful King."

His stance and posture was also noticed by the Cambodians as Duterte, seen in photos, leaned to his side, hands crossed and foot turned to a side that allowed the sole of his shoes to be seen while he conversed with King Norodom Sihamoni.

According to InterAksyon's interview with a Cambodian journalist, the casualness of the President was a disrespect to their culture and their monarch.

He explained that according to the culture of the Cambodians, the President's informality "is unacceptable even in a workplace job interview."

A Filipino who once worked in the country explained:

"Culturally, malaki ang premium ng decorum sa mga ganyan ang mga Khmer (the Khmer place a high premium on decorum on occasions like that)."

According to one netizen named Suon Sokheng, "Duterte is a president" therefore he "should understand the culture of other countries." He further emphasized Duterte's manner of "sitting, his shoe, his hands" were improper behavior and attitudes, noting that "he should sit properly as (a sign of) giving value to each other."