Even if you managed the 3-day stint with Air Cambodge, LP, you didn't have to scratch the surface of RAC too deeply to realise that "Whatever happens, Cambodia must be given an opportunity to have their own flag carrier that not only is free of corruption...." is a pipe dream - something ENTIRELY impossible in that country. You weren't aware of the wine bottles that were refilled? Or the ones that were taken off the aircraft, sold back to the supplier, and the RE-sold to RAC!! That the airport "security" would turn a blind eye as their payment? Things going on, on YOUR aircraft (as Captain)!
The corruption ran through EVERY level of that airline, and extended to the catering suppliers, and Customs and Immigration.
Anyone who was able had his/her finger in the till. Mind you, they (RAC) had good teachers!! Do you know how many MAS "managers" were being supported by them??!!
BTW, I don't quite understand how my neighbour figures in this, when all ANYONE (including yourself) who went there had to do, was to be "situationally aware".
If any airline believes that they are going to be able to operate WITHOUT being party to these "handouts", their short term expectancy is assured - as a matter of FACT, they won't get airborne UNTIL the "right people" have been paid out. From then on, the numbers grow, until they finally kill the goose that lays the eggs.
It would be unfair in the extreme if any potential start-ups weren't made aware that their tenure will not be a long one, and that "handouts" will increase as airline revenue increases - until they finally overtake gross income!
But that doesn't worry the recipients, because they KNOW there'll be other suckers who'll start up, and will pay the Piper.
It's a way of life, in that part of the world.