Frustrated Cambodian police turned hairdressers this week in an effort to teach the fashion-conscious youth of today the dangers of drugs in a way they might understand - by ruining their expensive hairdos.
Deputy Military Police Chief of Banteay Meanchey province on the Thai border, Ou Borin, said his men had put down their guns and taken up hair clippers, shaving unsightly shapes into repeat offenders' quiffs to show them life isn't all about party drugs.
Crime is on the increase. Whether it's due to the magical disappearance of the amusement park on Sisowath Quay (a former favorite teenage hangout), or the new appearance of a growing middle class, some Khmer teenagers have begun to take to the streets with guns.
This last Saturday two Australian Ex-pats were walking home after dinner in the BKK neighbourhood and were stopped by a young man on an expensive bike with a very large handgun. He spoke one word of English to them "Money", took their cash, wallets, sense of safety and sped off.
The desperate and dateless situation for the females in Phnom Penh really hit hard on Valentine's day this year. This single gal assessed her options... I could have gone speed dating at the FCC but the idea of giving a kiss, hug or cross to a man I already know, work with, is married, or will invariably run into at 'The Shop' on Saturday morning didn't really appeal.
I could have put in a bid at the Bachelor Auction but decided that things really were getting desperate if I had to pay for a date...
Award-winning author Geoff Ryman, 56, was born in Canada but has lived most of his life in England. He is an author and has written numerous award-winning fiction, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His most recent short story about Cambodia 'Pol Pot's Beautiful Daughter,' has just been nominated for a 2007 Hugo Award given annually for science fiction and fantasy. Past Hugo winners include Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.
Nata is an elegant alternative for the urbanite who knows her way around a spa. While the spa offers the usual range of services -- from aromatherapy to traditional Asian bodywork--its specialized treatments are what set the facility apart from the rest of Phnom Penh's offerings. Nata's signature body and facial treatments employ the "Methode Physiodermie," a Swiss brand of spa care that uses lymphatic drainage techniques and prescriptive, aromatic blends to promote detoxification and improve circulation.
Once, Phnom Popay, or Goat Mountain, was a heartland of Cambodia's ethnic Muslim Cham people, who raised hundreds of the creatures in this secluded spot about 50 kilometers from the capital in Kampong Speu province.
The war changed all that, and by 1970, the area was a Khmer Rouge stronghold and all the Cham had fled or been killed. Today, this again a peaceful spot, a beautiful pagoda stands surrounded by forest at the peak of a hill. Down below a stream runs, making it a favorite picnic spot for Phnom Penh people and locals alike.
Congratulations to Pop Cafe, Green Vespa, Angkor Palm and Funky Munky, the four main winners of our 2006 Bar & Restaurant of the Year competition.
From a field of 60 contestants, and with over 5000 ballots cast, these four businesses were voted the winners by their customers. Congratulations also to the category winners: Pacharan, The shop, Freebird, Equinox, Talkin To A Stranger, Salt Lounge, Viroth's, La Residence d'Angkor, Curry Walla, Linga, Banana Leaf and The Warehouse.