Gun Revelry Banned During Mourning

The Cambodian government has issued a directive banning the playing of loud music, parties or concert during the week long mourning for Father-King Norodom Sihanouk.

Like much about Cambodia the directive is confusing. One restaurant when seeking advice from the local constabulary, was told that they "couldn't sell food but they could sell a little bit" and that they "couldn't sell alcohol but they could sell a little bit." Just how much is a 'little bit' remains unclear- and an Australian's idea of a' little bit' of alcohol is likely to be wildly different from that of a Korean's, for example, isn't it?

What is clear though is the advice given to the owners of the notorious Phnom Penh beer garden Ponleu Themei by local authorities: Getting drunk and firing handguns was not appropriate during the mourning period staff and management were told.