Ping,

the pangolin and star at the Kulen Conservatory north of Siem Reap, which the Post

wrote about on May 5, was stolen from its enclosure on June 13. The two German managers

were not at home but were planning to use Ping to help start a new breeding program

for the rare species.

** Margot Grant's best-selling book describing her years on the Thai border working

in refugee camps during the 1980s has been pirated and knock-off copies are on sale

in Phnom Penh for $2.50 a pop.

Initially miffed at the news, Margot, when told she had joined the list of other

famous authors whose works had been ripped off such as David Chandler and Milton

Osborne, decided it wasn't too bad to be in such august company.

** The Post has learned of the existence of a top secret organization composed of

middle-aged, white males that meets regularly in Phnom Penh.

Called the "TTS", (which sources say stands for "the Tin Table Society"),

rumors abound that TTS is either a chapter of the Opus Dei organization or an offshoot

of an ancient guild in the Holy Land that initially produced armor for the Knights

Templar but after the collapse of the Third Crusade decided to branch off into more

lucrative and sustainable development work.

According to one member who would only describe himself by his secret code name "Lee

Forsythe", TTS members use codeword greetings to identify themselves.

One in particular has been identified as "Do you remember Tou Samith from Rytthysen

camp?"

When the proper secret response - "Sure. That old rascal, what's he up to these

days?" - is given, then the two members can engage in an ancient secret ritual

that involves commandeering tin cans of Beer Lao that are consumed with chuckles

and snorts, along with discussion around issues relating to Christian not-burned-at-the-Stake-holder

concepts, cryptic Latin religious chants called per diems and TORs on recent RFPs.

US Embassy sources say the group is NOT on the Global War on Terror Watch List.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

** Fans of American Major League Baseball who enjoy games on ESPN but think there

is more to MLB than watching the friggin' Yankees can send in their complaints to:

[email protected]

** Congratulations to Tara Gutman and Justin Whyatt whose son Maxim Raksmei Gutman

was born on April 17 in Canberra, Australia.