A fter more than two decades of civil war, an exclusive

club has opened in the capital, catering to those whose interests still run to

gunfire, and whose members roster reads like a "Who's Who".

A brochure

says:"The Cambodian Sport and Entertainment Club has been established with the

aim to provide a place of recreation and relaxation to the most powerful,

influential, prominent and wealthy people."

The club at Lake Paung Peay

is the brainchild of Hong Kong-based German businessman Thomas Bovet and his

Cambodian counterpart Ly Sorsane, and already its roster boosts some big

guns.

Its "patron" is Second Prime Minister HE Samdech Hun Sen, and his

supporting cast of honorary members includes Sar Kheng, interior and national

security minister; Defence Minister Tea Chamrath; Ek Sereywath, Secretary of

State for Defence; and Khieu Kanharith, Secretary of State for

Information.

Included in the club's facilities are a skeet-shooting (clay

pigeon) range, a golf driving range, angling ponds and a tennis court. There are

even hovercraft for members' use.

And to quench a thirst hard-earned on

the pistol range there is a karaoke lounge and bar.

Membership is being

restricted to 200 people, including 65 Cambodians, and comes in three

categories, honorary, VIP and regular; and starts at a cool

$5,000.

Joining requires invitation or introduction by members, and

applications are "thoroughly examined by the board of directors and honorary

membership committee," the brochure states.

 

- Reuters