In Phnom Penh you can buy military-style clothing in the markets; you can shoot machine

guns at the army firing range; you can buy an authentic police ID badge in the street

for $10; at Siem Reap a policeman may even offer to sell you his whole uniform for

$100.

But according to a visitor named Robert from Newcastle, civilians can be fined for

wearing camouflage trousers in the street.

He was walking near the train station wearing the said trousers when he was stopped

by a cop and told he was dressed inappropriately, that only military personnel could

wear them.

"At first, I said this was ridiculous, or words to that affect, and kept walking.

He said 'Don't you walk away from me.' Then I asked whether there was a law against

it and could not get a straight answer. I offered to go home and change immediately.

But he wanted to fine me $10, or he'd take me to the police station and have me arrested.

Eventually I gave in and he accepted $5," Robert said.