Fiery foursome finds conversation too hot

When it comes to boozing it up in Battambang, three can be company and four a violent crowd. Such was the case on Wednesday when a carpenter sat down for a few beers with a farmer and two of his friends. As the beer flowed, so did the inner thoughts of the increasingly drunk men, and an argument between the farmer and one of his friends ensued. The fireworks flared further when the carpenter intervened and punched the farmer, breaking a few teeth. The farmer responded with similar brutality and the pair was sent to court. Nokorwat  

Wayward soldier winds up being two-bit wretch

A soldier who protected the country from terrorism by day proved a terrible thief by night when – despite his knowledge of the intricate workings of the criminal mind – his efforts to steal a motorbike proved inept. Police said a motodop, 29, left his prized possession outside a nightclub in the capital while he waited for clients early Wednesday morning. The soldier, seizing on a chance to fly home, made off with the moto to what he thought was freedom. But the victim rallied his peers, who chased down the soldier, 27, and made a citizen’s arrest. Nokorwat

Quick trigger lands soldier in hot water

Another – you guessed it – soldier who moonlights as a security guard may be forced to give up both his day and night jobs after allegedly shooting at a co-worker during an argument. The 51-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, accused of firing at his colleague, 37, while guarding a block of flats in the capital’s Sen Sok district. Thankfully, his inability to shoot straight saved his victim, who ran for his life to police. The wayward shooter was arrested. Nokorwat

Patient traffickers paid  visit by impatient cops

Two drug mules were more like sitting ducks when they were arrested in Kampong Cham with 15 packages of yama on Tuesday. Police said a tip-off led them to the woman, 51, and the man, 22, who were waiting for other dealers in their network to pick up the goods for delivery. The pair confessed their wrongdoing, but refused to reveal from whom they bought the drugs. Police sent them to court. Nokorwat

Smacked-out son rages against machine, mom

Drug addiction is believed to be behind a 23-year-old’s attack on his mother in Kampot town. The son was sent to court on Wednesday for injuring his mother, 50, after she refused to give him money for drugs. In a fit of rage, he pushed her to the ground and then went after her motorbike – with an axe. Mom reported her son to police, who promptly arrested him. Kampuchea Thmey

Translated by Phak Seangly