Two police officers have been punished after threatening patrons with an assault rifle at a Phnom Penh hostess bar early on Saturday morning, according to the authorities.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Post that the two police officers, dressed in civilian clothes, became embroiled in an altercation with several patrons at Daun Penh district’s The Corner nightclub. The owner pleaded for calm while the officers kicked over chairs and began shouting.

The officers briefly left the club before returning with two other officers on a Night Hawk motorcycle and brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle. They then forced the patrons they had been arguing with earlier to kneel and apologise at gunpoint. After a crowd of spectators gathered, the officers fled the scene.

The witness said the officers “were drunk and insulted the women working, the bouncers, and the club owner”.

Daun Penh District Governor Kouck Chamroeun yesterday confirmed the Ministry of Interior was taking administrative action against the two officers but refused to elaborate on what that action entailed.

Chamroeun also dismissed the severity of the situation. “It’s not a big deal, the bar is still running as usual,” he said.

National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith could not be reached for comment.