By Reuters, 12/26/01

PHNOM PENH -- Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has launched a stern crackdown on Cambodia's night life, unveiled a new punishment Wednesday for rogue karaoke bars -- destruction by tanks.

"If we know of any karaoke parlor still open, go to close it immediately and take tanks to knock it down," Hun Sen told a military commander during a speech broadcast on state radio.

Last month Hun Sen ordered thousands of nightclubs, discos and karaoke parlors to close in a nationwide crackdown on vice.

The move sparked protests from thousands of people who said their livelihoods had been destroyed.