I used to read the Bayon Pearnik (BP) magazine as a last resort, usually waiting for a meal at a PP restaurant. Used to be I would read ancient copies of the Cambodia Daily, then whatever free tourist map/guidebooks were laying around, then the ketchup bottle ingredients and only then the BP. It was that bad. Painful to read at times. Often embarrassingly unreadable.

That was years ago. I rarely remember it exists now. But I did download the online version today. I have to say it is a much improved reading experience. Can't tell if it's under different management or if they have a whole new batch of contributors or what.

This month's issue talks about the much-discussed Cambodia visa/work permit conundrum (they can't figure it out either), the crude oil glut, the demise of great ancient cities (including the Angkor complex) along with the usual bar report and food reviews. The SHV beach report section warily anticipates the impending KaZantip festival. A new feature (to me) is what seems to be a regular report from a barang prisoner banged up in a local prison. How long has that item been a regular? Thar article title states a number 10, so perhaps 10 months so far. Not a perspective you get to read often.

It's not a bad product anymore. Seems they've righted the ship.

The series of articles about life in jail is really great. Could be a good book eventually.
Message to the guy in jail - hang in there - and keep writing !

As for BP, I agree it's much improved. More copies available on St 172 than Riverside these days.

I've always liked the Pearnik, even at its low points. There's always something interesting and raw there to read...the cockroach and bits from the beach if nothing else. And yes, the jailed guy series has been fascinating. Maybe it's just 'cause I'm old, but I will read the Pearnik before Asia Life anyday. In fact, I never read Asia Life.

i havent seen a copy for a while. i dont think they distribute it down here in sinville.

does it still have that bit where the guy writes 2 or 3 entire pages about how bad America is in every single issue ??

agreed, last issue was interesting.
some good historical stuff now.

clippy wrote:does it still have that bit where the guy writes 2 or 3 entire pages about how bad America is in every single issue ??

No, but thankfully we have several CEO posters that fill that void...again and again and again......

I haven't looked at other recent issues. I wonder if they bagged ol' Stan Kahn...the geriatric and forlorn skirt chaser and disco patron. Lots of his stuff was cringe-worthy.

EDIT: perhaps they do still have an America-hater on staff. The last page of the BP is World News and throws around the tired and lame Obama bashing stuff.

Bash America and the present government? When your such a big target, have such a corrupt government, screw up so much, stick your nose in other peoples business and are run by a private club (Bar Associations), just too easy. This mag needs a nighttime guy like Trink from the old Bangkok Post (I don't give a hoot.) I like reading it (as its free) but have a hard time finding copies here in Snookyville.

stan can write, but the long winded editorials were too much.

his adventure narrative is somewhat lacking in taste.

mr walker.