...so why not in Cambodia?

There has been some press in one of the local English language newspapers this week about two rather disturbing websites. It seems as though a foreigner has begun offering his services to help other expats who want to kill themselves do so in Cambodia.

One of the websites (www.euthanasiaincambodia.com) starts off with this promise:

Euthanasia, defined as a Peaceful and Painless Death, is not Illegal in Cambodia.

It continues:
If You are Considering Taking Control of Your Life by Choosing the Time, Place, and Manner of Your Death Then I Would Like to Recommend that You Visit Cambodia.

Then comes the first mention of what becomes a constant refrain:
You are going to die anyway, so why not in Cambodia?

In case there is room for confusion, the site continues:
Let me make myself clear. I am not advocating for your death...I believe it is your life and that you are responsible for it. If all you want to do is kill yourself, do it at home. I am offering you an alternative end-of-life experience... I will help you to visit local Buddhist monasteries and pagodas. I will help you to find the right place for you to be cremated and I will see to the dispersal of your ashes. I will contact the police and they will contact the embassy. I will do this at your instruction which you will make in writing. I will do whatever it is that is necessary, within the law and my own comfort level, for you to have a satisfying end-of-life experience. I am a guide on the way to death.

Another random line highlighted on the site reads:
Wouldn't you rather die in the arms of 26 Vestal Virgins? I would!

Sadly, the law in Cambodia does seem to be vague on whether Euthanasia is legal or not. However, I'd agree with the US Embassy spokesperson who is reported to have said, "We think there has been too much death and destruction in Cambodia already..."