Over 10,000 Police Forces Deployed to Ensure Security and Order during Water Festival

Phnom Penh, November 23, 2023 --

More than 10,000 police forces will be deployed to ensure security and order during the in-coming Water Festival – one of Cambodia’s biggest traditional festivals.

The information was shared by the General Commissariat of National Police, adding that Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun chaired here yesterday a preparatory meeting on security and order issues for the annual festival.

On the occasion, H.E. Neth Savoeun advised the armed forces and relevant authorities to closely work together to ensure security, order and social safety for the people during the Water Festival to be held from Nov. 26 to 28, after being suspended for many years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three-day Water Festival is one of the most joyful festivals in Cambodia. People throughout the country flock to Phnom Penh capital to enjoy the festival’s three main events: boat racing, Loy Pratip (the display of decorative lighted boats), Sampeas Preah Khe (Moon Festival) and Ok Ambok (a type of glutinous rice roasted and crushed with pestle eaten with banana or coconut juice).

This year, 338 boats from across the country have registered for the races while 30 Pratip representing different ministries, institutions and private companies will float along the river in front of the Royal Palace.

Annually, Cambodia organises the Water Festival to mark the end of monsoon season, convey appreciation to nature, especially water, for the productive harvests, and commemorate the country's rich culture and long history.