Phnom Penh’s riverside is all prepared for the annual Water Festival from November 14 to 16 this year as the organizing committee of the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals worked with the authorities to decorate and ensure the place was clean, while maintaining security and order. Amid this excitement, boat teams from all over the country were seen practicing for the race that will take place over the next three days.
A boat representative, 60-year-old Neou Bunthoeun from Kampong Chhnang province, said this year’s Water Festival was better than last year because the organizing committee of the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals focused on ensuring a clean environment, and security and order.
Near the boat racetrack, a restroom and stand for health checks were set up. Boat representatives were also seen actively rehearsing for tomorrow’s race. However, Bunthoeun was concerned about the lack of food for the boat racers.
“The food seems enough now, but I am afraid it might not be enough [later]. The accommodation is well-organized because the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals and the provincial level prepared them,” he said.
Bunthoeun is determined to win the boat race this year for the sake of the nation, and appealed to philanthropists to donate money to his team.
Huong Thoeun, a boat committee member from Kandal province, found that this year’s Royal Water Festival organization was orderly. He said this included the arrangement for boat moorings, accommodation, toilets and other needs for boaters to stay more comfortably than previous years.
To prepare for tomorrow’s match, Thoeun imposed a ban on drinking on players and instructed them to get enough rest to conserve their energy to win the competition.
“I would also like to urge wealthy people to support the boats that need help as my boat already has a sponsor,” said Thoeun.
Heng Hon, Deputy Commander of the National Gendarmerie, said his team of 30 people will be on duty, patrolling and monitoring the event to ensure the boatmen’s safety during the race tomorrow, and to rescue any of them if the boat capsized.
Hon observed that the number of participants this year was higher than previous years.
“We are happy [to be here] because we have a duty to ensure safety and order during the Water Festival,” Hon said.
Kang Rany, a resident of Russey Keo district, also opined that this year’s organization was good and orderly, which made the Water Festival more fun, and encouraged more people to visit.
She urged participants to ensure proper waste disposal to maintain Phnom Penh’s beauty.
“I want our people to help keep order and keep the environment clean,” said Rany. “I’m very happy to see the boat race because [it shows] progress in our country and everyone is happy.”
Kuy Sophal, Senior Minister-in-charge of General Affairs at the Ministry of the Royal Palace, declined to comment and referred to the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals.
However, Chhin Kettana, secretary-general of the national committee, said he was busy with festival activities and was not able to answer questions.
Earlier, online media Fresh News, quoting the national committee, said 348 boats had registered to compete this year, with 22,042 rowers. There will also be 36 illuminated lanterns.
The General Commissariat of National Police said over 16,000 joint police personnel will be deployed to maintain security, order and safety.
Speaking at a meeting to outline the Royal Water Festival security plan, National Police Commissioner General Sar Thet confirmed that the strategy has been meticulously prepared in cooperation with local authorities, relevant ministries, and institutions to ensure a smooth and trouble-free celebration.
Sar Thet emphasized the responsibility of the police force, which is tasked with maintaining public safety. He stressed that it is their duty to protect the King, Prime Minister, senior officials, and people coming from across the country. “The police force will make every effort and use all necessary measures to minimize any potential issues,” he stated.
The Ministry of Health has also set up 15 first aid tents with doctors to provide medical service for festival attendees in case of emergencies.
A press release issued by the ministry on November 13 highlighted health protection measures to the public and relevant authorities at every level and their staff.
It will cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of preventive health measures. The public was also urged to practice good hygiene, use clean water and not consume methanol or alcohol. Authorities must try to control the crowd, the ministry said, while warning people about the dangers of drowning and to protect their young children.
The Phnom Penh Administration, in partnership with Mizuda garbage collection company, has deployed 4,000 trash bins at key locations during the festival.
Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Keut Chhe said because preparations were made every year, the team has ample experience to organize the event this year.
“Given the years of experience, we have thoroughly prepared and coordinated with relevant parties, including rescue teams, public speakers to assist with lost children, and provided facilities such as waste bins and restrooms,” he said.
For traffic management, designated zones have been set up in Area A, Area B, and suburban areas. In specific zones, large vehicles are restricted, while some areas allow small vehicles, and certain zones are designated for pedestrians only. The arrangements follow the same measures employed every year.
“We have measures in place to prevent offenses both outside and during the ceremony,” he said. “As reported by some news outlets, we have over 16,000 joint police personnel. Generally, we don’t record many offenses during the festival because our forces are deployed and patrolling is strictly done.”
He said the system in place ensures control of many people in one place. For instance, in the Koh Pich area, local authorities will keep track of the crowd size. If it gets too big, they will temporarily close the entrance and reopen it once the area has enough space for more people to enter.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak did not provide specific details and referred questions to the National Police spokesperson. However, he confirmed that the ministry has issued guidelines to the National Police, instructing them to develop action plans and deploy technical forces to address security concerns and prevent issues promptly, ensuring a smooth Water Festival.
Reporting by: Seoung Nimol, Tang Porgech, Sovann Sreypich and Pou Soreachny
