Cambodia tightens security for Water Festival

Boats battle it out during the 2010 Water Festival in Phnom Penh. (Photo: www.phnompenhpost.com)

Hanoi (VNA) - Cambodia is ready to deploy more than 10,000 security personnel in the capital during the Water Festival, which will take place on November 13-15, said the Municipal Governor of Phnom Penh, Pa Socheatvong. 

Pa Socheatvong told reporters on November 8 that tightening security is the top priority as about two million of people from other provinces will flock to Phnom Penh to take part in the festival’s activities, especially the regatta held on the Tonle Sap. 

As many as 256 boats with nearly 20,000 rowers from across the kingdom will participate in this year’s race, he said.

All cargo trucks, buses, and taxis will be banned from entering the capital during the three-day festival, he added. 

Water Festival is the largest festival in this Southeast Asian nation. This is the second time Cambodia has organised the event in six recent years, after a tragedy of the 2010 festival in which 353 people were trampled to death in a stampede on a bridge to the Diamond Island.-VNA