More Than 10,000 Security Forces Ready For Cambodia’s Water Festival

PHNOM PENH— Cambodia is ready to deploy more than 10,000 security personnel during the Water Festival, which will be celebrated on Nov. 13, 14 and 15 here, Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Pa Socheatvong said Tuesday.

"Tightening security is our top priority as people in provinces will flock to Phnom Penh to enjoy the festival," he told reporters.

Water Festival is the largest festival in this Southeast Asian nation. Socheatvong said about 2 million Cambodians, particularly those from rural areas, are expected to travel to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, to enjoy the regatta to be held on the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace.

He added that some 256 boats with nearly 20,000 oarsmen from across the kingdom will take part in the race.

The governor said that all cargo trucks, buses, and taxis would be banned from entering the national capital during the three-day water festival.

This year will be the second celebration held in six years, following a tragedy on the final day of the 2010 festival in which 353 people were trampled to death or suffocated in a stampede on a bridge connecting the mainland to the Diamond Island.