Cambodia Cancels Water Festival in Capital to Focus on Economy and Border Issues

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the cancellation of the traditional Water Festival (Bon Om Touk), including the boat races and moon-worshipping ceremony (Sompeah Preah Khae Ak Ambok), in the capital city of Phnom Penh for 2026. The directive, issued on July 1, 2026, aims to redirect governmental focus towards pressing national issues, particularly the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and the welfare of displaced citizens. The official announcement specifies that the grand festivities typically held along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, which were slated for November 23, 24, and 25, 2026, will be suspended. However, provincial authorities are permitted to organize their own Water Festival celebrations in accordance with local traditions and capabilities. Despite the cancellation of the capital's main events, the three-day public holiday for civil servants, employees, and workers will be maintained as per the 2026 holiday calendar established by Sub-decree No. 167 ANK.BK dated September 5, 2025. Key directives issued to various government bodies include: * Regional Government Taskforces and Administrations: To continue prioritizing the well-being of displaced persons, wounded soldiers and their families, fallen soldiers, and veterans, and to actively resolve their issues. * Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training: To facilitate job placement for Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand and to coordinate with regional authorities in disseminating employment opportunities. * Relevant Ministries, Institutions, and Sub-national Administrations: To focus on improving citizens' daily lives, strengthening local economies, ensuring price stability, maintaining production and supply chains, supporting domestic production, enhancing competitiveness, and addressing structural impediments to business and investment. * Disaster Preparedness: To heighten efforts in preventing and preparing for natural disasters, especially floods and droughts, and to conserve water resources for the dry season. This measure is partly in response to the anticipated prolonged dry season in 2027 due to the El Niño phenomenon. * Security and Order: To uphold public security, order, and safety through the rigorous implementation of the "Safe Village-Commune-District" policy. The government's decision reflects a strategic shift towards addressing immediate socio-economic and security challenges. While the cancellation is linked to border concerns and domestic economic priorities, it also implies a need to manage national resources effectively. The emphasis on economic development and stability could be seen as a move to further attract foreign investment, including from China, which has been a major partner in Cambodia's infrastructure and economic projects. The government's commitment to resolving structural issues in the economy suggests an effort to create a more robust and resilient business environment.