Cambodia Security Forces Ready For Water Festival Next Week

Phnom Penh (Antara Bali) - Cambodian security forces are ready to beef up security and safety during the kingdom's largest Water Festival from Nov. 5 to 7, a National Police spokesman said Sunday.

More than 10,000 security personnel, including police, military police, bodyguards, explosive disposal experts, and health staff, will be deployed during the festival," National Police spokesman Lt. Gen. Kirt Chantharith said in a press conference.

Water Festival, which marks the Tonle Sap River's annual change of direction, is the largest festival in this Southeast Asian nation. Approximately 3 million Cambodians, especially those from rural areas, are expected to flock to Phnom Penh to enjoy a regatta to be held on the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace.

About 250 racing boats from across the country will take part in the race.

This year marks the first time Cambodia renews the festival after it was canceled for three years since 353 people were trampled to death or suffocated in a stampede on a bridge during the 2010 celebrations.

Gen. Kirt Chantharith said the authorities would do all their best to avoid such tragic incident in the upcoming event.

We will use all means and strategies to manage or facilitate the flows of revelers," he said.

Meanwhile, Phnom Penh Municipality has issued a directive to ban all cargo trucks, buses, mini-buses and taxis from entering the national capital from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the three-day water festival.(MFD)