Prime Minister Hun Manet has shared that he expects more than 300 boats to compete in this year’s Water Festival in Phnom Penh, the first to be scheduled in the capital since 2019.

Addressing nearly 20,000 factory workers from Phnom Penh’s Meanchey and Por Senchey districts on October 28, he confirmed that the event will be celebrated from November 26 to 28.

“Soon, we will celebrate the Water Festival together, with the participation of 300 boats and their crews. Some of the vessels that will be entered for this year’s spectacular races will be personally sponsored by me, as well as Cambodian People’s Party [CPP] president Hun Sen and several other leaders,” he said.

He called on the assembled factory workers – and all other members of the public – to enjoy the coming event, reminding them of the importance of celebrating the traditional festival, when so many Cambodians were unable to do so during the civil war of the 1970s and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are going to celebrate our national festival. We were trapped in wars for many years, faced with the [Khmer Rouge] genocidal regime, and then Covid-19 pandemic ... but now, we are relieved of those challenges. We are able to work, and we enjoy peace and stability,” he said.

“Please enjoy the occasion this year! Sometimes people find new partners during the water festival, and who knows, we may all receive many wedding invitations following this year’s event,” he joked.

Chhin Ketna, secretary-general of the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals, could not be reached for comment on October 29.

Bou Chumserey, an undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and chairman of the boat racing committee, said on October 29 that the registration of entrants has not yet been completed. He expects to receive many more applicants.

“This year, we may see more boats than in previous events. I believe the standard of racing will be very high,” he said.