Cambodia: Phnom Penh Water Festival November 2-4

Event

Phnom Penh will host the annual Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) from Thursday, November 2, until Saturday, November 4. The festival will include traditional boat races, illuminated boats, and a large selection of local foods and activities. At least 270 boats will take part in the race, with an estimated crowd of 2 million people over three days.

Officials will close some roads in the area to facilitate pedestrian traffic, including streets 130, 5, 154, 224, 214, 51, 294, and some sections of Norodom and Sothearos boulevards for the duration of the festival. In addition, the Phnom Penh Governor ordered truck drivers to refrain from driving in the capital from Wednesday, November 1, to Sunday, November 5, between the hours of 10:00 (local time) and 22:00 in a bid to reduce congestion.

An increased security presence is to be anticipated in the area as well as widespread transportation disruptions due to road closures and extreme traffic congestion. Officials have reportedly mobilized 300 intervention forces as well as dozens of security vehicles to maintain order throughout the festival in addition to the 2000 security and health personnel already present. In addition, authorities have banned the use of compressed gases for cooking as a safety precaution. Furthermore, drone cameras have been prohibited in the area of the festival.

Context

The annual water festival was canceled for several years after a stampede resulted in the deaths of 347 people and injured 755 more in 2010. The event was restored in 2014, was temporarily suspended once more in 2015, and again resumed in 2016. This year's event is expected to be the largest turnout since the 2010 tragedy, with water levels forecast to be particularly good for boat racing.

Advice

Individuals present in Phnom Penh should remain alert, follow all instructions issued by authorities, and avoid particularly crowded areas, due in part to the risk of stampede associated with extremely crowded conditions. Remain on guard against petty crime, which typically rises in large crowds. In addition, individuals should anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of the festival and plan ahead for severe congestion and delays. Stay hydrated and avoid consuming undercooked foods or anything prepared in unsanitary conditions.