AKP Phnom Penh, September 03, 2025 --  

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has decided to postpone the celebration of the annual Water Festival, originally scheduled for Nov. 4–6, 2025, along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

According to a directive issued this morning, the decision reflects the Government’s priority in addressing the situation along the Cambodian-Thai border, particularly the welfare of displaced civilians and Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand.

However, the directive emphasised that provincial authorities may still organise Water Festival celebrations in accordance with local traditions, customs, and practical capacity. Civil servants, employees, and workers will continue to enjoy the three-day public holiday as usual.

The directive further instructed provincial and municipal working groups and authorities to continue providing assistance to displaced civilians in their respective areas, while the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training was tasked to continue coordinating and facilitating job opportunities for Cambodian workers returning from Thailand.

Relevant ministries, institutions, and local authorities were also urged to maintain security, public order, and social safety, with strict implementation of the Village-Commune-Sangkat Safety Policy. They were advised to be prepared for possible natural disasters, particularly flash floods.

Additionally, all stakeholders were called on to focus on strengthening and promoting the local economy, stabilising prices, maintaining production and supply chains, supporting local production, ensuring competitiveness, and addressing chronic structural challenges that hinder production, business, and investment activities.

Water Festival 2024

By L Vy