The government issued a letter to cancel this year's water festival.

Phnom Penh: According to Freshnewsasia, HE, the prime minister of Cambodia signed on a letter to cancel the celebration of this year water festival due to the low level of water and for the fact that Cambodia is facing with drought. The letter of the government issued on 31 October 2015.

The government has advised as below:

1. The celebration of water festival along Tonle Sap in front of Royal Palace which was planned to be held on 24-26 November 2015 was canceled.

2. The celebration of water festival at the province can be done following the preparation of authority in each province.

3. Civil servant and employees still have 3 days day off.

4. All ministries and entities have to pay more attention in dealing with the lack of water for people growing rice and making farms in dry season at provinces.

Thank god the holiday is not canceled.

Shame, though the Siem Reap water festival is wonderful and it appears that may still go ahead.

Water festival cancelled over drought fears

The government has canceled the Water Festival, which was due to be held from November 24 to 26.

The cancellation marks the fourth time in five years the government has pulled the plug on the annual festival, which traditionally draws hundreds of thousands to the capital for its boat races on the Tonle Sap.

Prime Minister HE signed a government directive on Saturday stating that the cancellation is "due to the low level of the river and the drought our Kingdom of Cambodia is facing, which requires us to gather our forces and all possible means to solve the problem of water shortages for rice fields in the dry season."

The directive states that "the preparation for the Water Festival in the provinces can be held normally, following tradition and based on the ability of the organizing authorities."

Despite the cancellation, officials, civil servants and workers will still receive a three day work holiday.

HE ordered authorities in all provinces to be on high alert to prepare water for people.

Last year's Water Festival was the first held after three years of cancellations, following a tragedy on the final day of the 2010 festival in which a stampede on Koh Pich killed over 350 people.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/w ... ught-fears

phuketrichard wrote:low water or threats of Political riots/demonstration
He does not want 1 million dis-satisfied people hanging out on riverside

You've been in Thailand too long Richard, you've become as cynical as the Thai elite. The rivers are incredibly low for this time of year, I was shocked to see just how low when I visited Phnom Penh last weekend. That said if the "culture of dialogue" is really dead who knows what surprises await us in November.

The directive states that "the preparation for the Water Festival in the provinces can be held normally, following tradition and based on the ability of the organizing authorities."

Did I get this right ? Water levels are ok for the festival in the provinces, but not in PP ?

Don't feel as disappointed about missing it now

Let me get this right,,,
Tuesday 24/11/15 Holiday
Wednesday 24/11/15 Holiday.
Thursday 25/11/15 Holiday


Monday 23/11/15, Not a holiday, but no-one will be at work.
Sunday 22/11/15 Normal day off
Saturday 21/11/15 Normal day off.

Friday 26/11/15 Not a holiday, but no-one is going to go back to work for one day before the week-end.
Saturday 27/11/15 Normal day off.
Sunday 28/11/15 Normal day off.