(Phnom Penh): Cambodia cancelled this year's Water Festival celebrations in Phnom Penh, scheduled for 23–25 November, marking the second consecutive year the capital's annual event has been called off.

The decision was made in light of shifting national priorities, including border issues, public needs, and assistance for displaced communities, according to a circular signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet and issued on Wednesday (Jul. 1).

While the main celebrations in Phnom Penh have been cancelled, provincial authorities may still organise Water Festival events in line with local traditions, the circular said.

The government also confirmed that the three-day public holiday for civil servants and private-sector employees will remain unchanged.

The Water Festival is one of Cambodia's largest annual celebrations, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to Phnom Penh each year for traditional boat races on the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace.
=FRESH NEWS