Leaders nationwide are preparing to host Songkran events to entertain local and international tourists during the forthcoming Khmer New Year.

In Prey Veng, the provincial administration, in collaboration with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), plans to hold the “Songkran Prey Veng 2024” event, a five-day celebration set to take place from April 12-16.

Provincial governor Suon Somalin announced last weekend that the event honours ancient Khmer traditions, symbolising the welcoming of the New Year deity and representing prosperity, fortune and family reunions. 

“This year’s event in Prey Veng will feature concerts, dances, exhibitions of local products and accessories, folk games, lanterns and fireworks. We’ve also arranged entertainment in the Ice Zone for the enjoyment of the people and our national and international guests,” he said.

In Kampong Thom province, the administration is organising a four-day celebration for the New Year, from April 13-16, at Stung Sen Park, as stated by governor Nguon Rattanak. 

“To enhance the event, we have arranged a variety of exhibition booths, concerts and entertainment venues. The Songkran organising committee and officials are preparing to ensure order, beauty, a good environment and sanitation, with special attention to lighting and decorative colored lights for the evenings,” he highlighted.

Rattanak also called on security forces to plan for the protection and maintenance of public order, and to prepare ambulances, fire trucks, patrol forces and relevant authorities to alleviate traffic congestion.

In Kampong Cham, provincial deputy governor Srey Sopheak shared that this year, a three-day celebration would be held at the provincial hall.

“During the event, we always organise enjoyable activities for locals and tourists visiting the province,” he said.

“Relevant leaders are currently meeting to plan ways to enhance the solemnity of the event. Although there’s no joint decision yet on adding new activities compared to last year, we will maintain some of the same events like … folk games and dancing,” he said.

Traditional Khmer New Year celebrations in Phnom Penh in April 2022.Hong Menea

Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has instructed the capital’s 14 districts and 105 communes, along with all state institutions and those in the private sector to display portraits of King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk complemented with decorations of ribbons, colored lights, banners and appropriate slogans.

“All district and commune administrations are strictly forbidden from engaging in any form of gambling and from activities such as throwing water – colored, dirty or otherwise, ballons, powder and charcoal or using any other hard equipment on passersby,” he stated. 

He also prohibited the distribution, import and sale of all types of fireworks and explosives, which he said compromise the security, order and safety of citizens and travellers.

Sreng instructed the health department to prepare a protection plan, which includes a team of medics, medicine, medical equipment and ambulances in resort areas and entertainment venues. 

He said the Phnom Penh municipal police must also devise a strategy to ensure security, social order and traffic safety before, during and after the celebrations at pagodas, entertainment venues and resorts in the capital.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has advised the capital administration to arrange public buses for people travelling to their hometowns during the holiday and to provide pure drinking water for them.

In 2023, the administration prepared 345 passenger buses which provided transportation for around 50,000 people.